February 23, 2009

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

--1 Peter 5:10

When tragedy hits, it can be devastating. But whether you’re facing a bad doctor’s report or a discouraging job hunt, I’d like to remind you how God can use adversity to your benefit. That’s right, to your benefit.

God uses adversity to purify us. Sometimes it takes the heat of trials to help separate out the impurities in our lives. Challenges can force us to examine our lives and look at what’s really important.

Adversity can also give us just the motivation we need to follow God’s plan. When you seek God’s guidance and act in obedience to His Word, you’ll be amazed at the results. 

The trials of our lives also help grow our faith. Consider the muscles in your body. They are strengthened as they are stressed and pushed to the limit. Our faith is the same. The more it is tested, the stronger it becomes.
 
God also uses adversity to teach us perseverance, endurance, and character. Quality people are always those who have come through the fire. 

If you are in the midst of a struggle today, hang on. Keep steadfast in your faith, because your trials won’t last forever. And you will come out on the other side a better person, one who is better equipped to handle the strains and stresses each of us inevitably face.
 
Think about Joseph. He had to endure many trials in order to fulfill God’s divine plan for his life. He was tested and tried. He grew in wisdom and faith. And in the end, he was prepared and positioned to save his family and an entire nation! 

So no matter what is going on in your life today, remember this: God always has your best interest at heart. He has not forgotten you. And He can be trusted with your future.

IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDST OF A STRUGGLE TODAY, HANG ON!
YOUR TRIALS WON’T LAST FOREVER
.