Adversityਨਮੂਨਾ

It’s no secret that the Bible is chock-full of adversity. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, one thing is for sure: those who live for God will undoubtedly suffer in this life. Will those who don’t follow God’s Will in their life also suffer? Absolutely. But who do they turn to when things get hard? Their friends, family, or colleagues? Sure. But their sources of comfort are just as weak and incapable as they are. They’re susceptible to the same sin we all struggle with in this fallen world and can really only provide temporary resources or moral support. Our source of comfort MUST be God and His Son, who He specifically sent to suffer for our sake.

This world is broken; therefore, we will all experience adversity at some point. We can do everything “right” and still experience low points in life. But does this mean adversity has to be a topic of doom and gloom? Most certainly not. Adversity, as many of you have experienced, brings you out the other side a better person. That is, if you allow God to work in your life during the difficult times.

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

Many top-tier units in the military and first responder fields go through a selection process as they vet applicants. These selection processes are generally quite long and assess the “Whole Man” during their programs. There are many reasons for this. The main reason is that they are assessing whether the applicants fit their mold and can operate as desired in austere and unpredictable environments. For any of you who have experienced these types of selection processes, you can probably agree that you came out the other end a better individual in one way or another. God does the same. He needs to ensure those living to serve His mission can steward their tasks appropriately. In the next installment of this plan, we will discuss King David, who was a perfect example of being groomed for serving God in a significant capacity.

Adversity is key to learning to live a life of dying to self and refocusing the suffering you’re going through to prioritizing others over yourself. When things are looking bleak, remember these words - “Things could ALWAYS be worse.” You’re alive and breathing. God is still present and still using you, so long as you allow Him to.

Thank God today for the blessing of life. Pray that He will strengthen you and help you become the person He desires you to be through the inevitable adversity you will face.