How can there possibly be benefits to a crisis you ask? Because God is all-knowing, and perfect in wisdom every crisis in our lives has a purpose and plan.
The primary purpose that crisis is allowed is because it (somehow) brings God glory.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:16 (NASB)
The Word of God reminds us that even our responses to crisis should glorify God. Frequently, our only desire is for relief from the thing that is plaguing us. That is the wrong goal.
If there has been no previous groundwork laid it is difficult to have a spiritual focus in the midst of a crisis. It is tough even when one does have that foundation to remember that God has a purpose and a plan for crisis entering our lives.
For the Christian, the benefits are very valuable. Both pain and loss have tremendous gain!
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 1 Peter 1:6 (NASB)
When Peter says "If necessary" he means that various kinds of trials are needed. The same idea is found in James 1, when we are told that we will undergo trials of many kinds. Crisis, trials, and suffering are merely tools in the hands of a loving God. God will use each of them to bring about a good end. Our crisis' produce faith in God. When the heat is the hottest and the adversity is the greatest faith grows the strongest and fastest.
...so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:7-8 (NASB)
In the midst of the crisis, your desire to pray will intensify, bringing deeper communion with the Lord. It becomes common place to talk to your Father throughout the day and in every circumstance. Your interest in reading the Word will grow as you search for wisdom and understanding within its pages. Some of the best times of Bible reading and study have come as a result of a crisis taking place. The words will become a balm to your aching soul and broken heart.
You will also grow in your trust of God, as you realize that He is sovereign and has allowed this to come to pass and is in complete control of all the events. To the ungodly, or perhaps even to the immature Christian these truths will possibly rankle their emotions. This is why a mature and spiritual outlook is needed, one grounded in the Word of God and trust in God's character.
The Lord is refining you as gold. Gold "says," put me over the fire and turn up the heat to see if I am the real deal. Rarely does a person ask for trials and crisis, but when it arrives