When we’re in a difficult season, the hard gets old...
We tire of dealing with crisis after crisis. Life can feel like transition after transition, with each new day holding more change and uncertainty. Certain seasons of life can feel like we’re fending off one blow after another. As a result of these hard times, we may become gun shy of good news (thinking it won’t last) and start expecting bad news. We might begin to fear the future because we expect the adversity will never end.
Yet, the Scriptures once again give us a full picture of adversity.
In James 1, the half-brother of Jesus says that adversity is the way to what we want: “Dear brothers and sisters, 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.”
In adversity, we can run from God or we can turn to God. Paul tells us in Philippians 4, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
While we might not like the idea of experiencing adversity, it certainly keeps us from becoming full of pride.
In 1 Peter 5:5-7, the Apostle Peter warns us against the danger of pride and calls us to humility. Adversity can keep us on our knees and dependent, while prosperity often leads to pride and destruction. Abundance isn’t the enemy (John 10:10 promises us abundance), but what we do with it can be self-destructive.
Fight Adversity with Truth
So the next time you encounter adversity, pause for a moment and consider what you’re experiencing. Ask, “Am I getting the full picture here?” Filter your situation through the truth of Scripture. As Jesus said, “then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
Scott Savage is a pastor and a writer. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona. Scott is married to Dani and they are the parents of three “little savages.” He is the creator of the Free to Forgive Course and you can read more of his writing at scottsavagelive.com.
