Austin Bible Church
God’s plan for the believer includes a number of situations that we might call “crises.” These are tests provided to see whether we will use God's grace resources or try to handle it all from our own human abilities. This principle is illustrated by Moses in Exodus 4 with the crisis of the bulrushes, the big decision, the murder, the burning bush, the family dispute, the dialogue with Pharaoh, and the 40 years in the wilderness.
God allows crises for the purpose of controlled testing. 1 Cor. 10:1-3.
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food;” (1 Corinthians 10:1-3, NASB)
God permits crises in the unbeliever for the purpose of evangelism. Acts 16:30-31.
“and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."” (Acts 16:30-31, NASB)
God permits crises in the believer’s life for the purpose of stability, growth, and development of the edification complex. 1 Peter 1:7.
“so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (1 Peter 1:7, NASB)
A crisis may last days, weeks or even years. A crisis may develop quickly and end quickly. A crisis may be any one of a large number of categories. A crisis may include physical affliction and hostility. 2 Cor. 12; book of Job; 2 Cor. 11:24-25.
“Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25, NASB)
A crisis may include affliction from the elements, robbery, city perils, traitors or “false brethren,” being chronically tired, pain, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, or lack of shelter. 2 Cor. 11:26-27.
“I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” (2 Corinthians 11:26-27, NASB)