Advancing – and Growing – Through Adversity

There’s a common misconception being presented from some pulpits across our land that once you commit your life to Jesus Christ, it’s smooth sailing from there. After all, aren’t you a “King’s kid”? 

 

Yes, receiving Christ as Savior and Lord – being “born again” as He termed it in John 3:3 – means we become children of God. But that doesn’t mean never having to face hardships, struggles or pain. The Son of God, Jesus had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20); He endured extreme opposition; and suffered terrible scourging, then was crucified. If our Lord suffered, why should we be exempt?

 

In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul says part of our ‘job description’ as followers of Christ involves adversity. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Philippians 1:29).

 

Then Paul declares, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). “Sharing in His sufferings”? Bold, powerful words, right?

 

The apostle wasn’t writing from a beach resort – he was in prison, fully aware that his time on earth was nearing a close. And yet Paul didn’t complain about his circumstances. If anything, he rejoiced because of them: “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).

 

Even as a prisoner of Rome, Paul used every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. His message wasn’t falling on deaf ears; even his jailers were hearing and responding to the Gospel. While boldly declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” he also told believers in Philippi with confidence, “I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:21,25).

 

Everyone who has participated in an exercise regimen has heard the mantra, “No pain, no gain.” To get stronger, faster, lose weight, recover from an injury, or just get in better shape, it’s going to require strain, aches and soreness. Considering how the Lord often works in our lives – especially in the hard times – we could state this a bit differently: “God doesn’t waste pain.”

 

Looking back over my life, moments I’ve grown the most spiritually have often been while experiencing adversity: major challenges at work; struggling when there was too much month and not enough money left; going through open-heart surgery; working through serious family crises. 

 

Every time I felt like giving up, crying out to God, “I can’t do this!” I’d sense Him responding, “I know, My child, but if you’ll trust Me, I will do it through you.”

 

Years ago, I had the privilege of helping a good friend write a book titled, “Advancing Through Adversity.” Mike was an entrepreneur who had worked hard to build a successful business in the tech industry. He’d committed his company to the Lord and trusted Him to guide his decisions. Still he encountered setbacks that seemed overwhelming.

 

Working through formidable problems wasn’t fun, but ultimately Mike was able to look back and see not only how God had worked to resolve those issues but also how those times served to strengthen and refine his faith. In the process, he became a much more effective witness for Christ as his employees and peers in the industry observed how he coped with one kind of adversity after another.

 

The Bible underscores the value and importance of adversity in our spiritual journey. For instance, Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

 

Later in his same letter to Christ followers in Rome, the apostle Paul made a statement most of us have heard many times: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This might not seem the case as we’re going through hard times, and it’s sometimes tossed out carelessly as a casual platitude. Even so, it’s true, a promise from God – even though we might only recognize it in hindsight.

 

Another apostle, James, affirmed Paul’s perspective when he wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

 

No one wants adversity. The Scriptures don’t tell us to seek it out or pray for it. But when it comes, as it inevitably does, we have the Lord’s assurance that He knows what we’re facing and will indeed use it for our good in transforming us “into the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29).

Sometimes 'PTSD' Can Be Turned into 'PTG'

Stand-up comedian George Carlin died in 2008, but some of his monologues have amazing staying power. His frequent use of profanity in his commentaries turned off some of his listeners, but he had a way of looking at the ordinary and providing extraordinary insights through humor. 

One routine I recall was about the psychological and emotional damage many soldiers have endured due to wartime experiences. Carlin observed that curiously over the years discussing the malady has become more complex, both its diagnosis and the terminology used to describe it.

 

During World War I, soldiers returning from battle often suffered from “Shell Shock” – a condition summed up in two words of one syllable each. Then came World War II, with combatants dealing with similar issues, except it was then termed “Battle Fatigue.” Still two words, but both containing two syllables. 

 

Since the Vietnam War, however, the situation has risen to new levels of sophistication, as its new name would suggest: “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD). As Carlin noted, it now consists of four words and eight syllables. It’s also being used to define other forms of trauma – such as car accidents, acts of terrorism, witnessing acts of violence, first-responders dealing with the aftermath of horrific emergencies, and natural disasters.

 

It wasn’t Carlin’s intent, nor is it mine, to minimize the dreadful impact of PTSD. My father served in World War II, was wounded twice, and I suspect he suffered from PTSD, judging from the nights he would cry out in his sleep because of nightmares. And I have a good friend who has founded an amazing ministry devoted to serving veterans dealing with the effects of PTSD, having experienced it firsthand himself.

