How to Advance Through Our Adversity
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Adversity is God’s most effective tool for growing us in our faith. Did you know that? What puts us on our knees is what grows us up. The Apostle Paul said that he had learned to be content with insults, distress and persecutions. He had discovered He experienced God’s presence and power in the most intimate ways in his troubles. (Philippians 4:12-13) God carefully chooses where He wants to work in our lives and will use affliction, His choicest tool, to accomplish His plan.
In intense times of difficulty, we may be hard pressed to understand what God is doing but we can be certain God has a divine purpose in it. It does not matter what the source of the trouble is either. Whether it is from something we caused, from someone else’s actions, straight from the devil or from God Himself, God has a purpose and a plan for it. (Romans 8:28) God is engineering all of our circumstances for His glory and for our good. Do you believe that?
Adversity is the most accurate barometer of our spiritual life. If we want to know the strength and quality of our faith, we need only look at how we handle our troubles. Ask yourself a few questions. How am I handling my circumstances? Am I showing more patience, or exhibiting greater self-control in my troubles? Am I more at peace and less in turmoil than earlier?
God invites us to see adversity as He does. Will you commit today to cooperate with God and bring Him glory by advancing through adversity?
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries