Restoring Your Soul - Living a Limitless LifeSample

Seeing the Opportunity in Trials

A powerful paradox. Two characters represent the word “crisis” in its original Chinese context, placed one on top of the other. The top word means “danger,” and the bottom means “opportunity".

What a vivid mental image the combination of those two words creates! Every crisis indeed provides aspects of danger and unknowns to challenge our mental and emotional health. It is also true that every potential setback presents an opportunity for change, growth, and possible improvements in our lives.

When we experience critical circumstances, we spiral downward until we accept the situation. At that point, we’ll hit rock bottom and begin to climb back out of the emotional pit. As we rise, we will either emerge functioning at a higher level or a lower level than when we encountered the challenge. We will never emerge thinking, feeling, and acting exactly the same way as when the crisis occurred.

Choosing to think appropriately and see the “opportunities” or possibilities that can arise when faced with life’s unfair challenges will put us on an entirely different path in navigating the situation than if we only focus on the aspect of “danger.”

A line in recording artist Tauren Wells’s song says, “Giving in to feelings is like driving in shadows.” Although there are legitimate times to connect to our feelings, accurate thinking when facing a crucial point in our lives also provides a door of escape from being carried away in unnecessary emotion. We can think from God's perspective, even in the most difficult or critical circumstances.

Much of how we navigate a crisis depends on what we focus on. If our unrestored soul chooses to focus on all the negative aspects of what we’re facing, we will find ourselves in a pit of despair. If, however, we think the way God wants us to in those situations, we can see the possibilities that could arise from the ashes of the circumstances.

At the very least, crises can help us develop endurance and maturity. Trials bring character and hope. Crisis refines faith like gold in fire. What seems impossible can become an opportunity for God to act behind the scenes and in ways that we would never think possible.

I Invite You to Ask Yourself:

1. What part of this situation is within my control, and what do I need to surrender to God?
2. How might this crisis become an opportunity for growth, healing, or deeper faith?
3. How might God be inviting me to exchange anxiety for His peace?
4. In what ways has God been faithful to me in past hardships, and what might He be wanting me to see right now?

I Invite you to Pray:

God, I thank You that You never leave me or forsake me. Because of that, I know that I am never alone, regardless of any difficult circumstances I may face. I know that you want me to approach life's challenges and crises from a mindset of opportunity. Could you please help me to see the possibilities of what I can learn and how You can work behind the scenes in any situation that feels overwhelming to me? I know You are faithful, and I know that You want me to renew my mind and live with hope in the middle of every difficulty I face. Thank you for partnering with me to continue leading me and giving me peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen