Living in Christ, Not Crisis

Abstract

This message addresses the various types of economic and spiritual crises individuals may face, such as job loss, financial burdens, loss of faith, and emotional turmoil. It emphasizes the foundational Christian belief that believers are not defined by these crises but by their position in Christ. Drawing from scriptural references, the teaching explains that Christ provides grace, salvation, and victory over life’s challenges, allowing believers to remain anchored in faith and peace. The core of the message centers on five actionable steps to help believers navigate crises: standing firm in Christ, leaning on God’s promises, replacing fear with faith, offering praise in difficult times, and exercising spiritual authority. By adopting these principles, believers are reminded that they are more than conquerors and can confidently declare that they are not in crisis—they are in Christ.

Introduction: Types of Economic and Spiritual Crises

Crises can arise from various circumstances, both economic and spiritual. These crises challenge our faith, but believers are reminded that they are not defined by the crisis—they are defined by their position in Christ. Below are common types of crises:

Economic Crises

1. Job Loss or Unemployment: Sudden job loss can cause financial instability, loss of income, and uncertainty about the future.
2. Financial Emergency: Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, home repairs, or car breakdowns, that strain resources and create stress.
3. Debt and Financial Burdens: Accumulation of debt that feels overwhelming, leading to anxiety and a sense of entrapment.
4. Economic Recession: A downturn in the economy resulting in reduced opportunities, loss of savings, and widespread financial hardship.

Spiritual Crises

1. Loss of Faith: A period when one questions or struggles with their belief in God, often caused by personal loss or suffering.
2. Temptation and Sin: Moments when one feels overwhelmed by temptation, leading to guilt and distance from God.
3. Emotional or Mental Breakdown: Feeling spiritually drained or overwhelmed, leading to depression or anxiety and a sense of isolation from God.
4. Doubt in God’s Purpose: Times when life’s challenges cause believers to doubt God’s plan, leading to a spiritual disconnect.

These crises—whether financial or spiritual—can make people feel as though their world is falling apart. However, for those in Christ, there is hope and assurance that they are not in crisis; they are in Christ. Through Christ, believers have the strength and authority to rise above any situation, knowing that God is in control and His promises stand firm.

Christ as the Source of Hope

Christ brings a message of hope. When Christ is mentioned, it refers to the Anointed One and His empowering anointing. Christ gives grace (John 1:16) and provides salvation (Ephesians 2:8). The assurance of salvation holds, binds, and preserves believers, offering security amid life’s challenges. However, it is the anointing that destroys the yoke of sin (Isaiah 10:27), freeing believers from iniquity, shame, temptation, trials, and tribulations.

Living in Christ, Not Crisis

Those who are in Christ possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), adopting His proactive approach to life’s challenges and understanding how to handle both controllable and uncontrollable situations. Believers are marked, anointed, and set apart, enabling them to sit confidently at the table of the Lord, even in the presence of their enemies, as Psalm 23:5 declares. Whether they face surgery or hardship, they enter, remain, and emerge victorious, for they are more than conquerors through Christ who loves them (Romans 8:37).

Responding to Crises with Faith

Crises are sudden, unexpected changes that can make life seem overwhelming. Whether it’s a health scare, job loss, or financial emergency, these moments test faith. But believers are reminded that they are not in crisis; they are in Christ. Instead of reacting in fear, they lean on the promises of God: By His stripes, they are healed (Isaiah 53:5); God will supply all their needs (Philippians 4:19); and all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). When life seems out of control, the peace of Christ guards their hearts and minds (John 14:27), and believers are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Transformed in Christ

While many without Jesus find themselves in crisis, those in Christ are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” God turns rejection into redirection, lifting His people higher. When hearts are overwhelmed, believers trust in Christ, the rock that is higher (Psalm 61:2).

Trusting in God’s Promises

In moments of instability, believers trust in Jesus’ name (Proverbs 3:5-6). Their hope is built on Christ, the solid rock, and they stand firm, trusting God’s promises, for all of God’s promises in Christ are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Standing Firm in Christ’s Authority

Believers remain in Christ by departing from iniquity and standing in spiritual authority. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but God has already put Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20). “Satan, the Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9) is the declaration of believers who walk confidently in Christ’s power.

Five Action Steps for Dealing with Crisis

1. Acknowledge the Crisis but Stand Firm in Christ:
   Recognize the situation, but declare with faith, “I am not in crisis; I am in Christ!”
   (2 Corinthians 5:7)
2. Lean on God’s Promises:
   Meditate on and proclaim the promises of God, knowing His Word stands firm in all situations.
   (2 Corinthians 1:20)
3. Replace Fear with Faith:
   Shift from hoping things will improve to believing, through faith, that the victory is already yours.
   (Hebrews 11:1)
4. Praise God in the Midst of Crisis:
   Offer praise and thanksgiving even in difficult times, shifting focus from the crisis to God’s faithfulness.
   (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
5. Speak with Spiritual Authority:
   Take authority in Christ to rebuke the enemy, declaring, “Satan, the Lord rebuke you in the name of Jesus!”
   (Jude 1:9)

Conclusion: Victory in Christ

Believers are reminded that they are not in crisis; they are in Christ. Victory is theirs through His promises and power, enabling them to rise above every crisis and stand firm in faith.

Further Reading Suggestions

For those who want to dive deeper into understanding how to handle crises through faith and spiritual growth, the following resources are highly recommended:

1. “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
   This book explores how understanding God’s purpose for your life can help you navigate challenges and crises with faith and confidence.
2. “Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts” by Jerry Bridges
   Bridges offers a deep exploration of trusting God through difficult times, highlighting how faith in God’s sovereignty can bring peace in the midst of crisis.
3. “Overcoming Crisis” by Myles Munroe
   A powerful book that teaches how to overcome life’s challenges by aligning yourself with God’s purpose and walking in His promises.
4. “The Power of Prayer and Fasting” by Marilyn Hickey
   This book provides insight into the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting, which can be effective tools for believers facing personal and spiritual crises.
5. “God’s Promises for Your Every Need” by Jack Countryman
   This collection of Bible promises serves as a source of comfort and strength for believers who are facing crises, providing scriptures to lean on in every situation.
6. “The Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer
   Meyer explains how to conquer negative thinking, overcome mental and emotional challenges, and align one’s thoughts with God’s Word—essential for believers dealing with spiritual or emotional crises.
7. “Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore
   This book focuses on the power of scripture-based prayer to break free from spiritual strongholds, making it a great resource for those looking to combat spiritual crises through prayer.
8. “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders
   This classic book highlights the importance of spiritual maturity and reliance on Christ for leadership, guidance, and strength, particularly in times of crisis.

By studying these resources, believers can strengthen their understanding of God’s promises, build their faith, and equip themselves with practical strategies to face both economic and spiritual crises with confidence in Christ.