| Adversity is defined as "a state or condition contrary | | | | But before we can find the silver lining in our adversity, |
| to one of well-being" or "an instance of misfortune." | | | | we need to give into it. "Give into it?" you ask. Yes. |
| That sounds about right. Adversity, I am also told, | | | | Sometimes we're so busy striving against adversity |
| comes into every life. I just seem to have used up my | | | | that we don't pause to examine the purpose. Oops, I |
| quota - and that of a few friends and family members | | | | said the "P" word, didn't I? |
| as well. | | | | Ah well, it can't be avoided. Deliberately pause the |
| Scripture states, "All things work together for good to | | | | struggle for a moment. It will take your eyes off of the |
| those who love God, to those who are the called | | | | circumstance long enough that you can see the |
| according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV) Until | | | | underlying message. After two years of poverty and |
| recently I had issues with that scripture, because it just | | | | depression, I can now say that I truly understand that |
| didn't make sense to me. My thoughts asked, I'm | | | | adversity is a tool. It shows us exactly who we are so |
| almost homeless and that has a purpose? I don't quite | | | | that the necessary process of refinement can |
| see dead people yet, but give me a few more months | | | | continue. So, no, God does not want bad for you or |
| of this and I'll be one of them...this has a purpose? My | | | | me, but when He has allowed it in my life, I've learned |
| fiancé is about to become a father, and I'm not | | | | three things: |
| pregnant--umm...still searching for the purpose. | | | | |
| Adversity may come for many reasons. Sometimes it | | | | 1. He doesn't allow more than I can bear, so I take |
| may be that we're not in the right location, and though | | | | comfort in the knowledge that God has confidence in |
| we know it, we're reluctant to move. So God allows | | | | me! |
| the circumstance that causes us to move. | | | | 2. Even when it breaks me down till I'm weakened and |
| Sometimes, we need to be cut off from all our tasks, | | | | torn, I take courage in the knowledge that at my |
| duties, jobs, and entertainment so that we can spend | | | | weakest, His strength I'll secure. |
| time alone and hear the voice of God. | | | | 3. Even when it seems to go on and on, I remind |
| Sometimes we may take credit for the gifts of God, | | | | myself that although He never seems to come when I |
| so God allows the downsizing, the voice loss, the | | | | think He should, God always manages to be right on |
| carpal tunnel, and so forth so that we may realize that | | | | time! |
| we can do nothing without Him. | | | | |