 

But recently I heard someone speak of a different possible outcome for those experiencing trauma and severe trials of one kind or another. It’s called PTG – Post-Traumatic Growth.

 

Have you ever gone through an extremely difficult time – overwhelming challenges at work; dire financial problems; a frightening health diagnosis, or family crisis – that seemed more than you could bear? At the time those circumstances might have seemed hopeless, but weeks or months, maybe years later, they proved to be significant for your personal growth? 

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a Nobel Prize-winning Russian writer and dissident who endured the horrors of the Soviet prison system. In his book, The Gulag Archipelago, he wrote, “Bless you prison, bless you for being in my life. For there, lying upon the rotting prison straw, I came to realize that the object of life is not prosperity as we are made to believe, but the maturity of the human soul.” 

Along with being able to raise global awareness of the great political repression in the then-Soviet Union, Solzhenitsyn also came to faith in Jesus Christ. We could say his years of personal trauma were turned into post-traumatic growth.

 

We can find no better example of this than the apostle Paul. In a letter to followers of Jesus in ancient Corinth, Paul wrote about the many hardships he suffered in seeking to advance the Gospel, including imprisonments and floggings:

“…Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea…. I have been in danger from rivers…bandits…my own countrymen …. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

 

And we think we’ve had it rough! But this same person who knew adversity in so many shapes and forms could also write, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 

Many of us have heard this verse. Maybe so often that it rolls right off our tongues. But do we really believe it? “All things”? “For good”? Well, that’s what it says – what God says.

 

Our pastor recently observed that some people willingly – and intentionally – invite pain in the anticipation of good outcomes, perhaps their own version of post-traumatic growth. Who are these crazy folks? Marathon runners. Or if you prefer, triathletes. Not only do they go through many months of grueling training and preparation, but also the competitive events themselves, whether it’s enduring mile after mile of a 26-mile marathon or the combined swimming, biking and running phases of the triathlon.

 

Applying this to spiritual growth, we’d be wise to heed Solzhenitsyn’s words, “the object of life is not prosperity as we are made to believe, but the maturity of the human soul.” 

 

This life, in terms of eternity, passes like the blink of an eye. For that reason, it’s important to maintain our focus on what lies ahead. As Paul wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

 

Trusting that God truly has a purpose behind our trials, tribulations and traumas, we can use them to turn PTSD into PTG.

Convoluted Path for the Finished Product

Who among us wouldn’t like to experience a nice, easy, pain-free life? Only in our dreams. The reality of everyday living – as it’s been since time immemorial – is that it’s often a struggle. At times adversity seems like our closest friend.  

However, struggles we encounter can be good, especially if we embrace them, strive to learn from them, and grow as we go through them. The late author and poet Maya Angelou observed, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

 

What a perfect example, the butterfly. It starts as an egg, then hatches into a worm-like larva (which we call a caterpillar) that we see slinking along the ground or a sidewalk, desperately hoping no one steps on it or some kid doesn’t decide to use it as a little play toy. 

Then, when the time is right, it forms a chrysalis, a shield to protect it from extreme temperatures, parasites, and drying out. This serves as its home while the insect undergoes an amazing metamorphosis, body tissue breaking down to reform into wings, legs and other adult parts.

 

But the would-be butterfly’s struggle isn’t over yet. One important step remains. It must work its way out of the chrysalis, a struggle releasing chemicals that strengthen its wings. If a well-intentioned human tries to “assist” the butterfly in escaping the chrysalis, the butterfly is likely doomed. The Houdini-like struggle is critical for its development into the beautiful insect we observe flitting from place to place.

 

That’s basically how the ugly, fuzzy caterpillar changes into a glorious flying specimen. This mirrors the process God uses to transform His children from helpless, clumsy spiritual “caterpillars” to the “butterflies” He intends for us to become. It’s how we can trust 1 John 3:2 is true when it says, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

 

Can you imagine someone communicating with a caterpillar and showing it a photo of a butterfly, explaining, “This is what you’re going to look like”? If this were possible, the caterpillar likely would respond, “No way!” That’s what I think whenever I read the promise of 1 John 3:2, but it’s right there.

