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THE FAX OF LIFE
A Weekly Service To The Business Community From SVCC HOW TO CONFRONT A CRISIS
By Rick Warren
Recently, a woman in Florida won $17,000,000 in a lottery. She called home to her live-in boyfriend and said, "I've just won the lottery! Start packing!" Her boyfriend replied, "That's fantastic! Should I pack for warm or cold weather?" She said without emotion, "I don't care - just as long as you are out of the house by the time I get home!" That man had a crisis! Unexpected crises are a part of life. At this moment you are in one of three phases: Either you just got out of a crisis... or you're in a crisis right now.. or you're headed into a crisis.
There is a fascinating story of a shipwreck in the Bible (Acts 27). From that story we can glean three timeless insights for crisis management that you can use in your business:
- FIRST, DETERMINE THE REASON. Ask yourself: "What is really the reason behind this crisis?" The reason is often deeper than what appears on the surface. In the case of Paul's shipwreck, there were 3 reasons: (1) They listened to bad advice, (2) They followed popular opinion, and (3) They relied on circumstances rather than what they knew was the right thing to do. If you're having difficulty sorting out the reason for a crisis - try praying about it. David said, "I tried to think this problem through but it was too difficult for me until I went into your Temple." (Ps. 76:16)
- SECOND, DETERMINE THE RESULT. Ask: "What can I learn from this?" Every crisis is an opportunity to enlarge my perspective, sharpen my skills, and develop my character.
- THIRD, DETERMINE MY RESPONSE. Ask: "What is the best way to respond to this?" Regardless of what else you do, your response should include 3 elements:
- Confront the problem. You rarely solve a problem by ignoring it. It probably won't be easy, but God will be with you if you ask him for strength.
- Confess my part. (if any) If you brought this crisis on yourself, admit it and ask forgiveness. Don't make excuses and don't blame others. Accepting responsibility is a mark of genuine leadership and emotional maturity.
- Claim a promise. Did you know there are over 7,000 promises of God to help you in the Bible? They are like blank checks waiting to be filled in. What are you waiting on? If you don't know the Bible very well, ask a friend who does to find a promise for you.
Until next week...
FOL#77
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