Adversity

April 5, 2006

By Croft M. Pentz

After Job lost his wealth, 10 children and health, his wife suggested he curse God and die (Job 2:9). Job replied, “What? Shall we receive good at the hands of God, and shall we not receive evil” (Job 2:10, KJV).

Synonyms for adversity are misfortune, hurt, harm, hardship, setback, disaster and catastrophe.

Adversity comes to all. The worst of sinners to the most dedicated Christian faces it. Look in Hebrew 11 and read how the “Heroes of Faith” faced adversity.

Adversity drives us closer to God or drives us away from Him, depending on our response. When the bottom falls out for you, there’s no way except up! During these times you can discover God is sufficient.

Adversity is a form of testing. Job said, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The Psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray” (Psalm 119:67). He goes on to say he learned through his affliction (Psalm 119:71).

How do you overcome adversity? It says of Moses, “He endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). You can endure if you keep your focus on your unseen, but ever-present, Savior.

Croft M. Pentz writes “Healing for the Hurting” for The Record Herald of Waynesboro, Pa.