The Blessings of Adversity, Pt. 5

How could adversity be a blessing? Is there any way God could actually bless me while I am in this current battle? The key is to meditate on the Word of God.

The Blessings of Adversity, Pt. 5

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

(1 Peter 5:7)

How could adversity be a blessing? Is there any way God could actually bless me while I am in this current battle? The key is to meditate on the Word of God. You and I can be content no matter our circumstances. Some of you are needing things to improve quickly. You are trusting God for a miracle. God's grace is sufficient for you, no matter what. In your current condition of weakness, you are actually strong. You know that Christ is all you have and need, and in this, you take comfort and joy.

I appreciate Pastor Stanley's nine truths from the life of the Apostle Paul. He suffered perhaps more than anyone (except Christ) yet did not become bitter or walk away from his relationship with Jesus. He learned many things and lived sold-out to Christ. His example gives Christians in every generation a stellar example we can emulate.

How did Paul experience contentment amid his adversity?

He learned that God valued his service more than his desires. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, he writes, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." God knows what it takes to bring us into a powerful relationship with Him. Pastor Stanley said God will overlook our desires in order to equip us to serve Him. God used suffering in Paul's life to overcome his pride. God is committed to conforming us into the image of Christ. It is painful at times as we let go of our desires and deepen our love and service to Christ. This is another reason why adversity can be called a blessing.
Paul learned that God was strengthening his relationship with his followers. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul writes, "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." God can use your current trial and suffering to strengthen the faith of those who are watching you walk this hard path.
Paul learned that adversity makes him a better comforter to others. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul says that God comforts us so "that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." You can only comfort others if you have been hurt and healed by God. We become most effective when we hurt the most.
Paul learned God has specific reasons for the adversity. For Paul, even his thorn in the flesh had a purpose behind it, as we read earlier. If God has a purpose for everything, if He allows it in our life, then there is a reason. We may not be able to see it at the time, but God is working it all out for His glory and our good. God causes all things to work for the good (Romans 8:28).
Paul learned he could rejoice in the midst of the adversity. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Paul is rejoicing while in jail! Instead of having a pity party and trying to break out of jail, Paul relied on the Lord in his suffering. He saw adversity for what it could be: not a burden to be endured but a bridge to transport him to a deeper love and knowledge of Christ.

How are you responding to adversity? The Lord allows adversity to make us who we need to be. We can rebel or surrender. For followers of Jesus, God will use hard times in our lives to shape us to be who He wants us to be so He can use us powerfully in the lives of others.