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It’s not a crisis it’s a turning point!

Hinge - turning point SX 380As we approach the start of a new year, Ruth Tong reminds us that we can rely on God when we encounter turning points in our lives.


I love watching house renovation programs; the idea of taking something dilapidated and giving it a whole new lease of life really appeals to me.  I love sharing the story from planning to preparation to final production.
 
One of the things which fascinates me with what is built is in the final touch - the front door. I think it’s because it is the first reflection an outsider sees of the design preference of the folks inside.
 
Regardless of design, however, doors have one thing in common, they hang on small hinges.  When hanging a door there is a critical moment where each hinge and bracket must line up if the door is to be hung successfully on its turning point. This turning point is crucial…  I wonder if the small choices we make as we negotiate life are like these hinges. Each response holds influence on the direction of swing of the door of our lives.
 
Hinges can be positive, like falling in love or getting a job, but many more hinges can be difficult and painful; when we fail when it mattered, or when a loved one dies. What holds us and what do we hang on then?
 
The Greek word for turning point is ‘Krisis’-  it relates to chariot racing and the point where the driver had to basically do a U turn before the home straight. During ‘the turn’ the balance of the chariot is most likely to be thrown off and a crash result. It’s where our English word crisis comes from.
 
Rarely does it feel like it at the time, but there is a plus side to this turning process. Krisis forces a change in our stance bringing balance to what really matters to us, shaking lose all that is superficial.  The turning action increases our awareness of the need for support from something beyond ourselves. Just as a door is hung it’s the stress of each hinge with each bracket as it turns which causes a secure fit.

Guys you may not always feel it but you are secure in Christ. He will never leave you or give up on you no matter how things seem. In that point of crisis when you take a deep breath and panic pray for the wisdom, words of life or courage stay the course, it’s then you are lubricating your spiritual hinges.
 
Furthermore when we choose to work through the grind and friction of the bend with the Holy Spirit’s tools - graciousness, encouragement, love etc. (Gal 5: 20-25), we bring freedom, movement and an opening for God’s restorative power in the lives of others.
 
If you’re feeling (please forgive the poor pun) a bit unhinged, know that nothing can move you out of the will of God (John 10:28). Be encouraged - every hinge, every bracket in your life is crafted by the hand of a master craftsman and will work according to His GOOD purpose and plan!
 
Image of the hinge is courtesy of Alfredo Camacho at http://www.freeimages.com/ 


Ruth Tong
Ruth Tong is the Coordinator of Women’s Ministries at Downham Market Christian Fellowship and the author of ‘Love Drops from Heaven’.  Ruth regularly blogs at http://lovedropsfromheaven.blogspot.co.uk


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