God Is Still Present
A conversation between Ryan Crawford (guest) and Devaughn Williamson (host).
The year 2005 was a pivotal year for Ryan and his family. Growing up in New Orleans, the Crawfords were used to hurricane-type weather, losing power, and hunkering down while storms passed through. Hurricane Katrina came quickly and brought devastation to the Crawford’s home state. Ryan recalls being woken up by his dad on a Sunday morning around 4am and hitting the road with his family to wait out the storm in a safer space. They didn’t know until days later that Hurricane Katrina had completely ravaged their neighborhood and destroyed their home.
This national disaster marked a turning point for the Crawford family. God used this difficult and tumultuous season to grow their collective faith and ultimately plant them in Oklahoma. Ryan reflects on this transitive season as one that really did have joy in it, as God continued to provide for his family in their place of need. This season of struggle enriched Ryan’s faith and produced patience and perseverance as He learned more about God’s identity and his own.
Ryan knows that the Enemy doesn’t want us to take stock of what God has done and is doing for us. In seasons of waiting and in seasons of trial, he encourages listeners to take stock of what God has not and who He is. It’s easy to narrow in and focus on what we want or on the trial we are experiencing. As Ryan points out, the wiser choice is to broaden our perspective and seek to understand who God is as the Creator. He is always in control! He loves His children. Listeners are encouraged to tell our problems how big GOD is instead of the other way around.
Throughout his life, Ryan has learned the importance of humility. Humility is not a show of weakness but is instead a recognition of God's greatness. Humility isn't about downplaying your abilities but acknowledging your place in comparison to God's. It's about serving others, trusting in God's provision, and then finding strength in moments of weakness. He encourages listeners to find opportunities to engage in humility through service of God and His people. Take it, and run with it.
