Regardless to what you may have heard, Christianity doesn’t negate the presence of adversity.
Google defines adversity as difficulty or misfortune. All of us have and will face adversity; and all of us cam admit, it’s never easy.
Truth is, adversity is an awesome teacher.
Psalm 4:7 reminds us of this, "Wisdom (knowledge of right and wrong based on God’s perspective) is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding (knowing how to proceed with the knowledge God gives)".
Adversity teaches us about us and others. Difficulty provides revelation of who we can trust and who we can’t trust—even when that person is us. Misfortune provides lessons for future benefit.
For starters, we must be honest with ourselves. In many cases adversity is a result of our own doing—detremental actions and behaviors. We have to admit the truth; ask for forgiveness; and seek God's strength to change our ways and His courage to eradicate distructive tendencies.
When adversity presents itself we must think positively, consider the gains—not loses; and position ourselves to respond from a Godly perspective—not based on how we're feeling at the moment.
Adversity requires that we slow down and take a minute to look to God and not at self (or others). Like running water over jagged rock, adversity is designed to smooth our rough edges—to shape and mold us into better people and God fearing followers.
Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding walks us through the learning process. Adversity teaches us to look at God.
The Bible reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. All things includes any and every adversity we're faced with.
Adversity is our teacher. She aims to teach us to:
- Be patient
- Trust God, regardless
- Not make rash decisions
- Pray for direction and strength
- Focus on what's good, right, and joyful
God expects us to respond correctly to all of life's teachers. We must be ready to learn.