Valuing Adversity

As children of God, we need not fear experiencing times of difficulty. This is true even if God should choose to judge our nation for its waywardness. While nobody wants to experience difficulties, it is often during times of trial and tribulation that the gospel is best spread (Acts 8:1–4). Moreover, God uses adversity to focus, to redirect, and to strengthen His people. This is why James encourages us, “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2–3).

Pressure is a necessary component of conforming, and we are being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29, ESV). The pressure of difficulty aids in molding our character and attitudes into the likeness of Jesus. This is why the apostle Paul can say, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Rom. 5:3–5).

Sometimes this process of conformity involves purging sin, and at other times it involves strengthening character and resolve. According to the Institute for Basic Life Principles, God uses adversity to:

Expose pride (Prov. 11:2; 29:23)
Motivate us to cry out to God (Psa. 34:17; 2 Chron. 7:13–14)
Purify our faith and develop patience (James 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:6–7)
Strengthen our hatred for sin because when we experience the damaging effects of sin, our hatred for evil increases (Gal. 6:7–8)
Cause us to desire more of Jesus Christ’s power in our lives because troubles reveal that, in our own strength, we are unable to consistently live in a way that honors God (Php. 3:8–10)

Moreover, adversity encourages repentance when necessary. It reminds us that God is always present and that we are accountable to Him for our every thought, word, and deed. The Bible reveals that fear of the Lord is the key to life, wisdom, and lasting achievement (Prov. 9:10; 14:27; 22:4). If we lose our awareness of God and begin to think and act as if He does not exist, He may allow painful reminders of our need for Him. It is better if we experience the temporary discomfort of God’s corrective discipline than suffer the destruction that inevitably results from setting our will and desires against those of God (Heb. 12:5–11).

Regardless of our circumstances, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Rom. 8:28). Becoming God’s cultural influencers involves internalizing this truth so that we can value adversity, embracing difficulty with joyful hearts.

This article comes from Heart of a Forerunner: How to Be a Relevant and Influential Voice in a Wayward Nation