Crisis – the Chinese meaning, of the word is danger and opportunity.  We see many examples of this in the Scriptures.  Joseph was sold into slavery, thrown into prison for something he did not do.  He faced danger, but God had a plan.  David fled the palace in fear of his life, but God had a plan.  Esther went before the Ding without his permission, which could have cost her life.  She was willing to do this because God had a plan.  Abraham trusted that God had a plan when he was told to sacrifice Isaac.  Ruth followed Naomi into a foriegn land where she gleaned the wheat. but God had a plan.

In the news we hear every day that people are losing their jobs, companies are going out of business, big chain stores are closing etc, but God has a plan.  I know in our concern for our well being and that of our friends and families, we start to worry and can become discouraged and depressed.  These are the times in which we have to trust the Lord with all our heart.  He has a plan and we were born for such a time as this.

I can look back on my own life and see God's hand and His plan for my life unfold.  In 1981 I was injured in a car accident.  I could no longer do the job that I loved and planned on going to next level with so I had to train for another job which eventually led me to management in an insurance company, which gave me the ability to go to Bible College, which led me to other things and eventually counseling.  So I can see the God has a plan. I say has, because He isn't finished with me yet and He isn't finished with you.  Times might be tough; however I'm sure that every day we can thank God for something.  Hold on – God has a plan.  I have heard of many who have said if they didn't lose their job or if this or that didn't happen they would have never met the love of their life, wrote a book or you name it.  Let me encourage you that wherever you are God can and will use you, because He knows the plans He has for us.

Donna Ridge