When God Doesn't Make SenseNäide

Day 9: The Adversity Principle

As strange as it seems, habitual well-being is not advantageous to a species. An existence without challenge takes its toll on virtually every living thing. Just look at the flabby animals in a zoo, for example. Food is delivered to them every day, and they need do nothing but lie around and yawn. Or consider a tree planted in a rainforest. Because water is readily available, it does not have to extend its root system more than a few feet below the surface. Consequently, it is often poorly anchored and can be toppled by a minor windstorm. But a mesquite tree planted in a hostile and arid land must send its roots down 30 feet or more in search of water. Not even a gale can blow it over. Its unfriendly habitat actually contributes to stability and vigor. This is also relevant to the human family.

A person faced with extreme hardship must press himself to get tougher. An individual in crisis will either grow stronger or become demoralized. Within certain limits, of course, adversity can have a positive effect on people by helping to build character. For Christians, Scripture says it develops and enhances that precious characteristic called faith. Could it be that our heavenly Father permits His children to struggle in order to keep us strong? I firmly believe that to be true.

This is precisely what James told the Jewish-Christians in the first century: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). Paul echoed that theme in his letter to the Romans: "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). From these Scriptures and many others, it should be obvious that the Christian life was never intended to be a stroll through a rose garden. That idyllic existence ended when Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden of Eden. Since then, life has been a challenge for us all. I'll bet you already knew that.

Just Between You and God

• Too often, when God’s people experience adversity, it’s easy to believe He had nothing to do with the trial. We think, “How could God let this happen?,” as if He was just standing by, observing. We rarely consider that maybe our circumstances are the will of God to strengthen our faith. Have you considered that He might be using your hardship to help you trust Him more?
• The next time you see a mature Christian who seems to be wise and at peace with his/her life, ask that person how much adversity he/she has experienced. You might be surprised to hear the answer. It’s likely that individual’s faith was strengthened through extreme difficulties.

Pray These Words

Heavenly Father, my situation feels overwhelming. Please open my eyes to see You working in my life and through my trial. I know that nothing happens by accident. You orchestrate every day of my life to fulfill Your purposes and strengthen my faith. Help me to trust You more and sense Your invisible presence. Amen.

Related Resource:

Life should be easy if you’re a Christian, right? That’s just what Satan wants you to believe. He tries to convince you to turn away from Jesus when hard times hit, and to feel discouraged. Brenen and Morgan Beeler want you to learn “The Adversity Principle” and teach it to your kids. In this video, they show how this important teaching from Scripture can make your faith stronger, your empathy deeper, and your character richer.