Overcoming Adversity

 

      Adversity is a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress.  Adversity is part of this sinful world and no one can escape it, in whatever form it strikes you.  No one wants to experience hard times, but God promises that they will come.  Psalm 34:19  "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."   When faced with a stressful situation in life, it can be difficult in the moment to imagine the experience will eventually lead to some type of growth. Resilience is a person’s ability to bounce back from adversity and grow from the challenge.  "Adversity does not come as a thief to steal our happiness, but as a friend bringing the gift of staying power. Through it all, God promises us His wisdom and strength."  [odb.org]

     "Some people crumble under the pressure of adversity. They become so bitter and resentful toward the Lord that they walk away from His calling on their lives. They might even resort to addictive behaviors to try to escape the pain."  [intouch.org]   The verse that opposes such thinking is Psalm 103:19 which says, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”   We need to remember that whatever grieves us is known by God and under His control.  He will make a way.

      Other people respond to adversity in a totally different way by looking past themselves and develop a deeper relationship with God.  " Instead of weakening them, difficulties make them stronger because these believers learn to depend more fully on the power of the Holy Spirit." [intouch.org]   Believers in this category cling to the verse of Romans 8:28, which says, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

       "Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear."   [Charles Stanley]

       J. B. Phillips’ translation of James 1:2-3 reads: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance.”

      As for myself, adversity has been a signature part of my life.  I can't remember a time in my life that was just 'easy' for me.  I've been blessed throughout my life and now that I'm older, I recognize the blessing of physical hardship.  Since I was 5 years old, I've worn braces.  Therefore, I've never worn heels in my life.  Does that make me less vain?  Probably not, because the Lord knows I have enough tennis shoes.  I've had surgeries as a child, that I believe make me more empathetic towards other's pain.  I understand how limiting this life is through my physical limitations and the power of God to overcome them, as well.  I have learned from being dependent on others that my way isn't the only way, timing isn't as crucial as I think, being patient is a learned gift that is very important, and expressions are seen as much as  words are heard.  My relationship with God has grown so much because when the world walks out, He is still there as always.  I've always said, "I'm not defined by my disease or disability."  The Holy Spirit is the source of my confidence, not in myself, but of God to see me thru all things.  This is how I've dealt with adversity.

Some quotes about adversity to encourage you:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about."

Haruki Murakami

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."

Maya Angelou

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross