Not Afraid: How Christians Can Respond to Crises

Scriptures: James 4:14, John 16:33, Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 10:23-25

As Christians, how do we respond in the face of a crisis? 

When a crisis happens in our world, it’s easy to question our faith, and it’s hard to replace the panic we face with the peace we’re promised as Jesus-followers. 

So, what can we do as Christians in response to natural disasters, pandemics, or any other scary unknowns we face? 

First, we remember that this world is not our home. Scripture reminds us that this world is temporary—it’s just a vapor. Does that mean we just walk around unbothered by what’s going on around us? Of course not! We’re not to be conformed to the world, but we are supposed to love the world. 

Our response in the wake of danger or uncertainty isn’t to ignore pain but to draw people to God’s peace. 

We’re also reminded in Scripture that we don’t live like those who have no hope. Because we know what Jesus did for us, we can be confident knowing that He is always with us. So, when disaster strikes, we are not shaken because we know that we are not forsaken. 

You might have questions about how a good God could allow such terrible things to happen in this world. And it’s okay to ask that question. God doesn’t evade our questions; He invites us to Him. 

The truth is, Jesus never promised any of us a pain-free life. Instead, Jesus promised us that this world will bring trouble. It will bring some uncertainty. But we can still have hope because it’s not our final destination. Here’s what Jesus said about that: 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Did you catch where the peace come from? Jesus is the only place where we can find a peace that doesn’t change regardless of what problems we face. And because of what Jesus has done for us, we can be encouraged because we know how the story ends. One day, God will make all wrongs right.

So when today looks shaky, remember that in Christ, we have an unshakable hope that doesn’t change based on our present circumstances. Over the next few days, we’ll talk about some more perspectives we can have and practical things we can do to share the love of Jesus when tragedy strikes. 

Pray: God, I come to You today fearful about _____. God, I know that You are not surprised by anything that is happening, so I ask You to replace my fear with faith. Help me feel Your peace and Your presence in tangible, unexpected ways today so that I can share the hope I have in You with others. Thank You for never leaving me and for promising to always be with me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, Philippians 4:4-9

We live by faith, not in fear. 

We live in a time where there is no shortage of information. And that’s an incredible gift! Especially in times of disaster, it’s wonderful to be able to communicate quickly, take action swiftly, and connect globally on current events. But when we consume too much information—particularly in isolation—it can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and alone. 

In a world where there’s a new headline every hour, it can be easy to start living in fear. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to live by faith—not to live in fear. 

Paul reminds us of this in 2 Timothy: 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT 

The fear we often feel isn’t from God. When we start feeling afraid, it’s the perfect time to pray. This doesn’t mean we won’t ever feel fear. In fact, fear can often motivate us to do the right thing, to avoid danger, or to make wise choices. But we can’t allow feelings of fear to overcome our faith in God. 

How can we do that when we’re bombarded by notifications about the next big tragedy? 

Here’s what Jesus said: 

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

Jesus doesn’t say to not be afraid because we’ll always get the outcome we ask for. Instead, He promises peace because we have access to His presence. Jesus says that peace is a gift. That means that Jesus freely offers us peace every moment of every day. Our job is to accept it. To receive it. To continually go to God and ask for His peace in the middle of life’s problems. 

So what can Christians do in the face of unknown disasters? We can remember that we live by faith. We don’t live in fear. 

Pray: God, I find myself so worried about _______. I don’t know what is going to happen, but I know that You are not surprised, and You are working all things together for good. God, help me trust You more fully today. Increase my faith today, Lord. I ask You for Your peace. Thank You for freely giving us peace of mind no matter what happens around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Scriptures: Philippians 2:1-18, Acts 2:42-47, John 15:13, John 13:34

We are sacrificial, not selfish. 

In the wake of pandemics, natural disasters, or other crises, it’s natural to want to hoard supplies and think of yourself first. And while it’s certainly not wrong to protect and provide for yourself and your family, as Jesus-followers, we are called to be sacrificial, not selfish. 

Check out what Paul wrote about that: 

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT

If we say we follow Jesus, but our lives don’t look like Jesus’ life—then we have to ask ourselves if we’re really following Jesus. 

In times of crisis, many people will turn inward. They’ll stock up supplies, hide themselves away, and hoard their resources. While there’s nothing wrong with being prepared, as the body of Christ, we put others first. 

There’s a difference between wisely preparing and selfishly storing. If there’s a pandemic or emergency in your area, you should absolutely follow guidelines from your governmental and health officials. You should absolutely listen to wise council and prepare yourself and your loved ones. But we cannot serve ourselves at the expense of others. 

Just think about the early Church. They continually met together. They sold property and personal possessions so that they could meet needs in their community. It wasn’t about the church building. It was about the people. 

As Jesus-followers, we are the Church. No matter what is happening in the world around us, we are called to lead the way in irrational generosity. We are called to be the Church by loving those around us the way Jesus would. 

We share with those in need. We stand ready to do what is good. We think of others before ourselves.

Jesus wasn’t selfish. He was sacrificial. He gave up His life so that we could find ours. As His followers, we lead the way—especially in emergencies—by being sacrificial, not selfish. 

Pray: God, thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Help me to follow that example by living sacrificially, not selfishly. God, reveal to me any opportunities where I can serve others and share Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Scriptures: Matthew 5:14-16, Romans 12:9-10, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 12:21

We shine the light; we do not hide it. 

During times of emergency, we often discover that panic is contagious. But the good news is that the message of Jesus is way more contagious than any chaos we face. So, how can we, as the Church, respond to chaos? 

We shine the light; we do not hide it. Check out these words from Jesus: 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

When the world gets dark, we shine our light. We don’t hide ourselves away. We seize any and every opportunity to light up dark places with the light of God’s love. What does that look like in emergencies? 

It looks like helping our neighbors. It looks like giving generously to the church and other organizations who are making a difference in your community and helping those impacted by tragedy. It looks like serving others, taking people meals, sharing our supplies, and countless other things. 

Because here’s the thing: following Jesus isn’t just something that we do once a week when we make it to church. Following Jesus is a radical, daily decision to die to ourselves and put God and others first.

In uncertain times, people are more likely than ever to search for answers. People are looking for hope. 

Let’s be people who don’t just say we love others—let’s really love them. Let’s be known for more than a gathering once a week. Let’s be known for meeting needs, for dealing hope, and for shining light into darkness. 

What can we do amidst a crisis? We shine the light; we do not hide it. 

Pray: God, You have given me so much. Help me to share Your love with others in my path. Help me to have more than a once-a-week faith. Show me what it looks like to serve You daily. Open my eyes to opportunities to shine Your light to others. Help me share Your love and Your hope to others who are looking for answers. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Scriptures: Mark 4:38-41, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Not Afraid in the Face of Crisis 

We’ve talked about a few ways that we, as followers of Christ, can respond to crisis and emergency situations. We don’t live in fear; we live by faith. We live sacrificially, not selfishly. And we shine the light; we don’t hide it. 

But there’s another story from the life of Jesus that is helpful to us in the face of life’s storms. 

Once, Jesus and His disciples were in a boat in the middle of a pretty epic thunderstorm. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat. And the disciples were freaking out, convinced they were about to drown. Here’s how it went down: 

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” Mark 4:38-41 NLT

The disciples freaked out in the middle of the unknown, forgetting that Jesus was literally right there with them. How often do we do the same thing? 

We freak out because we’re terrified the worst-case scenario is going to happen, all the while forgetting that Jesus is just as present with us now as He was with the disciples then. 

So, back to the story. Jesus calmed the storm, but it wasn’t really about the storm. The disciples discovered that Jesus was more powerful than anything life threw at them, and that knowledge alone can give us the faith to fight back fear today.  

Because here’s the thing: Jesus may not always calm the storm around you, but He promises to always be with you. 

So in response to emergencies, natural disasters, pandemics, and anything else life throws our way, we can worship the One who isn’t surprised by what happens to us but walks with us through it. 

Pray: God, I come to You a little anxious about _____. But I know that You are right here with me, just like You were with the disciples in the middle of their storm. I ask You to meet me here in my storm today, God. Show me how to fight back fear with faith. Help me shine a light in the face of darkness, and help me overcome any unbelief. Thank You for who You are and for promising to always be with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.