Danger or Opportunity?

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone— especially to those in the family of faith.” - Galatians 6:10 
 
 
Mandarin is one of the most popular dialects or families of the Chinese language. In doing some research on Mandarin, I learned that the Chinese use symbols as a means of expressing words. I came across something that I found quite interesting. 
 
I learned that in Mandarin, “wēijī,” meaning “crisis,” is expressed by two symbols, “wēi” meaning danger, and “jī” meaning crucial point (when something begins or changes). Ironically, when people see the word crisis, they also see the opportunity for change or beginning anew. As I reflected on that, I thought that is a good way of looking at those moments in our lives when we are confronted with trials. 
 
Because trials, whatever they are, are nothing more than doors of opportunity to begin again to make us better, to make us stronger, to give us greater clarity, and to lead us to our destiny. All throughout Scripture, we can find examples of biblical characters who faced crisis situations.  
 
However, these were not the only people in these times that faced crises. As humans, we all face crises. It is just a part of life. 
 
The people who are recorded throughout history, whether in the Bible, American history, or world history, those who did great things, turned crisis situations into new opportunities. Two people can see the same situation from the same standpoint and yet view it entirely differently. 
 
The question is, which side will you view it from? Are you in the midst of a crisis situation currently? Is there something in your life that is causing you to view the situation as “danger?” I want to challenge you to find a new, positive perspective in your predicament. Remember, nothing is too big for the God you serve.  
 
It is time to change your perspective and know that with God you are not in danger. Instead, you are beginning a new phase. You are a butterfly leaving the cocoon.