“ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast - Peter 5:10

Crises are those challenges we encounter in life which if not controlled, are capable of bringing us to a state of psychological and emotional trauma. It is quite scaring to realize that no matter how careful we are, challenges and problems are bound to erupt someday. But the good news is that Jesus confirms to us that with Him, we can overcome all things (Jn. 16:33). Challenges of life manifest in different forms and phases; sometimes, crises may manifest as regular losses of income or opportunities, loss of a dear one – possibly, the bread winner, impaired health and general disappointment. Two things are often responsible for this trend; either we have failed to pay attention to the vital issues of life or for some divine reasons, we are made to go through the downwards trend, and the scriptures teaches that such experiences are good for us, as they enable us to develop patience and endurance. Paul demonstrated endurance and patience by acknowledging the Grace of God in his periods of weaknesses.

When you are going through the downwards trend, endeavor to practice the following: 1. Look unto Jesus: He is the Author and the Finisher of your faith. He overcame His trial, and therefore capable of leading you out of your problems. When you focus your attention on Jesus, he gives you grace to carry on in moments of affliction. 2. Focus on your Goal: Joseph had many challenges on his way to greatness, but through the help of God and by focusing on his goal, he overcame. 3. Seek for Help: Like David, seek the help of God through regular prayers with psalms. Also, seek for the help of others and endeavor to take good counsel. 4. Endure the Pain: The scriptures say in Psalm. 30: 5, “weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning”. Jesus endured the pain of the Cross, Joseph, Paul and Silas endured the pain of imprisonment. We are also called to endure the pain that comes with trial because when we do that, we will overcome. 5. Make your offerings - Make a sacrifice to God; either in kind or in cash, serve the needs of others, give alms and support to the weak.