 

Contrary to those who would preach a theology of health, wealth and prosperity, the Bible repeatedly reminds us that struggle and hardship are part of the “job description” for all true followers of Christ. After declaring, “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” the apostle Paul adds, “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us…” (Romans 5:2-5).

 

Lest we make the mistake of rationalizing, “oh, that was just Paul. He went through some very hard times and was trying to make sense of them,” we find basically the same declaration by the apostle James: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

 

“Mature and complete.” This kind of sounds like that industrious caterpillar constructing the chrysalis in which it would transform into a wondrous winged butterfly, an indispensable step in its transformational process. Similarly, when we face times of suffering, trials and testing, we can grumble and complain, muttering “Lord, why me?” Or we can accept them as being allowed by God to move forward the necessary spiritual process of transforming us into the image of His Son.

 

Sometimes difficulties we face are the result of our own doing, as God admonished the Israelites, “you will suffer for your sins” (Numbers 14:34). Sin, even when we receive forgiveness, still carries consequences. However, that’s not always the cause of our struggles. Just as Jesus Christ endured suffering on our behalf, as His followers we’re called to experience “the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” (Philippians 3:10).

 

Are you going through a particular struggle right now – financial difficulties, health problems, family strife, challenges at work, adjusting to an unfamiliar stage of life, battling a recurring area of temptation? Remember the butterfly and its convoluted path to become a finished product, the lovely creature God made it to be. 

 

And most of all, remember the Lord Jesus, who not only suffered for us, but also is present with us in our own struggles: “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).

 

Searching for Calm in the Middle of Chaos

Watching news coverage of what’s going on in Ukraine – homes, schools and buildings being destroyed by the Russian assault – our minds are challenged to comprehend what’s happening. Most of us have no frame of reference for even beginning to grasp what that experience must be like for the Ukrainians, many of whom are now refugees from their homeland. 

My friend Albert was just a boy growing up in the Netherlands when the Nazis were bombing his city during World War II. Unlike me, he understands how terrifying – and life-changing – it is to go through something like that. Now, decades later, the memories remain vivid. He has endured a number of other calamities and challenges over the course of his life, but like many other people, has learned the secret of finding calm in the midst of whatever the surrounding chaos might be.

 

The trials many of us are currently facing might pale in comparison to living in a country under siege of war, but for us they are trials – even tribulations – just the same. At times it might feel as if we’re aboard a ship at sea, in the midst of a raging storm. Everything seems to be moving up and down, side to side, with nothing stable for us to grab ahold of. What do we do? Where do we turn?

 

At such times, as a good friend would sometimes remind me, “You’re in a great position!” What? Are you crazy? How can you think that? Because when times are uncertain, the most unstable, we have no choice but to look to the one true source of hope, stability and security.

 

Recently, I was reading a familiar passage from the Bible that describes well what many of us might be feeling in our tumultuous times. Psalm 46:1-10 gives us this assurance: 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

When times are at their worst, when our hardships and adversities seem beyond hope, that’s when our Lord does His best work. We might say He’s the God of making the impossible possible.

 

When Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonian army, the prophet Jeremiah made this declaration: "Oh, Lord God! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!” (Jeremiah 32:17). 

 

Many centuries later, Jesus Christ was speaking of a very different challenge, that of being brought into a life-transforming, eternal relationship with God. A wealthy young man had asked Jesus how he could get eternal life. When the Lord answered by instructing him to sell all his possessions and give them to the poor, the rich man had gone away in despair, unwilling to part with all he had.

 

Turning to His disciples, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Upon hearing this, the disciples responded incredulously, “Who then can be saved?” Then Jesus made the key statement: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:16-26).

 

This incident is recounted in detail in three of the four gospels, also in Mark 10 and Luke 18, so we know it was significant. The underlying message of each of the passages cited above is that whether it’s to create and control an entire universe, put an end to wars, calm raging seas, heal diseases, deliver us from many other kinds of crises, and even bring a reluctant, prideful person to saving faith, nothing is too difficult for our God.

 

With this confident assurance, and only because of that, we can comply with what the Lord tells us to do: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

What Happens When You Reach the Boiling Point?

Have you ever noticed how people can respond very differently to adversity – how difficult circumstances can result in one person becoming better, while for another, hardships only leave them bitter? Better vs. bitter – what a stark contrast.

 

Recently I heard a speaker make an observation from nature that I was aware of but had never given much consideration. He said, “It’s the same boiling water that softens potatoes that hardens eggs.” 

