Adversity

Adversity… To be honest, I feel like I’ve had my fair share.  I’m not one of those people who say, “I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m better for my challenges”.  No, I would give it all away and go back to life before loss or before the trial.  However, I will say that facing loss and tribulations has given me new perspective.  I can now say that I really don’t sweat the small stuff.

Don’t get me wrong.  I often cry out to God, “Enough already! Isn’t it someone else’s turn”.  Adversity has certainly challenged my faith.  One thing I know, God never leaves my alone during these challenges.

Why then does God place adversity in our lives?  Well, partly because we live in a world filled with sin and selfishness.  Sometimes the adversity we face is our own fault.  We put ourselves in difficult situations because of the poor choices we make.  Our selfish, greedy, unforgiving nature sometimes lands us in difficult circumstances.  Choices like spending beyond our means, drug and alcohol abuse, lying and cheating are all self serving behaviors that often end in heartache.

Sometimes though, the adversity we face is not a result of our choices. It’s just the way life plays out.  Especially when it comes to loss or the evil doings of others.  Many survivors of such tragedy or loss ask themselves, “What did I do wrong?  Is God punishing me? Did I cause this?” NO! We do, however, live in a broken sin filled world and God allows us to live through challenges to bring glory and honor to him.

In the face of adversity, my faith is increased and my resolve is strengthened.  Just this week my dear friend Lisa Butler reminded me of this verse.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produce perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2-4

When faced with adversity I have to remind myself that this life is not about me; it’s a precursor to eternity.  This life is about furthering the Kingdom of God.  How I handle the adversity God places in my life will either bring glory and honor to him and show others Christ OR it will bring disgrace and turn people away from Him.

I choose to praise and honor God through my adversity.  This is a daily choice that is never easy.  I continue to face adversity of all sorts.  Particular recent challenges require me to continually ask God for direction about when to move and when to be still.  It is sometimes hard to know when God wants you to stand up to evil or when he wants you to wait on him to move.  You can only know the answer when you are in daily communion with Him.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

If you are in the midst of adversity, fall to you knees, pray and wait on God.  He will give you direction, wisdom and peace.

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