Happy adversity

[nathanb]

Someone wrote: From our perspective, adversity is anything but Happy. We have the idea that the Christian life is supposed to be troubled-free, and we see little value in hardship. But God sees it differently.

When all kinds of trials and temptation 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.

Afflictions 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.

~~~ Life's burden are designed NOT to break us but to bend us toward God.

[Pamela McKenzie]

[glow=red,2,300][/glow]I heard it said that trouble is the cultivator that gets out the weeds...I agree with you, Nathan...we should be happy about that.

[deanneswenson]

Adversity sends us to our knees. In adversity, the depth of our relationship with God deepens. It hones our priorities. In John's letter, he also tells us that without the suffering of Jesus, we'll have no part in His reward. While it's not easy to be thankful for adversity, it does benefit our souls.

[nathanb]

deanneswenson said:

Adversity sends us to our knees. In adversity, the depth of our relationship with God deepens. It hones our priorities. In John's letter, he also tells us that without the suffering of Jesus, we'll have no part in His reward. While it's not easy to be thankful for adversity, it does benefit our souls.

I say a heartily, Amen!

God sees everything from the viewpoint of Eternity. This truth can be a great comfort to all of us whenever we are passing through a bitter, difficult trials. We may not understand why trouble comes into our lives, BUT God does. We can NOT see at time how it is working for good but God can.

I believe that someday we will be able to look back and see the wisdom of all our difficult experiences we face and go through in this journey of life.

I like to think that in Heaven we will review those lonely, sad, difficult times on earth when we almost lost faith. Then we will smile at our short-sightedness in failing to trust the Lord implicitly. Let's remember that God KNOWS! exactly what He's doing and why, and that someday we will understand.

~~~ No affiction would trouble a child of God if he/she "KNEW" the Lord's reason for sending it.

[Pamela McKenzie]

I liked what you had to say, Nathan...

"I say a heartily, Amen!

God sees everything from the viewpoint of Eternity. This truth can be a great comfort to all of us whenever we are passing through a bitter, difficult trials. We may not understand why trouble comes into our lives, BUT God does. We can NOT see at time how it is working for good but God can."

It reminded me of this poem:

The Weaver

My Life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

[nathanb]

Thanks, for your poem... Pam.

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is is my shield.... my stronghold." He knew the Lord could keep him secure in a hostile world. We too can know the same confidence. Even though Satan may attack us and evil may surround us, the Lord is our protector. He guards our way and keeps us safe as we walk in Obedience to His will.

If you are frightened by circumstances or feel that the forces against you are too much, take heart. Be courageous.

~~ God is NO security against life's storms, but He is perfect security in life's storm.