For those of us who are fans of mashed potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, we thankful for this fact. Perhaps we could expand on this, noting that while boiling water can cause a severe burn, it also can be used sanitize and kills germs. Interesting, isn’t it?

 

Science tells us the specific boiling point for water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot. But I wonder about people – individuals seem to have different boiling points. Some take a long time, slowly simmering, while others hit a boiling flash point very quickly. It’s important to know not only what our boiling point is, but also, what do we do when we reach it?

 

We can look at this from at least a couple of different angles. For instance, what triggers a person to reach a boiling point? This also varies from person to person. One seems to carry a perpetual chip on his or her shoulder, almost daring people to knock it off, while another maintains a fairly even keel, not inclined at all to display anger.

 

The Bible offers a number of contrasting observations about both kinds of folks. Proverbs 12:16, for example, states, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Then we read, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Yet another proverb observes, “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18).

 

One verse even advises that we avoid people who have a habit of reaching their boiling points in a hurry: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared” (Proverbs 22:24-25). Losing one’s temper quickly is not a character trait to be admired, nor to be emulated.

 

But getting back to the potato that softens in boiling water, while the egg hardens, our response to adverse circumstances and hardships can determine whether they make us harder or softer. This may be one reason we’re advised in Romans 5:3-5 to “glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

 

When we read this, many of us are probably tempted to say, “glory [exult] in my tribulations [sufferings]? Are you kidding me? You have no idea what I’ve been going through!” No, we don’t. But these aren’t simplistic platitudes we’re offering. It’s the counsel and wisdom we find in the Word of God. 

 

Because as we follow the progression, we find that if we hang in there, tribulations can produce in us perseverance, a determination to come out on the other side as a better person. Which leads to strong, resilient character, and finally, an unwavering hope and confident assurance that if the Lord has allowed difficult circumstances in our lives, He’s intending to use them for our good.

 

The apostle James opened his New Testament letter with a similar sentiment, stating, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). 

 

Have you ever wished you could be more patient? Here’s a hint: Don’t pray for patience, because God may answer that prayer by sending situations in your life that will require you to be patient, whether you like it or not. But think about it. Trials that test our faith can give us more patience, often because we have no recourse but to endure them patiently. And who wouldn’t want to be described as “perfect and complete, lacking nothing”?

 

Too often, unfortunately, people don’t regard their trials and tribulations with this perspective. Instead, they respond with anger, or in despair, wanting to lash out at God – and others – with the complaint, “Why me?!” Instead of seeing hardships as divinely fashioned opportunities to become better people, they instead become embittered, refusing to advance in perseverance and build character, or to grow in the quality we call patience.

In a spiritual sense, unlike in nature where water has a fixed boiling point of 212 degrees, we can allow the Lord to boost our inner boiling points to such levels that people around us will rarely, if ever, witness us blowing off steam uncontrollably or bubbling over in fits of anger. But it requires faith and a steadfast conviction that as Romans 8:28 promises, He is causing “all things to work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.” 

How You Start Doesn’t Matter If You Don’t Finish Well

The recently completed Summer Olympics filled me with very mixed emotions. I’ve always enjoyed the pageantry of the games, the thrill of victory converging with the agony of defeat, and the opportunity to exude patriotic pride by rooting for U.S. competitors. All the world coming together on a single stage, finely tuned athletes vying for their moments of fame.

 

But the heightened politicization of the games has become a turn-off. I’m like the person that doesn’t want different foods to touch on her plate. I like my sports to be solely about sports, untainted by political posturing and ideologies. The “east is east and west is west, and never the twain shall meet” perspective.

 

Nevertheless, I watched enough of the competition to reaffirm an underlying principle: It’s not about how you start, but how you finish. Whether in gymnastics, where a beautiful routine on the balance beam can be spoiled by a poor dismount; a runner who leads the pack early on but falters toward the end of a race; or a beach volleyball team that wins the opening set but loses momentum and drops a match – it’s all about finishing well.

One of the most thrilling events was a relay race in swimming. A team trailed going into the final leg, but then the star swimmer leaped into the pool, slowly gaining on the leader until he secured the victory in the final meters. It’s all about the finish.

 

For most of us, the closest we’ll ever get to the Summer or Winter Olympics is our couch or recliner, watching the competition in glorious, digital color on our TVs. But we’re all engaged in a race – the race of life. The marks we leave, our legacies, will be determined not by how well we started or how noble our intentions were, but how we finished. 

 

We can all think of people – family members, friends, or famous individuals – who failed to finish well. Celebrities, public officials, business executives, even Christian leaders who captured the admiration of many during their lives only to have their reputations sullied, even destroyed, by moral or ethical failures exposed after their deaths. 

 

How do we ensure a good finish to our lives? That’s a question that, with the passing of years, I ask again and again. I doubt anyone would want an epitaph to read, “Started well…but his (or her) finish? Not so good.”

 

We can turn to the world of sports for clues to finishing well. Because no athlete excels, especially at such a high level as the Olympics, without certain key qualities to propel their performance. Here are some of them, along with some biblical principles we all can apply for successfully finish life’s race:

 

Following the rules. Each sport has basic rules each athlete must follow. Failure to abide by them results in defeat or disqualification. “…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).

 

Persevering despite obstacles. Adversity is a fact of life; the key is to persevere and push through, no matter how great the challenge. “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

 

Avoiding distractions. Top athletes can become tempted by many things that deter them from their mission. They must avoid anything that doesn’t help in achieving their goals. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1)

 

Maintaining a clear focus. Every athlete knows that to succeed requires intense concentration, developing a tunnel vision that focuses on the desired end result. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

 

Refusing to quit. Giving up, no matter how near or far the finish line may be, guarantees failure. Tiredness, setbacks and discouragement happen, but they don’t justify quitting. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

 

Remaining resolute. One reason for failure is forgetting the motivation for putting in all the hard work, the sacrifice and effort. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Rejoicing in a strong finish.When determined athletes reach the finish line, whether they win or not, they can celebrate as long as they’ve given it their best. No regrets.“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

Triumphing Over Adversity: The Toughness Test

Time is a great teacher. Over my decades of life, I’ve concluded that I wouldn’t mind pain if it didn’t hurt so much. Similarly, I wouldn’t have such a dislike for adversity if it wasn’t so difficult and demanding.

 

Perhaps you can relate. Or you might respond with a simple, “Duh!” No one but a masochist asks for pain or actively seeks out adversity. However, they are inescapable, everyday realities. Facts of life. The only people who don’t confront pain and adversity are those who have already departed from this life. So the question is, how do we cope with them?

 

I’ve never met consultant and life coach Tim Kight, but I’m often impressed with his concise, pithy social media observations about what it takes to succeed in life and work. On the topic at hand, he recently wrote, “When adversity strikes (and it will), what will be tested is your toughness, not your talent. Some people are crushed by adversity, some survive it, but there are those who get better because of it.”

 

In a lot a relative economy of words, he’s said a lot. First of all, it’s not a question of whether we will confront adversity; it’s when. And it’s true that when hard times come, lots of very talented people crumble, lacking the determination or courage to persevere. Others do survive, but it’s only by the proverbial “skin of their teeth.” Some, however, exhibit the toughness, the inner resolve to look adversity straight in the eyes and refuse to blink. And in the process, become better, not bitter.

Adversity is something we seem to have in abundance these days. It may be hard to find certain products at the supermarket, but adversity hasn’t suffered from the supply chain. Businesses and schools have closed, the sports and entertainment worlds were turned on its end, and churches have had to institute unusual measures to stay connected with the faithful. 

 

It's hard to find any facet of life that hasn’t been adversely affected by COVID-19, social unrest, the constant fear-mongering of the media, or political turmoil. Not to mention always unpredictable and sometimes severe weather. 

 

Add to this the personal and unique challenges we’ve all faced. There’s a lot to deal with. So what, as Kight observed, separates those who become crushed, or those who manage to merely survive, from those who somehow thrive when adversity comes to call?

 

There are many possible factors, I suppose. But for those who follow Jesus Christ, it’s more than grit and an inner refusal to yield to external circumstances. For us, there’s no better resource than what we can find in a deep, abiding faith in our loving, sovereign God. 

 

So far, 2020 has been as tumultuous as any year in recent memory. I’ve wondered on numerous occasions, “What in the world is going on?” and, “When will all this end?” Like everyone else, I have no idea – but knowing the God who does is a great source of hope and reassurance.

 

Writing to his protégé, Timothy, about the adversities he had experienced and continued to endure, the apostle Paul said, “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). 

