By: Jasmyne McDonald

Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance.

Raise your hand if you are stressed out. I don't have to look in each room to see that most of us are stressed out. Me too. My car broke down this morning. I'm failing my Calculus class. My mother is being overbearing and having separation anxiety. I wish I wouldn't keep getting these acne breakouts. I am going to be at school until 9:00 tonight. I hate my job because it doesn't pay enough. I could go on but I don't want to sound like I am complaining. Sound familiar? Maybe you hear those complaints from everyone around you or you recognize those problems in your own life. In truth, we all have those days when everything seems to be going wrong. Mr. Mark Korntheuer once shared something someone had once told him, “You are either beginning a crisis, in the middle of a crisis, or just getting over a crisis.” When he said that, I began to examine this cycle in my life and it never failed to ring true. No matter how big or minuscule my crisis happened to be, my life continually followed this cycle.

In evaluating my crises I thought about each one objectively and even started to think I should be thankful through times of hardship. Sure, now you are questioning my sanity; why be thankful in times of crisis? God said He would never put me through more than I can bear. I am thankful to have a God who would never let me endure hardship He didn't think I could handle. I'm thankful for God using crises to as learning experiences. The next time, something similar happens I will know how to respond. In addition, I can help out another member of Christ's body when they are going through a relatable crisis. The most important lesson with every trial is learning to rely more on God and strengthening relationships with Him. I'm thankful that God has provided me with so many people to share in my crisis with, such as my church family, my biological family, my work family, and my Walther family. I'm sure by now you are familiar with this year's verse in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, one body with many members. If one part of the body is hurting, it is the responsibility of the other members to aid that part. Yet, I am most thankful because when I complain, God always listens to my cries, and delivers me.

So next time your stress level is skyrocketing and your crises are becoming overwhelming remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus.” Even through crisis, because not only are they a part of life, but also as Christians we are blessed to have God working in our favor.

Dear God,

Thank you for my crisis. You have always surrounded me with people who support me through my crisis, you are patient when I complain and don't follow your Word, taught me through my times of trouble, and in the end delivered me. Thank you for using the small, daily trials that prepare me when the tougher ones come along. Please continue to guide me and give me clarity through whatever obstacles I may encounter. Work through me to help others when they need aid during their hardships.