In a time of crisis it is normal to grope for God鈥檚 presence and ask, 鈥淗ow do I know he cares?鈥�

Here are some helpful tips that have encouraged us in our times of crisis.

Take God at his word. Since we don鈥檛 doubt the kind words of family and friends during a time of crisis, it is important to attribute the same sincerity to God.

The Bible is filled with assurance (and evidence) that God loves us and has power to help. Listen to what God has done for others. God doesn鈥檛 have favorites. What he has done for others, he will do for anyone who trusts him.

Read the Bible and other true accounts of God鈥檚 intervention.

Thank him for the cross. The fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay our individual debt of sin, is tangible proof his love is not mere words. The cross was the ultimate demonstration that God wants us to possess eternal life, of which this life is merely the start.

Jesus said, 鈥淕reater love has no one than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.鈥� John 15:13.

It is only right that if we want God to acknowledge our sufferings that we acknowledge his. Borrow strength. It is true there are stages of healing through which we all must pass, but we are in charge of how quickly or slowly we pass through them.

It is important to realize that our children will learn how to handle crisis by watching their parents.

The worst thing we can do is teach them that tragedy, injustice or loss is a reason for becoming bitter, angry and victimized for life. God promises to give us supernatural strength to move forward with courage and dignity. Take him up on it.

Find your treasure. Jesus said, 鈥淲here your treasure is, there will your heart be also.鈥� We sat down and decided what our real treasures were and sold the rest.  It put things in perspective for us. Our treasures ended up being each other, precious family and friends.

"Things鈥� can be repurchased later.

Prepare for eternity. One of the quickest ways to heal is to look ahead.

Thankfully, God has promised this life is not all there is. In a world where nothing lasts, we can plant our feet on the rock-solid promises of the Bible and rest assured the best is yet to come. It has been the reality of answered prayers and the power of God in our own trials which have convinced us of the accuracy of his future promises.

We extend our love, continued prayers and support to you all, in any way we can.

If you would like prayer or encouragement, we鈥檒l put the coffee on.