 

Just as Paul’s long journey with the Lord had forged an unwavering trust in Him, we too can face the perils and uncertainties of contemporary life with hope and assurance.

 

In another of his New Testament letters, the apostle wrote this declaration: 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

 

Nothing can separate us from God and His love! The question is, do we really believe that? Our answer will go a long way in shaping our response to adversity, whether it’s what we’re facing at present or what is yet to come. Will we be crushed, will we survive, or will we thrive?

Thankful, Yes – But for Everything?

As we look toward another Thanksgiving Day celebration a few days from now, we can usually think of things for which we can be thankful: A car that runs, if we have one. A roof over our heads, especially if it doesn’t leak. A selection of clothes to wear, hanging in our closets. A job that enables us to pay the bills. Loved ones and close friends that mean so much to us. But what about things we can’t feel thankful for?

This presents a bit of a problem for those of us who follow Jesus Christ, because three consecutive verses in the Bible seem to assert that when it comes to thankfulness and gratitude, there should be no exclusions, no exceptions.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we’re told, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The words “always,” “without ceasing,” and “everything” seem all-encompassing. That’s because they are. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to implement. Nor does it mean they should be.

I think of a book I helped my friend, Mike Landry, to get published, called Advancing Through Adversity. In it he recounted a series of trials he and his family endured over an 18-month period some years ago. The hardships they faced were difficult – and unwarranted. They suffered through many sleepless nights. Answers to their “why” questions weren’t forthcoming. 

Ultimately, the problems were resolved and they could look back at the circumstances and realize how God’s presence had never left them alone in their circumstances, even when they seemed most dire. Through this time, when they had no choice but to turn to Him and trust that He would work things out according to His perfect purposes, they found Him unflinchingly faithful.

If we had the option, we probably have something (or things) we’d like to eliminate from our lives: Serious financial pressures. Severe health problems that have lingered and appear without remedy. A difficult marriage. Struggles a family member is going through that are beyond our capacity for bringing any relief. Grieving over the loss of a loved one. The day-to-day realities of aging. The list could go on. Does the Bible really mean we’re to be thankful for these?

I’ve mentioned him before, but my friend, Albert, is no stranger to adversities. He lived through the horrors of World War II. From childhood he has wrestled with health problems. And he’s survived major business setbacks. And yet, he’s been steadfast in trusting God and remaining grateful for the life He has given him. Albert even wrote a booklet about his life called “Saying ‘Thank You’ Even When You Don’t Feel Thankful.”

The overriding lesson he has learned – and has helped many who know him to grasp as well – is that regardless of the challenges we face in life, we can still embrace hope. We can define hope as earnest, confident assurance that God will use even our worst circumstances to carry out His plans. In the process, He will refine us, transforming us into the people He desires for us to become.

That’s why, in Romans 5:3-5, the apostle Paul could write, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

The apostle James seemed to second the motion when he wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

Although they do not use the words thankful or grateful in these passages, they’re clearly implied when the writers admonish us to “rejoice” or “consider it pure joy” when we have to deal with various trials God allows in our lives. So, when Thanksgiving Day arrives and we pause to give thanks, let’s be sure to express our thankfulness to the Lord – even for the things for which we don’t feel thankful.

Valuable Lesson from a Donkey

A friend reminded me of a fable about a hapless donkey that somehow fell into a well. The water in the well wasn’t very deep, but it had no way of getting out. When townspeople discovered the animal’s plight, they tried to devise a solution to save it, but it seemed impossible.

When confronted with challenges, we can either
let them weigh us down or strive to overcome them.

Finally the citizens determined that if they couldn’t extricate the donkey from the well, the humane thing would be to bury it alive rather than let it die a slow death of starvation. So they began shoveling dirt into the well. The donkey, however, had different ideas. It would shake off each shovelful of dirt and let it fall to the well’s floor.

As the dirt falling from above began to accumulate, the animal realized it could step up onto the dirt pile and raise itself higher in the well. Eventually, the dirt had filled most of the well and the donkey, cleverly perched on top of it, simply stepped out of the well to safety.

The principle from this fable is one we could apply to many problems we encounter on our journey through life. The donkey could have decided he was doomed and accepted his fate. He could have given up and become buried under the dirt. Instead, he kept shaking it off and rising up under the challenge until he had overcome his dilemma and stepped out into freedom.

