Road of Adversity Part One

 1 Peter 1:1-12

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

If you want God’s best for your life and desire to be used by Him, at some point you will have to travel the road of adversity.  This means God can and will use adversity in your life for a good purpose.  God will use adversity, regardless of its source, to help you take great leaps forward in spiritual growth-and oftentimes, more than one.  Abraham and Sarah remained childless until they were well into their nineties.  Moses spent forty long years in the wilderness before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  David hid in caves to avoid the wrath of King Saul.  Daniel was tossed into a lions’ den.  Peter had to live with the guilt of having denied that he was a follower of Jesus.  

When a trial does come your way, you can know that God will be with you in the midst of it.  You can choose not to be discouraged but to “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).  And you can be absolutely certain that God is going to see you through the heartache and bring you out whole, joyful, and more mature on the other side.

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