God Works in Times of Adversity   

We all have likely experienced periods of time in our lives when it seems like one difficulty keeps piling up on top of another. It is like a conveyer belt is delivering problem after problem, adversity after adversity. We have been going through one of those stretches over the past weeks. My wife suffered a life-threatening health crisis in which her long hospital stay resulted in several setbacks and delays. In the area where we live there have been effects from a hurricane and a chemical fire. We haven’t suffered from those events to the extent others have had to endure, but they still impacted us. Additionally, we had to deal with a septic tank issue resulting in dirty laundry and dishes piling up as we waited for repairs. And the recent heavy rains revealed a leak in our roof. I could add other things to the list, but you get the idea.

 In such trying times, it is tempting to give in to a negative or fatalistic viewpoint, to get discouraged, to start complaining, to feel sorry for ourselves, or to become angry. However, our faith in God calls us to seek to have a different spirit. It reminds us that in spite of the difficulties, there are many blessings for which we should be grateful. There are people who are enduring much greater trials than what we are experiencing. For example, our issues seem miniscule in comparison to what some people are suffering as a result of the recent hurricanes. Our faith also assures us that we can trust the fact that God is with us in the tough times. And we believe He is working on our behalf, even able to use the trials in our lives for good purposes.   

Bad things happen. Problems arise. Nevertheless, the Bible tells us that we can not only endure such times, but look for God’s hand at work to bring some good out of those bad situations. “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Through the storms in life, God can build character in us that may not be produced any other way. As we have gone through these past weeks, I have found my faith strengthened in various ways. I have seen God answering prayer. I have witnessed some kind of clot or mass in my wife’s heart disappearing without any medical explanation for it happening. I have a fresh appreciation for the support and encouragement of the family of God. We can see how some of the frustrating delays and setbacks may have been used to get us in the right place at the right time with the right medical staff in order for my wife to receive the treatment she needed. Additionally, through these past weeks we have been given opportunities to interact with people with whom we wouldn’t have had contact otherwise – to be an encouragement, to share our faith, to point them to the power of prayer.

I don’t recommend going out looking for hard times in order to experience the benefits that can come from such experiences. I would still have preferred to have avoided much of what we have gone through recently. However, tribulations are going to come. And when they do, face them with faith. Keep trusting God to see you through. Let Him work in you to develop your character through those times. Look for opportunities that may arise in which you can be a blessing and a help to others.

Don’t lose sight of the truth that God is good – all the time – even in times of adversity.