Road of Adversity Part Three

 James 1:1-8

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

There are three main principles you can learn when you face adversity.  First, adversity is God’s choice tool for building godly, spiritual character into your life.  Until you experience heartache, disappointment, and pain, you are not properly equipped for service (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).  God uses adversity to mold and shape you.  He does not bring it into your life without purpose.

Second, adversity usually comes in the areas where you feel the most confident.  God wants to break you of the idea that you are sufficient on your own.  He made you for a loving, intimate relationship with Himself, and at times He will use adversity to remind you of the fact that you are dependent on Him.  “I am the vince, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Third, God’s ultimate purpose is to conform you into the likeness of Jesus.  Through adversity, God develops love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in you (see Galatians 5:22-23).  He uses difficulties to get your attention, reveal weaknesses, remove pride and self-centeredness, increase your aversion to sin, demonstrate His faithfulness, prepare you for future service, and enable you to comfort others who are also facing adversity.

When you face dark times, keep your focus on God.  Remember that He understands what you are going through and that He cares about you.  Allow Him to do the work He needs to do in your life and don’t resist Him.  Be confident that He will see you through and bring you into the light.  When He does and you look back on the situation, it will all be worth it.

When you go through trials, you may wonder, Why does it have to be so painful?  Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question because God’s discipline and instruction are unique to each individual.  God will work uniquely in your unique situation- and usually that will require touching an area deep within your soul.

One thing you can know for sure when you are facing trials is that God is doing something immensely important in and through you.  He would never allow you to suffer without a significant reason, nor would He permit your trouble to continue a minute more than is necessary.  Once again, the key to getting through adversity is to not run from the problems.  Face them with faith in God, knowing He will not give you more than you can bear.

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