Part 1 of this series on Spiritual Growth focused on investing time with God, specifically through engaging with Scripture.  This blog post examines a way that God shapes our character that, if we had a choice, we would probably tend to avoid.

What is your initial reaction when you face adversity?  My initial thought is often “Why me?”  We don’t like adversity, we often seek to avoid it – the Bible however, gives us a different perspective.  The Apostle Paul had a unique perspective when he encountered adversity,

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,   (Romans 5:3a)

The word for exult conveys the idea to  “to glory or boast”.  How could he respond like that?  He was able to discern God’s greater purpose beyond adversity,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.   (Romans 5:3b-5)

When we view adversity from God’s perspective we see that He allows difficulties into our lives to develop our perseverance, build our character, and give us hope.  Paul Powell wisely observed, “God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His goal is not to pamper us physically, but to perfect us spiritually.”

You must realize God’s perspective in the midst of adversity and fight against the feelings of self-pity.  “No sin is worse than self-pity, because it obliterates God and puts self-interest upon the throne.”  (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 16 May)

Hannah Whitall Smith, who was no stranger to adversity, gives encouraging advice when facing adversity in The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life,

This is the prayer we need to pray for ourselves and for one another, “Lord, open our eyes that we may see.” For the world all around us is full of God’s horses and chariots, waiting to carry us to places of glorious victory. But they do not look like chariots. They look instead like enemies, sufferings, trials, defeats, misunderstandings, disappointments, unkindnesses. They look like Juggernaut cars of misery and wretchedness, that are only waiting to roll over us and crush us into the earth; but they really are chariots of triumph in which we may ride to those very heights of victory for which our souls have been longing and praying.  (p. 113)

The Apostle James likewise reveals the benefit of trials that come into your life,

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (James 1:2-4)

Are you facing adversity?  May the words of the Apostle Peter give you a fresh perspective that God is in control and He knows what He is doing,

Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.  (1 Peter 4:19)

Be encouraged by the prayer of Phillips Brooks,

O, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks!  Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be a miracle.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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