Lessons from Adversity (Part Four)

He leads me …

We have been looking at what Charles Stanley has to say about the benefits of adversity based on what we see about Paul throughout the New Testament. This time we look at another way that we are better off, after which some personal comments will be added.

12 LESSONS FROM ADVERSITY - Growing Closer to God Through Trials and Troubles[1]

Through tribulation and difficulty, Paul learned:

1. Even in his adversity, God would strengthen his message. Because Paul was imprisoned, the entire Roman guard heard the gospel (Phil. 1:13-15). The more adversity we face, the more effective our message will be to others. We have our greatest impact when people watch us go through pain and suffering with our faith intact.

Adversity in our lives is used by God to make us more Christ-like. What does this mean?

·      James 1:2-4 tells us that when the way is rough, our patience has a chance to grow. And when our patience is finally in full bloom, then we will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. (TLB)

·      Psalm 34:19 tells us that the righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (NLT)

·       Psalm 118:5-6 tells us that out of our distress we can call on the Lord. He will answer and set us free. The Lord is on our side. We will not fear. What can mere man do to us? (AMP)

·      Romans 5:3-5 tells us that when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (TLB)

·       2 Corinthians 1:3b-4 tells us that God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.(NLT)

·      1 Peter 1:7 tells us that trials will show that our faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though our faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when our faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring us much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.(NLT)

·      James 1:12 tells us that after patiently enduring testing and temptation, those believers will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (NLT)

As we read through these verses it is interesting to see different virtues emerging. But first, what is a virtue? The Oxford dictionary defines virtue as - behaviour showing high moral standards.

The main one that we see in the verses above is patience. With patience we will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. We also see that patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.

When we go through trials we also see that the Lord comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Through trials people will see that our faith is genuine. When our hope and faith are strong and steady, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us. We feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

And it is not just about what happens in this life. After patiently enduring testing and temptation, believers will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

The Christian’s life journey is far from boring with all of its good and bad times, but when we see God’s plan for our life we can see that He knows what He is doing and we will end up being considerably better off than when we started.

[1] https://www.intouch.org/Read/Blog/12-lessons-from-adveristy