Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Adversity isn’t a new concept to us Christians. Paul experienced more trial and
tribulation than most of us ever will. Beatings. Shipwrecks. Imprisonment. Yet
he was able to look at those adversities as part of his refining process.
He wasn’t crushed or despairing or forsaken or destroyed ... How could that be?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain I could have as positive an outlook
as he did. When I’m feeling particularly unwell, I sometimes despair wondering
if I’ve fallen to a new plateau. And to be honest? Every once in a while—not
often, but sometimes—I feel forsaken.
But then I have to remember that God has a purpose for adversity. Just as iron
sharpens iron and the fire purifies gold, difficult times make us stronger.
They make us more reliant on God. They make us seek His truth.
If we keep our eyes on God, if we understand the purpose behind affliction,
then we can withstand being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down.
We can, in fact, trust Him to use the difficult times to refine us and to
glorify Himself.
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