By Joyce Tilney
Change is the one thing we can count on, and it can be good or devastating. As our world turns in times of change, the outcome does not rest in the nature of the change, but how we face a problem and the decisions we make concerning it.

Our world is in continual flux, with political, economic and environmental changes shaping history and the future. A job change, family conflicts and social pressure can bring crisis to our lives that eventually lead us into a better life, or may cause despair.

Women of God were not created to merely survive from day to day. We have the God-given DNA to overcome. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4, NKJ). Our faith and trust in God determines our strength in time of battle. Our faith is strengthened when we read about men and women in the Bible that overcame as their world turned upside down in the crises of life.

Leah was the victim of another’s decision. Her father betrayed her and she found herself in a marriage where she was not wanted, and hated by her sister, the “other woman” her husband loved. She was strong in prayer and faith and did not panic. Though she lost her cool sometimes, she always came back to her faith. King David was greatly discouraged many times, and left a record of his struggles in the Psalms. Yet he learned to encourage himself and walked through the crisis. He is still remembered today as a man after God’s heart.

In one of David’s most beloved psalms, he wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). David was continually besieged with enemies, and so to realize God’s hand was on him in such a way that he could relax in His provision even in their presence was a great comfort. In the same way, God has his hand of protection and guidance on us. He has given us the weapons we need to successfully fight this life’s battles. (Read Ephesians 6.)  We can sit down at the table of victory every day because no matter what happens, God is for us! When we do that, we can look back and see that our faith has been tested and yet our world has turned for good.

It is easy to thank God after the crisis is over. Thanksgiving is the voice of faith. It turns our heart toward God and prepares the way for a miracle. When you can thank God in the middle of a crisis, you are holding up your faith in God as your mighty shield to bring victory in your life. When you do, you let the world know you are trusting in your God and His promises.

My husband and I recently faced a crisis. We were sitting in church and without any warning, he lost the sight in his eye. When he reached out for my hand and told me what had happened, I was rocked with fear and panic for a moment. Then the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart and brought peace and comfort.

In the Emergency Room we heard all the bad news—he would never see again, his eye was totally damaged and the cells were dead. Yet through the clamor I heard a still small voice. “Whose report do you believe?” I knew at that moment I had to make a decision. I thanked the doctor for everything he was doing to treat my husband and said how much I appreciated his care. Then I said, “We are Christians and we believe in miracles. My husband’s eyesight will return.” He smiled and told me it was impossible. I said, “With man it is, but all things are possible with God!”

It was a crisis in our life, a battle, and there were times that I wanted to give up. But God is faithful and when despairing times came, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the scriptures I had hidden in my heart. The Word caused faith to arise and doubt and unbelief to leave.

Today Bill is driving and reading and thanking God for His faithfulness. Did I enjoy this crisis? Of course not—but I am fully persuaded that God will prepare a victory table before the battle begins in the next crisis, and that as my world turns it will be for good!

Joyce Tilney is Founder of Women of God Miistries. Visit her website at www.wogministries.com to sign up for a free newsletter.