Adversity

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him." (Ecclesiastes 7: 14)

It has been said - "without warning, adversity strikes.” Adversity rarely announces its arrival. The deeper question becomes not if and when will adversity strike, but how do we cope and deal with it when it comes?

Adversity reveals our weaknesses and our strengths. "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." (Proverbs 24: 10)

Adversity gets our attention. There is always a divine purpose for adversity. As Christians, especially, we can be assured that any suffering or disappointment has a purpose.

Adversity is God's way of building godly, spiritual character into our lives. Until we experience heartache, disappointment, and pain, we are not properly equipped for service.

The varied trials and tribulations that we face in life can become paths to a closer fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, avenues to greater victory and success with God in our lives. Our response to adversity reveals our true view of God, uncloking hypocrisy.

Thankfully, with adversity comes also opportunity for spiritual growth. Paul learned something in adversity about learning to lean on the power of God, not on himself, coming to know more intimately the "resurrection power" of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3: 10)

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (II Corinthians 12: 7-10)

Many times, however, adversity comes into our lives as a result of personal sin. How precious are our real friends and family at such times! "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) They will help us endure it, to repent and turn from our sins, will help us to learn from it.

We can either be destroyed by our adversity or edified by it. It is a truly a glorious promise of God that says - "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction," yet he will continue to be with them to supply them with needed comfort and consolation. (Isaiah 30: 20)

It is also a solemn exhortation for us to keep these words always in mind:

"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." (Hebrews 13: 3)

Having suffered great adversity, we are in a better position to counsel and help others who likewise are in adversity. We can sympathize too in ways we could not without our own personal adversity.

What affect is adversity having on you? Are you being bettered by it, or being destroyed by it? God promises mercy to all who "eat the bread of adversity." Are you rejecting his offers of mercy? Are your adversities the result of personal sin or times of testing sent by the Lord to purify you?