Crisis Fatigue

Good morning, friends. I haven't updated my blog in quite a while, but recently I've felt the Lord has been leading me to write. I have had a few opportunities along the way to write in other venues, but by and large I have pushed writing aside because, well. . . life got in the way. But that's what this blog is about—writing about life. 

What should I write about? Ideas have been swirling around in my mind, but this morning I heard a pastor mention the phrase Crisis Fatigue. Wow. That's exactly where I am. I won't get into details, but my personal life over the past few years has been a series of crisis events in varying shapes and sizes. About the time I get over one crisis, another one sets in. I can even pinpoint the moment it started. 

Now that the personal crisis events are mostly in the rear view mirror, the world seems to be taking on this mantle of crisis. It feels like every single day! I believe much of this began on October 7, 2023, when the nation of Israel was attacked, unleashing incredible evil in this world. At times I've scratched my head at the things I've seen and heard. It seems as if the spiritual landscape of this world has changed. Prophetic events mentioned in the Bible appear to be unfolding in rapid succession before our eyes. I don't know about you, but I've been closely following the events unfolding in Israel and the surrounding area. That means I've been watching a lot more news than I did before. Crisis fatigue.

Let's toss into the mix natural disasters which seem to be coming at us from all sides. Wild fires. Earth quakes. Tornadoes. Floods. Hurricanes. These stories are all over the news as well, though it's hard to get much information from mainstream media outlets because they're so focused on yet another crisis: Politics. Crisis fatigue.

Yes, politics has also drawn me in. I mean, you can't get away from it. Right? I don't keep watching because I enjoy it, but because this feels like a very serious turning point in our country. Have you ever had that deep down feeling that something is so serious you can't look away? And then to see families fighting over their political beliefs, not to mention Christians fighting with each other. I won't get into the deep waters of politics here, but I will say that if you take the stance that your vote won't matter in this election, especially because God is in control, then you are mistaken. God gives us liberty as well as the ability to cast a vote. Even though He is in control, who am I be God and decide that my vote won't matter anyway. God uses His people. God also wants us to make choices in our lives that will honor biblical teachings. Okay, I know what you're thinking. There's no good choice in this election. If you aren't familiar with the Old Testament, there are several pagan leaders who God used to accomplish His purpose. God can use anyone—me and you. Yes, God can use anyone or anything for good, what others meant for evil. That is my paraphrase of Genesis 50:20.

Back to crisis fatigue. What we are experiencing is what Paul mentioned in Ephesians 6:12.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

In the verse before this, Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God. Why? Think about soldiers in battle. Their guard is up constantly because the enemy might be just around the corner. If they get to rest, it probably doesn't come easily because they're always on guard for what's around the corner. It's mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. Crisis fatigue. Hmmm. 

And after we put on our helmet, we carry our shield, and arm ourselves so that we can withstand the crisis fatigue and withstand the evil day, in the midst of it all we can experience the peace that can only come from God. I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Ephesians 6.

Meanwhile, let's continue to spread peace, spread the Good News of Jesus and His salvation while we still can. In the midst of all this crisis fatigue, I've been hearing of massive revivals breaking out all over the world. God is still at work! And if you don't know, Jesus loves you so much that He died for you. Yes, you. His salvation is free by asking Him to come into your life. You can do it right now.

While we have this armor on, and while we let peace rule in our hearts and minds, let's also continue to do good to others. 

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10