We've all experienced adversity in our lives at one time or another. Many times we bring adversity upon ourselves through our own actions, and sometimes it is caused by others. Our adverse times may be long or short, but regardless of the length of our trials, they hit us hard and fast.
The late British journalist and satirist, Malcolm Muggeridge, said this about adversity, "Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.
Consider the times in your personal life when adversity, in one form or another, had you against the ropes. To whom did you turn to for comfort and support? Friends? Co-workers? Family? Of course, these are all good sources of consolation during times of difficulty and hardship, and are, no doubt, our first choice in many cases.
But, were you aware that adversity applies to our religious life, as well? Ecclesiastes 7:14 mentions adversity in regards to the good and bad times in our lives. Proverbs 24:10 refers to our strength, or weakness, in handling adversity. Job reprimands his wife in Job 2:10 after she blames God for his suffering and adversity.
As bad as adversity may be (after all no one looks forward to facing adversity) it does produce some good outcomes in our relationship with God. Believe it, or not, there's nothing like adversity to test the legitimacy, or authenticity of our religious life. I can personally attest to this, as I'm sure that many of you can, too.
It (adversity) can have an interesting effect on us; in that it can actually improve the quality of our religious life. After weathering a storm in our life, knowing that our faith in God sustained us along the way, we can confidently say that "I am better in so many ways for going through it." It gives us a fresh, new outlook on our sometimes wavering belief.
Adversity also makes our religious life more: thoughtful, vigorous or potent, intense and prayerful, rounded and complete, tender and sympathetic. Naturally, this list is by no means complete, as I am sure that you could easily add to it! In addition, it can promote the durability and growth of our religious lives. Think of how pruning a tree promotes stronger, hardier new growth!
Perhaps the most powerful benefit that can be derived from adversity, is that it enables us to better able endure, or withstand hardship and difficulty. Each of us, in our unrefined state, cannot fully appreciate the fullness of knowing God. Only passing through the tempering fires of adversity prepares us to accept and be thankful for his mercy and grace (Isaiah 43:2).
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 1 Peter 5:10; Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer: Holy Father, in times of trouble, as well as in times of prosperity, I will always place my trust and faith in You. May Your strength and loving had guide me through whatever may occur; and may my relationship with you be greatly increased and intensified. In Your name I pray. Amen
May your day be blessed!
Charlene
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