Crisis

Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.   Genesis 50:20 (The Message)

Wei-Ji is the transliteration of the Chinese word for “crisis.” It is composed of two words; Wei meaning “danger” and Ji meaning “opportunity”—hence the saying “Every crisis is an opportunity!” (Excerpted from Oxford University Press journal)

Never waste a good crisis. (Winston Churchill)

For many years I instructed caregivers at my church, a group called “Lay Pastors”. They did the pastoral work of the church with hospital visits, home visits, phone calls, counseling in the prayer room, leading support groups, etc. It was a wonderful, dedicated group that did great work.

One of the lessons that we taught was about Crisis Management. One of the metaphors that we took from the Stephen Ministry Manual was a picture of a triangle. When the triangle rests on its base, it is stable- in fact, it is the most stable engineering shape. However, when a crisis happens, it is like the triangle is tipped on its point. It is very unstable, and inevitably will fall on one side or another to regain stability. The crisis, while upsetting and fraught with possible danger to our security, will eventually resolve. But which way will the triangle tip?

This is the point of opportunity. When the crisis resolves- the triangle flops on one side or another. Here is where we have some input. Based upon our reaction to the crisis, and the decisions we make, we can fall into a chronic depressive or hopeless state, or we can have a new beginning- a new way to solve problems or perhaps see the world.

So, while we try to avoid crises, naturally, there is also opportunity for new growth. Forest fires, for example can bee seen as a crisis. However, they are necessary for the renewal of the forest. Under most circumstances, the fire can cause a good outcome.

So, my friends, a crisis is an opportunity if we can find ways to manage it well.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those readers in crisis, that they may find an opportunity in the resolution, Amen