Why adversity?

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.  For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.  And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity]. - Romans 8:28-30 (Amplified Bible)

Adversity is a bridge to a closer relationship with God. - Charles Stanley

I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again. Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (Living Bible)

Be encouraged. The trials you face today are not wasted. Each adversity carries within it an invitation from God—an invitation to draw nearer to Him, to lean on His strength, and to discover His faithfulness in deeper ways than before. As He meets you in those difficult places, He is shaping your heart, refining your faith, and writing a testimony that only you can share.
In time, the very struggles that once weighed you down may become the stories that lift someone else up. Your journey through hardship can become a beacon of hope, pointing others to the God who transforms weakness into strength, sorrow into joy, and brokenness into testimony. Let Him use your story for His glory.

Our lives are governed by the sovereign hand of God, and nothing that happens to us is beyond His control. - R. C. Sproul

My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever! But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods. But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me. - Psalm 73:26-28 (Living Bible)

Lord, help me to pause and honestly consider whether my heart is open to Your shaping hand. In every trial, You are not merely testing me—you are forming me, teaching me, and drawing me closer to Yourself.
Am I listening for Your voice, or only for relief?
Am I willing to surrender my will, or am I resisting what feels uncomfortable?
Am I allowing Your Spirit to refine me, strengthen me, and deepen my trust?
Father, make me receptive.
Soften my heart where it has grown hard.
Quiet my spirit where I have been anxious.
Open my eyes to see Your purpose in what I would rather avoid.
May the adversity You allow not be wasted on me.
Do in me all that You desire to do, so that my life reflects Your grace, Your strength, and Your glory.

Be Encouraged as God is at work in your adversity, both for your good and for the encouragement of those He will place in your path.



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