Christian Living

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Adversity is not a popular subject, but nonetheless a part of life. It comes in a variety of forms: circumstances, ruined relationships, a result of poor choices, marriage and family issues, jobs, and natural disasters. People want things to go right in their lives. They don't want snags and unexpected detours. Worst of all, they don't welcome things beyond their control. I think sometimes people, especially those in the United States, have become "emotionally spoiled" by expecting everything to always go just the way they want it to.

Let's look at the purposes of adversity. The Bible has much to say about this subject. As we shall see it is the way we mature spiritually and emotionally, if one responds to it properly. It many times will bring us to acknowledging God's place in our lives.

GOD ALLOWS IT FOR GOOD. In the Book of Job we have the story of one of the most righteous men who ever lived, yet God still allowed Satan to buffet him with extreme adversity. It tested his attitudes toward God (Job 2:3-10). James 1:2-4 says it produces endurance, and I Peter 1:6-9 tells us that it is the "proof on one's faith." In the end Job learned some things about himself that needed correction.

GOD ALSO CAUSES IT. Say what? He causes it? You read that correctly. Psalm 71:20 says that God shows us trouble and distress. He creates calamity. (Isaiah 45:7) In Job 23:10 and 14 it states that God has "tried me" and "performs what is appointed for me." God's purpose is always good, though we may not see it right away. Both Job 23:10 and I Peter 1:7 both mention adversity refining our character like gold to the praise and honor of God.

SOMETIMES PEOPLE BRING ADVERSITY UPON THEMSELVES BY MAKING POOR CHOICES AND REJECTING GOD. Get a Bible and read Proverbs 1:24-32.

ADVERSITY WILL RESULT FROM RIGHTEOUS AND GODLY LIVING. II Timothy 3:12, and I Peter 3:14 and 4:14 each reiterate this. We are seeing this right now all over the world as Christians are being persecuted and discriminated against for their faith.

GOD WILL ALSO ALLOW AND CAUSE MUCH SEVERE JUDGMENT AND ADVERSITY IN THE DAYS BEFORE HIS APPEARANCE AND DURING THE TRIBULATION. We are already seeing that. Humanity is going to be judged because of its refusal to acknowledge God.

Adversity may not change one's circumstances or mend relationships, but it can change our character to become more godly and will help us see how God's hand is at work for our ultimate good.

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