Title: When the Unthinkable Happens: What Would Jesus Do?
Text: Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
I. When the Unthinkable Happens: What Would Jesus Do?
Life is unpredictable, and moments of crisis can strike without warning. These unthinkable events can range from personal tragedies, such as the loss of a loved one, to global catastrophes, like natural disasters or pandemics.
We have various attitudes about recent events at North Bay.
In these times of overwhelming uncertainty and fear, Christians often ask, "What would Jesus do?" By examining the Bible, we can gain insights into how Jesus responded to crises and how we can emulate His actions and attitudes.
II. Here are Five things a Church Should or Should Not Do When Faced With a Crises:
A. Do Not Succumb to Fear: One of the greatest dangers in any crisis is the temptation to succumb to fear. Fear can paralyze a church, leading to inaction or poor decision-making.
Swindoll says: Fear. Ever met this beast? Sure you have. It creeps into your life by a dozen different doors. Fear of failure. Fear of heights. Fear of crowds. Fear of disease. Fear of rejection. Fear of unemployment. Fear of what others are saying about you. Fear of moving away. Fear of height or depth or distance or death. Fear of being yourself. Fear of buying. Fear of selling. Fear of financial reversal. Fear of war. Fear of the dark. Fear of being alone.
Lurking in the shadows around every imaginable corner, it threatens to poison your inner peace and outward poise. Bully that it is, the creature relies on scare tactics and surprise attacks. It watches for your vulnerable moment, then picks the lock that safeguards your security. Once inside, it strikes quickly to transform spiritual muscle into mental mush. The prognosis for recovery is neither bright nor cheery.
David's twenty-seventh psalm, however, is known to contain an unusually effective antitoxin. With broad, bold strokes, the monarch of Israel pens a prescription guaranteed to infuse iron into our bones. He meets Fear face-to-face at the door of his dwelling with two questions:
Whom shall I dread? Whom shall I fear?
He slams the door in Fear's face with the declaration: My heart will not fear . . . In spite of this I shall be confident. (Psalm 27:3)
B. Do Not Turn ON Each Other, Turn TO Each Other- Crisis situations can create stress and tension, which, if not managed properly, can lead to conflict within the church. It is easy for members to start blaming each other, questioning leadership, or engaging in gossip and division. The Bible warns against such behavior, urging believers to maintain unity and love, even in difficult times. In Galatians 5:15, Paul cautions: "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."
During a crisis, the church should be especially vigilant in maintaining unity. This means avoiding the blame game, refraining from divisive speech, and instead seeking to support one another with love and grace. Ephesians 4:3 encourages the church to: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Maintain Unity and Support One Another-A crisis can create stress and tension, which may lead to discord within the church if not managed properly. Therefore, it is crucial for the church to maintain unity and support one another during such times. The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, especially during difficult times. In addition to unity, mutual support is essential. The church is called to bear one another’s burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
C. Do Not Lose Sight of the Mission: A crisis can easily cause a church to become inward-focused, concerned primarily with its own survival or immediate needs. While it is important to address internal challenges, the church must not lose sight of its broader mission: to make disciples, to serve others, and to be a light in the world. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 remains the church's mandate, regardless of circumstances: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
In the face of a crisis, the church should resist the temptation to become insular or self-centered. Instead, it should continue to engage with the world, showing compassion, offering hope, and sharing the gospel. The church in Acts faced numerous crises, yet it continued to grow and spread the message of Christ, even under persecution.
Acts 8:4 recounts: "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
*. The early church provides a powerful example of staying mission-focused during crises. Despite facing persecution, the early believers continued to spread the gospel, even when scattered (Acts 8:4). This commitment to their mission, even in the face of adversity, resulted in the growth of the church and the spread of the gospel.
* Staying mission-focused also means continuing to serve those in need, both within the church and in the broader community. A crisis often presents opportunities for the church to be a light in the darkness, showing Christ’s love through acts of service and compassion. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
D. Trust in God’s Plan- In the midst of a crisis, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, the Bible calls believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is in control, that He has a purpose, and that He can bring good out of even the most challenging situations.
Romans 8:28 offers reassurance of God’s sovereignty in all things: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
When a church faces a crisis, it should remind itself of God’s faithfulness and His ability to work through the situation for His glory and the good of His people. Trusting in God’s sovereignty brings peace and hope, allowing the church to face the crisis with confidence and resilience.
E. Do Not Abandon Prayer- In times of crisis, the church’s first response should be to turn to God in prayer. However, the pressures and distractions of a crisis can sometimes cause prayer to be neglected. The Bible consistently models the importance of prayer, especially in challenging times.
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
When a church faces a crisis, abandoning prayer is one of the most detrimental things it can do. Without prayer, the church loses its connection to divine guidance, comfort, and strength. Instead, the church should come together in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and peace to navigate the crisis.
James 5:16 emphasizes the power of communal prayer: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Here’s why prayer is vital in such circumstances:
* Seeking God’s Guidance and Wisdom- In times of turmoil, the path forward can often seem unclear. Through prayer, a church can seek divine wisdom, asking God to guide its leaders and members in making decisions that align with His will.
* Cultivating Peace and Unity- Turmoil often leads to division and strife within a church. Prayer helps to cultivate a spirit of unity, as it draws the congregation together, reminding them of their shared faith and purpose in Christ. It is a way for the church to collectively lay down their grievances and seek reconciliation and peace.
* Finding Strength and Comfort- Prayer provides a direct connection to God’s strength and comfort. When a church prays, especially in difficult times, they open themselves to the peace that only God can provide—a peace that transcends the immediate turmoil and brings comfort to those in distress.
* Demonstrating Dependence on God- A church in turmoil can easily fall into the trap of relying on human wisdom, strategies, or efforts to solve problems. However, prayer is a declaration of dependence on God, acknowledging that without Him, all efforts are in vain. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." By praying, the church affirms that God is in control and that His power is sufficient to bring resolution and healing.
* Spiritual Warfare and Protection- The Bible teaches that turmoil within the church can sometimes have spiritual roots. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Prayer is a crucial weapon in spiritual warfare, asking God for protection, discernment, and deliverance from any spiritual forces that may be at work.
Conclusion: "When the unthinkable happens, Jesus would respond with unwavering faith, compassion, and trust in God's plan, turning to prayer, extending grace, and embodying hope, even in the darkest of circumstances."
"WWJD—What Would Jesus Do?—reminds us to pause and reflect, choosing love, humility, and righteousness in every situation, as He would, guided by His example and grounded in His teachings."
Prayer: Heavenly Father,
We come before You with heavy hearts, reeling from the unthinkable that has shaken our church. In this time of pain and confusion, we turn to You as our refuge and strength. Lord, wrap us in Your comforting presence and grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding. Give us the courage to trust in Your unfailing love, even when we cannot comprehend what has happened.
Help us to lean on one another and to extend grace and compassion as we walk through this valley together. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and remind us that You are with us, even in the darkest moments. May we find hope in Your promises, and may Your light guide us forward, bringing healing, unity, and restoration to our church family.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
