The Blessings of Adversity, Pt. 1

This week, we will be observing the various blessings that come to us when we are walking through adversity.

The Blessings of Adversity, Pt. 1

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

(James 1:2-4)

This week, we will be observing the various blessings that come to us when we are walking through adversity. Some of you may read that and say, "Well, you lost me there! What possible good could ever come from difficult times?!" There is much we can learn during those dry and hard seasons of the soul. If we trust God and do not give up, we will see many positive blessings come to us. In Dr. Charles Stanley's "30 Life Principles" series which he preached at the FBC Atlanta, GA, he called Life Principle #26: "Burden or Bridge: Adversity Is a Bridge to a Deeper Relationship with God."

I have walked through an exhilarating and, at times, very hard path over the last 3.5 years as the lead pastor of our church here in Austin, TX. God has been guiding us to make some radical changes, and as you probably know, change is never easy. I know it is not easy for me, as I like my routine and daily schedule. The massive undertaking is the sale of our church property so we can build out new smaller church facilities with a vision to build even more in the years ahead. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done in ministry. I love our people, and they have been very gracious and patient with me as I seek to lead us to where God is taking us. I can assure you that they do not teach a course in seminary on how to sell your church property! Perhaps they should. There are many churches like us. The church was built for thousands of people, and when you do not have thousands, you cannot pay for the facilities. Even though our church is debt free, our bills to keep the church functioning are astronomical. But God. He has a wonderful plan.

The greatest lessons are the ones learned in adversity. I have a deeper empathy for those who are struggling, especially pastors. So many pastors are faithfully serving God and have little results or fruit to show for their labor. I met a man at Torchy's Tacos in Liberty Hill, and he was wearing a DBU t-shirt, so I struck up a conversation with him. It was really neat as we talked about our kids and how much they enjoyed attending DBU. Our two sons graduated from Dallas Baptist University and played on the tennis team. This guy loves the Lord and feels a call to ministry. He left his home (in NY, I think he said) and moved to TX to pursue theological education and ministry. But today he is working as a construction manager for a company, and you could tell that is not what he is longing to do. Being on this path of adversity made me more compassionate for him and what he is going through.

There are hurting people everywhere, and if we slow down and talk to them, it is amazing how God can use us for His glory and their good. God will not waste any hardship in your life. He can redeem it and grow us so that we can be used more effectively for Him. Spiritual growth happens best in the school of adversity.