It’s been said that the true character of people is revealed by how they handle adversity.  How do you respond to difficulties?  Thomas Paine realized the seriousness of adversity as he rallied the colonies during some of their darkest days,

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

What enables someone to persevere under such hardship?  Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has made this insightful observation,

People are like stained – glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

The light within you can overcome the darkness around you.  Do you have the light within you?  Job realized that light as he exclaimed in his misery, “But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The Apostle Paul enumerates the various challenges he faced and yet he exclaimed,

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  (2 Corinthians 4:6)

God wants to shine His light in and through your life.  When you encounter adversity, may people see the light of Christ within you overcoming the darkness around you.  Jesus encourages you to . . .

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University