Facing Adversity God’s Way

Why not me?
John 16: 33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Christians are not immune to troubles or adversity. Jesus even told us that we will have troubles. So instead of asking why this is happening to me, we should be asking why not me?

Why do we have adversity?
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

What happens when plants and trees mature? They bear fruit. And we learned last week that’s what God wants for each of us—to bear fruit. I know in my own life I’ve grown stronger because of my adversity.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say: No one likes adversity! But it happens. If it hasn’t happened yet, it probably will. Not that I want it to happen to you, but very few people get through life without some adversity. But God makes some wonderful promises about adversity.

Isaiah 43: 2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.

What’s this verse saying? Adversity will not destroy us.

Philippians 4: 13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

What’s this verse saying? God will give us the strength we need to face our circumstances.

Romans 8: 28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This is my favorite! No matter what happens, God can, does, and will work it out for our good. That’s not wishful thinking, that’s a promise from God. And He always keeps his promises!