When we find ourselves going through tough or scary times, we may not realize it, but we are actually being handed a very special gift. If we were allowed to continue sailing smoothly through this earthly life, we might never realize how much we truly need Christ with us in each instant. The more time we spend in this easy-going state, the more comfortable we are with where we stand. We soon forget to search for the Lord as the deer pants for water. Acute desire is essential to our salvation. If we do not know that we need God, we will never seek Him with enough enthusiasm that brings the intimate ties that bind us to Him. So, when life begins to frighten us with dark and stormy clouds, let us embrace our chance to run to our Savior and get as close to Him as we can!

When God allows us to go through crises, it brings us closer to Him.  Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby (Experiencing God Day By Day)