The Blessing of Crisis
Johannes emphasizes that crises are an integral part of God's plan to mature and complete His church. He recounts recent events, including political tensions and threats against Israel, urging believers to pray and stand in solidarity, especially through silent demonstrations. Johannes highlights that crises often appear negative from a human perspective, like young birds being pushed from the nest, but from God's viewpoint, they are opportunities for growth, learning independence, and spiritual development. He illustrates this with biblical examples such as Jacob worshipping at the end of his life, despite his hardships, and the early church experiencing persecution that led to increased evangelism and prayer. Johannes stresses that crises serve to deepen prayer, unify believers, and propel the church forward, often resulting in spiritual multiplication. He points out that even suffering and martyrdom, like Bishop Polycarp’s death, can lead to church growth. Johannes underscores that the cross and Jesus’ crucifixion are the ultimate crises that brought salvation and victory, encouraging believers to see their own hardships as part of God's divine wisdom. Ultimately, he calls Christians to embrace crises as opportunities for spiritual awakening, growth, and the fulfillment of God's purpose, trusting that He works all things for good for those who love Him.
Main Points Outline
Crises are part of God's plan for spiritual growth and church maturity.
Examples from history and Scripture show crises lead to prayer, unity, and evangelism.
Persecution and suffering can result in church expansion and deeper faith.
The cross of Christ is the greatest crisis turned into the greatest victory.
Believers should view crises as opportunities to worship, learn, and grow in faith.
God uses crises to purify and prepare His people for future challenges.
Embrace difficulties with a spiritual perspective, trusting God's divine purpose.
11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
