When we encounter crises, be they loss of reputation, a terminal prognosis, relationship failure, bankruptcy, betrayal by friends, employment redundancy with subsequent loss of income, death of friends or family members, threatened exposure of either an illicit affair or financial misappropriations, often our first reaction is panic. Stress builds upon stress. Our emotions become frayed and often we are traumatised. We seem to have lost control of our lives, there is no longer any sense of security or continuity, our self-esteem is destroyed, we want to give up, and in fact many do choose to opt out of life. At these times often our only choice is how we choose to react.
Escapism is no answer to our problems, escapism has nothing to offer except fantasy.
Fantasy will not permit us to bring all our problems and trials to Jesus. As Christians - and this article was written for those of us who acknowledge Christ as our Redeemer and Lord, we know the forgiveness offered by God and know of the reconciling grace which we have appropriated. Yet, though we are Christ's, we are still subject to the trials of this world and to the insecurities of our own personalities. We may not be responsible for the external circumstances which we experience, but we are always responsible for the way in which we react to those circumstances. We may choose to hold fast to those experiences and actions which are causing us enormous suffering and pain or we may choose to seek Christ's help and healing.