It Starts Small

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

What is the point and goal of adversity? God’s objective is to draw us closer to Him. Can it really be that simple?

I’ve spent a long time looking back over the years of my life. The major moments of adversity. Life is always 20/20 when you look back years later and the Spirit guides you. When I think about these moments thee was one thing in the midst of all the hurricanes, and that was a drawing to get closer to God. I can see it now, but I couldn’t at the time.

God does not glory in pain and sorrow. He does use these things to teach us His faithfulness. I failed miserably for 20 plus years. It is no wonder why. I was not in His Word. I was a baby Christian still looking for a preacher to feed me and tell me these things. There was a deep need inside my heart but instead of looking to God, I looked to the world to fill that need.

The moment adversity comes, our vulnerability increases. We may find ourselves wondering why God has allowed us to face such difficulty. Our pain, disappointment, and trials are an effective tool He uses to give us a choice to draw closer to Him and to the cross to discover our need for a Savior. We are stuck with a defining thought: I need God. I need His strength. I need Him wisdom. I need His forgiveness.

When we are confronted by adversity, remember God has a purpose! God is never out of control and he does not let things get out of control or to a point there is no reaching Him. God has a plan. God has a goal and it is not just about the current crises of your life. He has a plan for our entire lives!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God is our strength, an immovable strength and promises to never abandon us! When adversity strikes, the very first thing we should do is seek Him. We need to seek Him and ask Him to show us what we need to learn in the situation. There will be moments of denial or disbelief, but the overwhelming thought should be trust and faith in God’s ability.

The second thing is to affirm our commitment to Him. Set your focus on Him and only Him. Do not focus on the circumstance or things going on around you. Turn your eyes upon Him.

God is loving! When we recognize this simple principle that trials are for our reproach and good, we recognize that God wants to speaks to us. He has something to show us about ourselves. It is a great blessing this adversity has come because God knows you are ready to hear truth! We often hear the words from others, “Praise God in the middle of the storm.” I praise God because my journey has come to a place God knows I am ready to hear new truth. There’s something He is going to show me about me and even better, He’s going to help me and transform whatever it is into the image of Christ. He is going to give me the tools I need. All I need to do is respond in obedience.

We must never forget that God knows the future. He knows that adversity can be used to strengthen our faith, refine our hope, and settle our hearts into a place of contentment and trust. Adversity leads to a powerful experience of God walking with us through the valley times of life.

We must determine to keep our focus of our hearts on Jesus. Put all the negative talk of others in the trash. It is only meant to take you off the path. Stay close to God in devotions and prayer. Spend time in His Word. He guides us through difficulties and blesses us all the while.