Calvary's touch-Encourages you. Advancing through Adversity (Part2).

Advancing through Adversity ( Part 2)

Last week we have seen that adversity is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. Since adversity is God's most effective tool insofar as spiritual growth is concerned, the degree to which we desire to grow spiritually corresponds to our ability to handle adversity successfully. Men and women who are only marginally interested in maturing spiritually will have a difficult time with adversity. Their tendency will be to blame God and become bitter. Instead of seeing adversity as something God is trying to do for them, they will see it as something He is doing to them. It is all a matter of priority and perspective. If our priorities are ease, comfort, and pleasure, we will have little tolerance for adversity. We will see it as an interruption rather than a part of God's plan for us.

But when we allow God to shape our priorities, adversity takes on a whole new meaning. we see it as an integral part of what God is doing in our lives. We begin to understand that adversity is sometimes a means to greater joy and peace. We don't panic and assume God has forgotten about us. Rather, we can rejoice. Why? Because God is in the process of bringing about another good in our life.

Spiritual men and women emerge from adversity excited about what God has taught them. Carnal men and women often emerge bitter and angry wth God for what He "put them through." They are quick to point out that "all things don't work together for good," conveniently ignoring the second half of the verse.(i.e. Romans 8:28).

That's Easy for You to Say

I realize that the adversity you are facing in your life may be of a far more serious nature than the normal flu or some other seasonal ailment. And I am painfully aware of the tendency in literature and sermons to oversimplify when it comes to the subject of adversity. But the truth is, God wants to use the adversity you are facing right now to advance your spiritual growth. The Bible gives us plenty of reason to believe that God could erase all adversity from our lives with just a word. But experience tells us He has chosen not to do that. Far more important than our ease, comfort, and pleasure is our spiritual growth.

The Crown of Life

There are no really good alternatives when it comes to the question of adversity. Adversity is God's tool to promote growth among His children. To resist this principle is to resist all God wants to do in your life; it is to say no to spiritual growth.

Not only does adversity lead to spiritual maturity in this life, it purchases for us a crown of life in the next. God understands the trauma of dealing with adversity. He has not overlooked the sacrifices we are forced to make when adversity comes our way. Therefore, He has provided a special reward for those who "persevere under trial." Once again we are faced with a conditional promise. This reward is reserved for those who willingly accepted the Christ in their lives. These are the ones who understood that God was up to something, that the adversity they faced was the means by which something good would come about in their lives.

Are you persevering? Are you enduring? OR are you resisting? Are you mad at God for what He is doing? My friend, God wants to advance you through the use of adversity. He wants to grow up and mature you to the point that your character is a mirror image of Christ's. That is His goal for you. And adversity is the means by which He will accomplish it. Why not trust Him? It is futile to resist. Your sorrow will only be magnified, for there is nothing worse than a life filled with adversity from which nothing good ever comes.

Why not tell the Lord, "Lord, I don't like it, but by faith I rejoce that You are up to something good in my life"? Eventually you will begin to see the "good." You will begin to experience peace. You will begin to advance through your adversity.Be encouraged.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12.

**********************************Letter # 46 (2.12.200)************