Faith in the Crisis
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Table of Contents Dedication Acknowledgments Foreword- Cheryl C. Harewood Preface- Rev. T.G Morrison Introduction - In times of Crisis Section I Because of Covid 19 Chapter 1: Locked down but not locked out Chapter 2: Social distancing but socially connecting Chapter 3: Wearing a mask but unmasking Section II A call to trust God in difficult times Chapter 4: 1 Kings 17:8 - 16 - When it’s about to run out - Have Hope Chapter 5: Job 1:13 - 22 - When we lose everything - Have Faith Chapter 6: Mark 5:25 - 34 - When things won’t change - Have Determination Chapter 7: Matthew 26:36 - 46 - When it gets too much - Pray Chapter 8: 1 Samuel 17: 28 - 49 - When they look down on you - Have Confidence Chapter 9: Matthew 26:55 - 68 - When people abandon you – Find Strength Section III Moments of Hope Chapter 10: Resilience in times of uncertainty Chapter 11: Ministry in Changing times Foreword You hold in your hand a work of excellence. Faith In The Crisis is no ordinary book. It is a work of excellence which, will cause you to search deep down in your heart and after much inner reflection, cause you to reconsider your Christian walk. Are you truly walking in the Spirt? Have you allowed your trials, tests and challenges to increase your faith in God? What about navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic? Have you personally discovered the positives derived from this global battle which took the lives of many, and no doubt, caused the faith of countless others to increase? As a pastor, missionary, a worship leader, congregant, a child and servant of God in any way, have you allowed the lessons from COVID-19 to catapult you into being a better ambassador for Christ? If you have not, this book will show you how to. You also hold in your hand a book from a respected preacher, husband, father, son and pastor, which will cause you to pause and think; a book that will take you on a beautiful spirit-led, spirit-filled journey. To have become affiliated with Reverend Dr A. Smith who, has been a leader in the Moravian Church for the past 21 years, is to have become acquainted with a genuine, committed minister of the Gospel; one to whom God has entrusted the delivery and preaching of His Word, and given the task to shepherd His people, both of which he does with a sense of humility and abiding faith. Reverend Dr A. Smith, an advocate for truth, has written Faith In The Crisis at a time when constant changes in a changing world propel us to draw closer to God who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. May this book excite you into trusting God more, and may it strengthen you in your walk with him. Happy reading. Pastor Cheryl C. Harewood, church leader, author and journalist Introduction - In times of Crisis In today's world, humanity finds itself amidst multifaceted crises. The pandemic continues unabated, economic terms like "recession" and "depression" have become household words, and geopolitical tensions, as exemplified by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, amplify global instability. Yet, the common refrain we hear is that these are "unprecedented times." Beyond COVID-19, a myriad of challenges prevail. From natural calamities like hurricanes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions to societal issues such as civil unrest, many worldwide face adversity. Personal challenges, whether medical or familial, strike even closer to home. In this tapestry of turmoil, whether personal, national, or global, the thread of crises remains constant. The pressing need for unwavering faith is palpable. Carey Nieuwhof insightfully observed that A crisis acts as an accelerator. Trends emerging pre-pandemic, notably the rise of post-Christian culture, gained momentum. John Maxwell encapsulates a crisis as a pivotal moment demanding a resolute decision. The choice to trust God in times characterized by upheaval and uncertainty stands paramount. Faith in the Crisis navigates these turbulent waters, offering direction and solace through biblical tales. The pandemic introduced three major societal shifts, lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates, underlining the essence of unyielding trust in God for believers. Because of COVID-19: A three-part series conceived in the wake of Barbados's Prime Minister's announcement of a second lockdown. It is a testament to faith in the face of adversity. A Call To Trust God In Difficult Times draws on the profound life experiences of biblical legends like Elijah, Job, David, the woman with the issue of blood, and most certainly, the transformative figure of Jesus the One who walked among us. Moments of Hope calls us to have resilience and to reshape ministry in these changing times. Amidst the pandemic, many grappled with feelings of fear and frustration due to altered social scenarios. However, it's crucial to understand that while our physical movements might be constrained, our spiritual essence remains unfettered. Physical Lockdown DOES NOT Mean A Spiritual Lockdown! God is still at work, even in a lockdown. Our movement might be restricted but The Holy Spirit of God is not restricted. No physical barrier can bind the Holy Spirit. Despite any lockdown or restriction, God continues His divine work. He is not confined by time or space, and no worldly lockdown can prevent His Spirit from bringing healing, touch, and transformative change. Such moments of stillness and restriction can, paradoxically, be fertile grounds for spiritual growth. Consider the biblical account of Paul and Silas. Their incarceration wasn't in a comfortable, modern-day jail with internet, flat screen Tv and air conditioning, but rather in a dark, cold cell, likely reeking of decay. Their captivity, in the innermost chamber, was a symbolic representation of a place devoid of hope or rescue. Moreover, they endured the agony of stocks, likely stretching their limbs to painful extremes making movement difficult and uncomfortable. Yet, even in such despairing conditions, they found spiritual liberation. Many times, we might feel similarly "imprisoned" in life, trapped in routines or painful situations, painful physical places seemingly with no forward momentum. Yet, even in those trying moments, remember while you may be physically confined or "locked down", you are never spiritually "locked out" from the solace of prayer.
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About the Book
Faith in the Crisis" by Rev. Dr. Adrian R. Smith artfully navigates the tumult of global calamities, grounding its roots firmly in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. An emblem of spiritual resilience, this work brilliantly unfolds the essence of unwavering faith in divine providence amidst life’s uncertainties. It is not merely a book but a companionship that guides believers through the shadows of adversity into the light of hope and trust in God’s enduring love and grace. Rev. Smith orchestrates a symphony of biblical narratives, intertwined with contemporary struggles, cultivating a garden where faith blossoms amidst the crisis. He encourages believers to adorn the masks of hope, social distance themselves from despair, and lockdown fear, illuminating paths towards spiritual triumph and divine trust. "Faith in the Crisis" is more than a spiritual guide; it is a beacon of hope, resonating with wisdom, encouraging believers to emerge resiliently from the abyss of life’s tribulations, fortified with an enriched and unwavering faith.
About the Author
Reverend Dr. Adrian Smith is catalyst for positive change, channeling his unyielding commitment through the fervent teaching of scriptures. With over two decades of pastoral experience, he shepherds the congregations at Calvary, Gracehill, and Fulnec Moravian Churches in Barbados. Rev. Smith is not only a loving pastor but also a motivational speaker whose words inspire action and reflection in equal measure. His influential roles extend to serving on various boards and to the academic realm as a lecturer. Rev. Smith is husband to Mrs. Andrea Smith. Beyond his professional engagements, a man of many passions, Rev. Smith relishes in the joy of reading and is an avid fan of cricket, basketball, NFL football and track and field. He possesses a deep affinity for electronic gadgets, always keen on exploring the latest technological innovations.