Contending with Adversity

Let's face it, nobody enjoys going through times of difficulties. But as much as we hate it, it is necessary for the building of our character and spiritual development in our walk with Christ. James even goes so far as to say that we should face trials with an assured joy. Why, you might ask? Well, this is what James says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, NASB).

Adversities in life are the tools God chooses to use in building and maturing our character. It may even at times appear that such difficult circumstances have gained the victory over our bruised and battered lives. How can joy be found in such brokenness and defeat?  We may wonder what can possibly be gained from such hardships? Friend, look again. Try to learn from the experience by looking away from what seems tragic and learn to focus instead on triumphing through it! Do not complain over what seems to be the loss, but smile at the infinite possibilities of what can be gained from such sufferings!

For every thorn that causes you to bleed, there is the beauty of the rose; for every fire that consumes a forest in part, there is always the first green signs of life poking up through the ashes of death; for every raging storm of doubt, there is the sunshine of hope; for every dark valley of despair, there is the mountain top of victorious joy! For whatever trial we face in life, the Lord Jesus Christ is more than sufficient to meet our need: "No temptation has overtaken you such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13, NASB).

Living life for Christ is about loving to live, even in the midst of deep turmoil (see Luke 14:26-33; 9:23 cf. Mark 8:34; Matt. 10:37-39;16:24-26). For therein is found the secret to true strength of character! Having the Lord Jesus Christ in our life makes contending with adversity worth it.