The Blessings In Adversity
The Blessings In Adversity
Blessings in adversity? In calamity? In affliction? In Distress?
Yes.
First off, God makes (not can make but does make) all things work together for our good if we love Him, as a Christian does. (Romans 8:28)
What some people forget is the definition of good in God’s eyes. It’s right there in the very next verse.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom. 8:29 KJV
Our very best good in God’s opinion is to be conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. That “conforming” does not always feel good to our flesh.
But if you take a minute to think about it, isn’t that what your spirit really wants the most of all—-to be like Jesus? I know I do.
Adversity Helps To Conform Us To The Image Of Christ
So adversity makes us more conformed into the image of Christ. I would call that a blessing.
Adversity and all sorts of struggles make us stronger. Whatever does not destroy us makes us stronger. If you are still alive and breathing then you haven’t been destroyed yet.
If you take an honest look at your past I’m sure that you will see where your hard times, struggles, and pain have made you a stronger and better person.
Many places in nature illustrate this principle–the chick hatching out of the egg, the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, animals having to run and work hard to get their food, gravity on our body, birds and airplanes need resistance in order to fly.
Adversity Makes Us Stronger
So going through struggles and adversity makes us stronger. I would call that a blessing.
Paul talks about this subject in Second Corinthians, also.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9 KJV
Here, Scripture is telling us that we are stronger in the power of Christ when we are weak in our infirmities. The next verse gives us some important information, too.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Cor. 12:10 KJV
This verse clarifies a little bit what Paul meant by infirmities. It includes reproaches, necessities, persecutions, distresses.
A Biblical Response To Adversity
These two verses give us the proper response to adversity– to glory in them and to take pleasure in them. One way to put it, would be to say that we are to respond with gratitude and not complaint. If we truly believe that adversities bring blessings then it will be much easier to be thankful and not bitter.
What adversities in your life have been you a better and stronger person? Share in the comments below.