WHEN THE CRISIS COMES
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever. (Proverbs 10:25)
The “storm” does not create character; it reveals it.
In medicine, emergencies don’t wait for you to be ready. Whether it’s a crashing patient, a sudden code blue, or a family looking to you for answers, the moment demands a response. The way you respond isn’t a matter of spontaneous brilliance—it’s a matter of preparation.
Surgeons don’t become excellent under the pressure of the operating room. Their hands move with precision because they have practiced the procedure hundreds of times. Paramedics don’t learn how to handle trauma when they arrive at the scene; they’ve already drilled for it repeatedly through countless clinical simulations.
The same concept is true in our faith.
When life starts to fall apart before our eyes, we don’t suddenly become deeply rooted Christians. We don’t develop unshakable faith in the moment of trial—we fall to the level of our preparation.
You will face crisis in your:
Health — the diagnosis you never expected
Relationships — separation from loved ones
Faith — doubts creeping in during suffering
Work — pressure rising, expectations weighing heavy
Finances — an unexpected blow that shakes your security
In those moments of crisis, you probably won’t miraculously rise above your circumstances. Instead, you will default to the habits and disciplines you’ve built over time.
That faith you’ve been neglecting? It will waver.
That discipline you’ve been avoiding? It will cost you.
But the opposite is also true.
If you’ve trained in the Word, it will be your anchor.
If you’ve built a life of prayer, it will be your peace.
If you’ve cultivated a heart of trusting the Lord, it will be your stability.
If you’ve practiced obedience, it will be your instinct.
TRAINING FOR THE CRISIS
Daily prayer isn’t a checkbox—it’s conditioning your heart before the trial comes.
Scripture meditation isn’t a religious routine—it’s embedding truth before the lies of fear arrive.
Worship isn’t just Sunday singing—it’s learning to find joy even in suffering.
Fasting isn’t just self-denial—it’s strengthening your spirit for endurance.
CALL TO ACTION
In medicine, preparation happens long before the patient arrives. Spiritual readiness works the same way.
Routine Check-Ups – reflect on your daily spiritual health. Are you praying, reading, and worshiping regularly? Small habits build strong faith.
Emergency Drills – prepare your heart for challenges. When small frustrations arise, practice responding with patience and trust in God.
Team Training – surround yourself with believers who encourage and challenge you. Faith is strengthened in community.
Crisis Response Plan – when trouble comes, where do you turn first? Develop a habit of seeking God before reacting emotionally.
Jesus never promised a life free of storms, but He promised to be with us in them. The question is not whether we will face challenges—it’s whether we will be ready when they come.
Prepare your heart now. Strengthen your faith today. Because when the moment of crisis arrives, you won’t rise to the occasion—you will rely on what you have built.
If you would like to share any feedback, personal experiences, or thoughts with the author, please email iza.zabaneh@tcu.edu.