"...the protocols allow you to process the emergency without debilitating panic. You will be able to function and think more clearly because the idea is not totally new." Kathy Spampinato

Do you have a spiritual plan to deal with life's emergencies? Life can bring the unexpected without a moment's notice. Having an Emergency Plan in place ahead of time can bring order to chaos. That is why every Airline Flight begins with a review of their emergency procedures.

During your first experience with air travel, you listen very carefully trying to remember where the life jackets are, and how to apply your oxygen mask before you attempt to help another. You note each and every exit door and which direction they suggest you move in. This helps deal with the anxiety that comes with a new experience. After hearing this many times you get accustomed to the announcements and do not give them great attention, but you will remember what steps to take should a real emergency arise.

Even more importantly, the protocols allow you to process the emergency without debilitating panic. You will be able to function and think more clearly because the idea is not totally new. Despite your emotions taking you to a fight or flight response, you will be able to follow the safety steps you've thought through previously. You will be able to cooperate with your own rescue and choose the plan that will lead you to safety. The same procedures will help you in a life crisis.

Psalm 46:1 ESV "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him."

Proverbs 24:10 "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small."

These Bible verses remind us to call out to God in the day of trouble because He is our rescuer. If everyone involved waits until the panic sets in, when they're scrambling to get out as fast as they can, people get hurt and everyone is fighting to save themselves with no concern for others. We need to have our Emergency Procedures thought out and practiced ahead of time. Then we will be able to calmly follow the plan and trust that God will be there at our side.

I am thinking of these things today, because I am dealing with a family health emergency. It came out of nowhere, and sent my emotions reeling. It spurred us into immediate action, but overwhelming panic did not take over. We prayed and automatically trusted God to handle the situation and lead our steps. That was only possible because we've done it before. God has shown himself faithful in all circumstances. We trust Him to know what to do and how to save us. We know that we can trust His voice of guidance because we've trained our ears to hear and to recognize His still small voice. We really know that He is faithful.

A quick panic prayer is the immediate human response to disaster. Even people who are not believers suddenly become people of prayer when their life is at stake. Unfortunately this will not always bring faith, hope, and peace in the midst of turmoil, if they have not practiced it in the quiet times. Panicked emotions cannot process in an organized way or reason through options when decisions must be made quickly. In contrast, if we have trained our heart to respond in faith and trust in ALL circumstances, a quick prayer can bring an instant wash of God's presence and a peace that surpasses understanding. If we rely on God daily, and let His Word lead us through life, it will be our guide in times of stress.

Philippians 4:6-7 "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Here are some of the emergency procedures I have used over the last few days.

• Prayer: I immediately asked God to intervene and bring wisdom and healing.

• Belief: I had the confidence that He would hear our prayers and act.

• Trust: I trusted that God loved our family member more than I did and He would rescue.

• Scripture: I quoted several scriptures in my prayers, giving me confidence, and declaring the truth of God's Word over the situation.

• Prayer without ceasing: I continued to have prayer flowing from my thoughts and my heart underneath whatever needed saying or doing.

• Support: I offered support and encouragement to the other people dealing with the situation.

• Prioritize: I reshuffled what was important to me in that moment and prioritized what needed to be done. What was important for our next few days completely changed.

• Caring and Listening: I consciously chose to be there for the person who is ill. I am listening to them, as they process the shift in their life. I rearranged things so I am physically available as a sounding board and support to them.

• Not Controlling: I am letting them choose what they can handle and letting them decide what it looks like for me to help. I am letting God take control.

Only by developing a lifestyle of trusting God, am I really able to recognize how strong He is, and how much He helps in times of trouble. He is a constant companion. This last verse quotes Jesus's words to us. It says it all.

John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."