The phrase “Never let a good crisis go to waste” is often attributed to Winston Churchill, believed to have been spoken during World War II, possibly around the time of the United Nations’ formation. It reflects his recognition that crises, while challenging, can also present opportunities for growth, reflection, and change. However, the exact context of the quote remains unclear. What is clear, though, is that life is filled with crises—some of them seem good, others not so much.

The question arises: how does one turn a crisis into something more than just a painful event? Is there truth in the saying that “necessity is the mother of invention”? And does it really take a crisis to spark the kind of action that leads to meaningful transformation?

Some crises are more transformative than others.

Scripture, for all its depth, offers raw, unfiltered accounts of people in crisis and their responses. One of the most powerful examples is the story of Daniel, a man who knew his fair share of hardship. The first and most significant crisis in his life came when he, along with others, was taken captive by a foreign empire. While the prevailing culture and laws seemed to push him toward assimilation, Daniel refused to compromise. He didn’t conform. He stayed true to his identity and his faith in God. In a moment where most might have seen conformity as the only way forward, Daniel (like Indy did in “Indian Jones and the Last Crusade”)  chose wisely. His decision was grounded in his unwavering foundation—a foundation that defined who he was and whose he was.

In every crisis that followed, Daniel responded with the same God-centered resolve, whether he was facing threats, temptation, or the shifting tides of power. Each crisis was unique, but the way he handled it never changed.

It’s safe to say that the state of the world today could certainly be described as a crisis. Much like a game of whack-a-mole, once one issue is dealt with, another pops up. As Scripture also reminds us, crises will only intensify as time moves on. They will be more frequent and more severe.

In light of this, perhaps what we need most isn’t a way to avoid or eliminate crises, but rather a way to face them with the same steadiness and faith that Daniel demonstrated. The real question isn’t whether we can escape crises—it’s how we choose to navigate them. As the old hymn says, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

Yep, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”—because with each crisis, there’s potential for growth, reflection and deeper faith.

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Pastor Mark

Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.