Rising Above Adversity

Does everyone experience adversity in life? The Bible says we do. It even tells us to expect it. Look at some of the synonyms for ‘expect’: wait for, anticipate, look forward to, look ahead to, imagine, suppose, guess. So do we really do all of that with adversity? If we’re honest, we’ll answer a resounding, NO! (and don’t forget the exclamation mark!) When’s the last time you looked forward to the next adversity in your life? In this economy many or should I say, most, are experiencing some sort of adversity on a regular basis. Now, economy aside, take a look at the American health crisis and you’ll be amazed how much adversity we deal with in this realm. From obesity in children to adult onset diabetes health adversities compound daily. Add in the Autism epidemic and huge rise in autoimmune diseases resulting in millions of people living with chronic pain and discomfort. Adversity in Abundance.

So how is it that we rise above? How do we create a life that is joy filled while dealing with so much suffering? There are a few keys I’ve learned in combating adversity and then being able to look forward to it. The first Key is: Choice. Every fork in the road requires a choice. Do I choose to turn right or left? In the road of life, every adversity which hits you requires a choice in the same way. Do I choose to learn, grow, and mature through life’s circumstances producing a polished gem once I’m through? Or do I choose to blame, become bitter while basically banishing all the potential good that a particular adversity could produce? It’s your choice. One produces fruit the other rocks. Which would you rather eat? Or serve to others?

The second key is: Trust. If we say we are trusting in God then we can rest assured that He is strong enough to see us through any adversity which comes our way. However, if we are trusting in ourselves we will surely be deceived, discouraged and dragged down by every adversity. It is difficult to see the truth, which is the good that will result from the particular adversity we are facing (Romans 8:28) if we are trusting in ourselves. It is trusting God and His Word which assures us that He does use all things together for good – when we allow Him to. It’s our choice in who we are trusting in.

The third key is: Pride. Is your pride standing in the way of allowing adversity to humble you? Perhaps you’ve never experienced need in your life. Maybe you need to ask for assistance from others in some way. You’re used to giving that assistance. Being the hero, the giver, the one others come to in need. So where do you go now? How do you switch gears? By humbling yourself. Doing what you never dreamed you would. Crying out to God for help. Showing your frailty, your need. Telling others you need assistance. Opening up and sharing the truth. Taking off the plastic smile, ‘everything is fine’ and revealing the true nature of your heart. Ultimately your greatest break from pride is acknowledging your need for a Savior. God gave His only Son to be that for you. It’s that simple. Though we don’t deserve it, He gave us the free gift of eternal life. It is through experiencing Christ as our Savior, confessing our sins acknowledging that we are not worthy for heaven without His death on the cross which bought a place for each one who believes and puts their trust in Him. So it’s ultimately your choice in who you trust which will slice the pride of life.

Is adversity overcome? Absolutely! It’s with great rejoicing that we can honestly say how grateful we are to experience the trials in life which bring us to the realization of the growth we have the opportunity to experience. Growth in character is always the foremost event for each of us who encounters an adversity in life. We realize the frailty of life and treasure the moments we have with others. A focus on what is eternal becomes a reality in life. Material things will have no bearing on who we become on the inside. Experiences and how we handle them will make the lasting impression upon our hearts creating and molding us into the person we become. Therefore, Adversity is Overcome if we choose!