Have you felt like you were experiencing a life crisis? One of those times when you feel uncertain what to do next, when it doesn’t look like there are any good options. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, lost, or possibly even panicked.

I think we’ve all be there at some time or another, it’s a part of life.

I remember talking about this very subject during coffee (Diet Coke for me) with a longtime friend, Don. He told me the Greek root of the word “crisis” means to “choose or decide”.

Which means that a crisis is a decision point.

Maybe not you, but I know there are many like myself who when experiencing a crisis, will immediately jump into our problem-solving mode, assuming we can fix everything. The problem with thinking it’s up to us, is that when we don’t see a good option, or a quick solution, we end up frustrated.

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. Most people credit Sir Winston Churchill as the first person to use it when he said it near the end of World War II. The meaning behind it is a reminder there are always opportunities and we need to seek them out. Don’t get stuck believing there are no good choices.

And remember never to face a crisis alone. You need help when you are in crisis, a community to surround you, others who will share the burden and help you think through options. Chances are good that others will see things you don’t, because you are too close to the problem.

In the process, here are some of the choices you’ll face:

• Will you allow this to define you, or will re-define you?
• If there was someone you believe caused your current situation, will you be consumed with anger toward them or will you forgive them?
• Will you allow yourself to be distracted by fear, worry and anxiety?
• Will you be willing to consider options that are outside your comfort zone?
• The most important decision you have is, who will you trust?

I believe one of the best examples of how to handle a crisis is told in 2 Chronicles: 20. The King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, faced a combined army of their enemies. He had much to be afraid of with a multitude of soldiers coming toward him. Instead of launching into battle readiness mode (AKA problem solving mode), his first step was to seek God’s wisdom. But he didn’t do it alone, he also engaged those he ruled over in the process by proclaiming a fast. It wasn’t just him praying, it was the whole community of Judah praying. When he gave over the crisis to God, good things happened and the crisis was solved. God took it on for them and he does the same for us if we’ll let him.

In one of my favorite scriptures, the Lord spoke to the king and all his people through Jahaziel, saying:

Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20: 15.

If you’re in crisis, gather your community and all of you should seek God’s wisdom and he will help you sort out what to do.