debt

Salvation in Times of Crisis

As a 10-year-old my world was turned upside down by the death of my father. Many confusing questions ran through my mind — and I wanted answers. Where did my father go? How could God allow this to happen to me? For the first time in my life, I sensed my own mortality. I, too, was going to die one day. Was I ready?

Today I continue to be reminded of the pain and confusion that the death of a loved one brings. Not only have I lost several family members and friends to death, but as a Family Nurse Practitioner I face it daily as I care for sick and dying patients. Too frequently I see in my patients and colleagues emotions similar to those I had as a confused and hopeless child.

One of the lessons from the terrorist attacks of 2001 is the need to be equipped to reach out to those around me. It's something I put into practice when one of the owners of the medical practice where I work was killed. His life ended violently, resulting in a free fall of emotions, questions and pain for his loved ones and co-workers. How could I, as a Christian woman and medical professional, provide answers to my patients and friends in a way that would address their sorrow and guilt? By sending them to the Source of life.

Never forsaken

Many people don't think about God until tragedy strikes. Then they blame Him and get angry, wondering how He could abandon them in their hour of need.

Scripture, however, tells us that God is with us in every situation. In Isaiah 43:2 God promises His people that He will be with them when they pass through the waters and the fire. He also says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

I am reminded in these verses that we can trust God for help and protection. He strengthens us when we are in need. God is more than some far-off deity; He is a personal God who wants to be an integral part of our lives.

At the same time, suffering, loss and pain are inescapable; even Jesus suffered great pain when He died on the cross. Despite the circumstances, God always provides and cares for His people.

Following the death of my father, I had to face some tough realities. I was empty, had no hope and struggled with feelings of guilt.

Then I picked up the Bible, where I found truth and freedom. The words were neither sugarcoated nor meaningless phrases of false hope. They made me realize I needed a God bigger than me. When I handed my life over to Christ, a huge burden was lifted from my shoulders.

Never forget

In the aftermath of 9-11, the media bombarded us with horrifying images of death and destruction. Emotions were raw, and the subject of death was on the minds of many Americans.

I can't help but wonder whether, in time, we'll be allowed to forget. Will the images and emotions slide away to the recesses of our minds?

Calamity may come when we are not looking or prepared for it. When tragedy strikes, we can turn to Scripture. Most people have a Bible tucked away on a bookshelf even if they haven't looked at it in years.

God's Word holds the answers to our soul questions and the opportunity to discover a personal Savior.

Background Information

The Road to Debt
Learn to guard against the four common causes of debt.

Save or Swim
Danger: Thin Ice. Most people wouldn't risk their physical safety. So why do we ignore the signs of a financial catastrophe?

Drowning in Debt
If you can't seem to catch your financial breath, you're not alone. Sadly, millions of Americans are credit card captives.

Questions and Answers

What is the biblical approach to possessions and money?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

Prosperity and Pain
Finding blessings in the midst of incredible financial trials.

Credit—Not So Priceless
Every month, we spent more than we made and our balances ballooned. But it didn't stop us from purchasing a new living room set. Who could resist? Little did we know: we were digging a financial grave.

Living in Secret Debt
There's a high price to pay for acquiring debt.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

Even Though We Ain't Got Money…
That phrase – live on love – kept bringing to mind a song they played on the radio when I was a kid. I scoffed at its utter lack of common sense.

Learning to Roll With Change
It's not the most fun you'll ever have, but the results are worth it.

Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving

Relationships: Communication Gaps

Parenting Teens: Communication Problems