Modeling Faith Amid Crisis

​Ed Stetzer recently stated that “the coronavirus crisis will be the most significant historical event of our lifetime. It will be bigger than 9/11.” As a generational researcher, I agree; especially critical will be its impact on Generation Z (b. 1996-2010). Living through this global pandemic, and more importantly, watching the adults around them live and lead during this time, will undoubtedly influence the next generation for life. So, how can we—as leaders, mentors, and parents—ensure that there are positive takeaways for the next generation during this time?

In asking this question, I have found myself drawn to the story of Jochebed. She was a mother during an incredible season of crisis for the Hebrew people. In Exodus 1:22 we read, “Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’” During this period, Jochebed gave birth to her third child, a boy, Moses. Her two older children, Miriam and Aaron, got a front row seat to watching their parents navigate this crisis.

In Micah 6:4, God says to His people, “I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam.” I am struck by the significance of three siblings being used so powerfully by God during such a critical time in a nation’s history. What prepared them for such an important role? I think Jochebed’s parenting and mentoring of her children was one strong influence. There are four things that stand out to me from her story.

1. First, despite the clear cause for fear and terror, Jochebed did not become paralyzed by fear, nor did she deny or minimize the reality of her situation. Moses’ parents faced reality with faith. Hebrews 11:23 reports that “by faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” I think that this response of faith, rather than fear, is critical to our ability to mentor and equip the young people around us for crises they may face in their own lives.
2. Second, instead of succumbing to what seemed like an impossible threat, she demonstrated creativity and innovation. Jochebed used what she had—a basket, a river, knowledge of Pharaoh’s daughter’s routine—where she found herself. She chose to seek a solution, rather than see herself as a victim.
3. Third, she involved her children, letting them also see and experience God’s provision. Miriam, as a young teen, was actively engaged in the family story, watching Moses’ basket in the river, and then speaking to Pharaoh's daughter. I can imagine little Aaron helping smear the pitch onto the reeds of the basket, and listening in during those early years of weaning as Jochebed instilled in Moses the truths that would remain with him even when he went to live with Pharaoh’s daughter.
4. Fourth, she saw the bigger picture. Despite the pain of sending her child into the house of her people’s oppressor, she prepared him and his siblings for what God would call them to in the future. She trusted in her God and surrendered to His purposes.

As we live and lead through our own season of crisis, I am encouraged and inspired by the story of Jochebed. I think we have the opportunity today to model for young people around us healthy ways to cope with fear and live by faith. My desire is that my kids remember me being full of faith and hope, seeking creative opportunities, and focusing on productive solutions during this time. I also want this to be a season where we as individuals, as well as a family, find ourselves practicing healthy disciplines and growing spiritually in ways that prepare us to serve others better today and in the future. 

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