The Chinese word for “crisis” is 危机 (wēijī). It’s made up of two characters:
- 危 (wēi): danger, risk, peril, or obstacle.
- 机 (jī): turning point, crucial moment, or opportunity.
When you put them together, a “crisis” is viewed as more than just a moment of peril or trouble — it’s an important moment of opportunity. It’s a turning point that can either push us toward despair or help us walk through the door of God’s greater plan.
The Bible is full of stories where God’s people faced moments of crisis. To human eyes, those moments looked like nothing but danger and despair. Yet, in God’s hands, they became opportunities for deliverance, growth, and great victory.
1. Joseph in the pit: Joseph’s life was marked by crisis. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned — every step looked like danger without hope. But God was weaving His plan. Years later, Joseph could say:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20
The danger Joseph faced was real, but it became the very pathway for God to position him to preserve nations during famine.
2. Moses at the Red Sea: The Israelites stood trapped: The Red Sea before them, Pharaoh’s army behind them. Panic spread, but Moses declared:
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.” Exodus 14:13
God turned their crisis into a miracle. The waters parted, and what seemed like certain death became the stage for God’s glorious deliverance.
3. Daniel in the lions’ den: Daniel’s crisis came from faithfulness. Because he refused to stop praying, he was thrown into the lions’ den — a place of certain death. Yet, in that place, God revealed His power:
“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him.” Daniel 6:22
Daniel’s crisis wasn’t just about physical survival — it became a testimony to an entire empire that Daniel’s God was the living God.
4. Jesus at the cross: The greatest crisis in human history came at the cross. To the disciples, the death of Jesus seemed like the ultimate defeat. Yet, God turned that very moment into the greatest opportunity for ALL of humanity:
“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” Acts 2:23–24
The cross looked like failure, but it was the point of salvation for the world.
When we know God for Who He says He is, we WILL approach crises as an opportunity.
It’s God’s presence that gives us His perspective about crises. He:
- Exposes our weakness and displays His strength: Crisis strips away our illusions of control. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient; but rather, we must be poor in spirit:
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
When we are weak, He is strong.
- Tests and refines our faith: Trials are not meaningless:
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6–7
Crisis is the fire that tests our faith and proves to us and others that it exists.
- Draws us closer to Himself: David knew what it was to face a crisis. He was hunted by Saul, betrayed, and surrounded by enemies. Yet, his cry was toward God:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Psalm 46:1–2
Crisis draws us into the refuge of God’s presence.
- Constantly reveals His Divine purpose to give perspective to our crises. Paul often faced crises—beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. Yet with God’s perspective dominating his life, he could say:
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.” Philippians 1:12
Each tragedy can become an opportunity to glorify God and spread the Gospel.
My friend, when we face a crisis, we tend to focus on the 危 (danger). That’s natural — danger is frightening, and crisis feels overwhelming. But in Christ, every crisis also holds a 机 (turning point).
Danger says: “You’re trapped.” Opportunity in Christ says: “God, I’m going to watch You make a way.”
Danger says: “You’ve already failed.” Opportunity in Christ says: “Lord, this is where You work evil against itself into victory for Your glory.”
Danger says: “It’s over.” Opportunity in Christ says: “In Christ, no one can separate me from You—not even death.”
Paul reminds us:
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20–21
Reflection Questions:
- Identify a crisis in your life right now that feels like nothing but hopelessness, misery, trouble, or ruin.
- If you have read about God’s perspective or listened to the podcast on it, identify His perspective on this particular crisis in order to turn it into a great opportunity.
Prayer
“Father, You see the crises in my life more clearly than I do. I know You can turn danger, misery, or trouble into a great opportunity. Forgive me for my fear and unbelief. Teach me to have Your perspective. Help me to be faithful to study Your Word, listen to Your Spirit, and engage in a community of believers to strengthen my faith in You. Help me to trust that You are at work for my good and Your glory, even when the situation seems impossible. Teach me to walk by faith, not by sight, and to see every crisis as an opportunity to draw closer to You. Thank You, Jesus, for setting the standard and turning the greatest crisis of the cross into the greatest victory of salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”
