Madness or Miracle

Viewing the National Crisis through a Spiritual Lens

Presented by Suzette-The Marriage Warrior

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps.42:11)

As Christians comply with Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, we watch businesses suffer, education programs compromised, the economy struggle, churches close, constitutional rights questioned, and the family going stir-crazy. Many leaders are urging people to pray, pray, pray! However, with all the moving parts, it can be difficult to find specific prayer targets. Generally, people tend to pray during times of crisis more than times of peace. When people can’t find answers in the natural realm, they spontaneously begin to press into the supernatural realm to ease uncertainty. The scripture teaches that “my people parish for a lack of knowledge” which relates a lack of knowledge with death, or at least the feeling of death. As a result, when humans face unknowns, the innate response is to explore. However, in the current national state of emergency, when we talk to friends…we find no real answers. We search the internet, only to find confusion within polar opposite viewpoints. Leaning on leaders seems to be fruitless as well, as we see the disunity emerging through “brother going against brother” (Matt. 10:12).

As we observe important things unraveling around us, we feel powerless. The state of powerlessness is one of the most damaging emotions that people experience. Powerlessness is not a God created condition for mankind. This is why God provided scripture with messages to fill us with power. Colossians 1:11 says “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”. Ephesians 1:19 says “His incomparably great power for us who believe”. 1 Corinthians 2:5 says “so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. Ephesians 3:16 says “He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being”…and on and on it goes.

“For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Ps. 139:13-14)

Christians are in the army of God! Armies, by their very nature, are active! God never expected us to be inactive, even when we are governed to stay quarantined. He consistently encrypted scripture to demonstrate how we are to overcome powerlessness. God is the Most High, the supreme power above all other powers. In order for an individual to be powerful over a situation, he must be backed by a higher power than that of his opponent. God is our heavenly father. Because He is pure in love and long-suffering and doesn’t have evil within Him, He does NOT cause pain. However, He never wastes pain, either! During times of uncertainty, God will strategically utilize maddening events to shift paradigms and reconstruct environments for a miracle to take place.

As humans, we like our “norms”. Typically, people move through rapid daily routines and neglect practicing spiritual reflection. However, when things are moving too fast, or moving in the wrong direction, a natural implosion will occur. What causes individuals to get uncomfortable is a crisis. This disruption to norms creates uncertainty and the very nature of uncertainty creates environments for deep reflection.

God did not desire for mankind to suffer, which is why He did not wire human capacity to endure much pain. Pain, however, is the conduit for real change to occur. Therefore, we don’t tend to change unless we become uncomfortable. When pain occurs in God’s children, He knows that by design, humans will quickly make whatever changes required to get out of that pain. This was God’s design!

During this time of national crisis, we need to reach deep within ourselves to search what the spirit of God is wanting to change “for our good”! Those who are able to seize this opportunity for change, must not fear, but rather fight through the shifting of the norm, in order to make the changes required for a new norm. This takes inviting a spiritual view that is higher than the natural plane we are used to operating in. The first order of business must take place in changing our perspectives to things that are “above” rather than things that are “below.”

(Colossians 3:2). Prayer is the facilitator that moves heaven’s agenda to earth’s manifestation. Prayer is spiritually utilized as the shifting agent that calls things “from heaven to be done on earth” (Matt. 6:10). However, for prayers to be effective in accomplishing such a broad task, we must first know…what is heaven’s agenda?

The scripture says to “watch and pray” (Matt. 26:41). This passage instructs us to keenly observe our surroundings on earth, to know what to call down from heaven. The scripture also tells us to “study to show ourselves approved”(2 Tim. 2:15). We are required to research, educate ourselves and observe, in order to be aware of what is occurring around us. As we become more observant, we will become more unsettled. This uncertainty is the very tool that God will use to mobilize his people to secure things that are causing insecurity. God’s desire for us is security within Him, having faith that “He will never leave us or forsake us” (Heb. 13:5). In knowing that, you can activate the very role of the Holy Spirit as a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”(Ps. 119:105). Therefore, in engaging the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can expect direction from God, who is “the way maker” (Isaiah 43:16), to show the pathway we are to take.

Listening to God’s Spirit is often times more important than making request. Learning to hear God’s voice and seeing the way He moves, is easier than you may think. The scripture tells us “My sheep hear my voice, no other will they follow” (John 10:27). During times of prayer/ meditation, ask God to speak to you on a matter and trust His voice (journaling the conversation is helpful). He speaks deep within us in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). The sound of His voice is peaceful and is filled with truth. If God is desiring a change within you, he will reveal a truth that may be hard to confront, but it will be laced with sweet conviction and love. The voices of clutter and distraction is of the enemy, so resist those voices (James 4:7) and dig deeper within you. The scripture says “the deep calls to the deep” (Ps. 42:7), which means that the deep places within you will call upon the rich depth of God, your Father. This type of prayer will deepen your intimacy with God. Many people doubt that they hear God’s voice and determine they are merely hearing their own inner voice. The way to confront this issue is to recognize that if you were the one who had the question, you probably don’t have the answer. So, if you receive an answer to your question, then it probably was not your inner voice. Always “test the spirit” (1 John 4:1) to make sure it is congruent with scripture, because God will never go against His word (Ps. 89:34). Also, watch for signs from God. God will use all kinds of things to confirm what He is speaking to you. However, this will require you to be present in the moments, aware, and noticing the little things. God is Wisdom…He is Good…He is your Father, who loves YOU… and He is ACTIVE!

TAKE A STEP BACK…AND RESET

1. Observe your marital structure and pray for God to give wisdom on how to become more loving and unified. Communicate it with your spouse.

2. Observe your family and pray for guidance on how to create more structure and cohesiveness. Activate it.

3. Observe your career and ask God to show you creative ideas for effective strategizing.

4. Observe your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and ask God for directive steps for balance. Plan your day.

5. Observe relationships and ask God to assist you to distance from those which are destructive and nurture those which are good. PRAY for your friends.

6. Observe the nation-wide situation and ask God what direction to pray.

7. Ask God to specifically place upon you heart which leaders to pray for and what direction to pray. Commit to pray that way.

8. Study the bible and discover the biblical signs as they relate to what is occurring globally. Ask for God to have mercy.

9. Ask God for direction on the purpose and role He desires you to play as a spouse, parent, em ployer/employee and a citizen. Write it down and commit to change.

10. Pray for a closer, more intimate relationship with the Most High God of the universe. PRAISE HIM!!!

“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” (Ps. 71:8)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Ps. 28:7)

Contact Suzette at

suzette@couplescarecenter.com