Many times our difficulties threaten to bury us as well. Problem piles upon problem, and we’re tempted to succumb to despair. However, if we remember the lesson of the donkey, we can regard these challenges as stepping stones rather than tombstones. 

It may seem like a puzzling reality, but we learn much more from difficulties and failure than we do from prosperity and success. For instance, financial problems often are the result of poor decision-making. Impulsive purchases, spending more than we’re earning, presuming upon God by accumulating debt. Or our priorities might be out of whack, causing harm to relationships and preventing us from accomplishing cherished goals.

At times the consequences of self-inflicted woes threaten to cover us up. We can choose to let that happen. Or we can learn from bad experiences, pursue ways of properly resolving them, and use this “dirt” to climb above our circumstances.

Followers of Christ, however, differ from the donkey in one crucial way. The donkey worked to resolve its problem solely through its own initiative. There was no one to help him. When our best efforts prove insufficient for the challenges we face, we have the assurance that we don’t have to confront them alone.

The apostle Paul, who dealt with multiple crises during his life as a disciple of Jesus, observed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). In fact, Jesus Himself stated that if our desire is to do things of eternal value, we can’t accomplish them on our own strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Toward the close of his letter to the church in the city of Ephesus, Paul offered this encouragement: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). In our culture, many of us have learned the “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” mentality. However, unlike the donkey who was clever enough to use the dirt as a means for achieving freedom from the well, the Lord wants us to rely on Him whenever we confront perplexing dilemmas.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t respond by doing whatever seems appropriate, but often even our best efforts aren’t enough. For this reason the apostle exhorted another group of believers to “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:10-11).

When we’ve inadvertently fallen into some “well,” we don’t have to fall victim to the “dirt” cascading down on us. Instead, we can trust in the wisdom, guidance and power of God to lift us back to solid ground.

Are We Reciprocating the Love?

When life seems spiraling downward, does our love for God remain constant?

Not long ago I wrote about the oft-quoted biblical declaration, “God is love,” what we think it means, and what it really means. There’s another side to this truth we should consider: Are we reciprocating that love?

A friend, David, now in his early 50s, has dealt with a congenital disease that has presented major health challenges throughout his life. As a husband, father and businessman, he could express bitterness and frustration over the adversity that has become a constant, if unwelcomed, companion. Instead, he and his family have used it as an opportunity to strengthen their faith and become powerful witnesses for Jesus Christ to others. Here’s is what he wrote recently:

“I hear so many Christian songs speaking the truths of ‘how much God loves us.’ We sing, ‘Jesus loves me, this I know....’ This is a truth to which we all cling. However, I ask the simple question: ‘Do WE love Him?’ Is our love for Him dependent on things going great (in our lives)? Learning to love Him, when the world is against us, or things aren't going our way, is the kind of love He wants from us. His love for us is never in question. The question is, do we love Him? Do we love Him during all of life's challenges? I suggest that this kind of love glorifies God and demonstrates His power more than the conditional love we often have for God.” 

Despite decades of suffering and setbacks, David has gained wisdom and perspective that many of us never attain. We reason that if God really loves us, He’ll make our lives good and comfortable and prosperous. The so-called “health and wealth gospel” helps to propagate such beliefs. However, that’s not what the Scriptures reveal for us.

Throughout the Bible we find accounts of the all-powerful God allowing His people to endure hardships in various forms. From Abraham and Sarah going childless until late in life, to Moses and the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, to the apostle Paul being subjected to torture, infirmities, even shipwreck while seeking to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, we see God never promised His followers “rose garden” lives.

To the contrary, we read passages that seem to assure just the opposite. For instance: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). 

Romans 5:3-5 affirms this, stating, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us.”

The Scriptures make it clear God’s love for His children is limitless and unconditional. So, the question, as my friend suggests, is do we love Him? When things don’t go our way, when we find ourselves in “the valley of the shadow of death,” as Psalm 23 describes it, is our love for God constant – our trust in Him unwavering?

How can we even know if we truly love the Lord, that we’re not just experiencing some brief emotional state during a worship service or when listening to a song of praise? Jesus was straight forward in explaining what loving God should look like:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command…. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him” (John 15:15-21).

The next time we find ourselves reflecting on the scriptural teaching that “God is love,” maybe we should also ask ourselves the penetrating, even convicting question, “Yes, but do I love God?” And if we say that we do, is there any evidence to prove it – even in the midst of challenging, difficult times?