The bible has already reminded us that adversity is really an unavoidable thing.Hebrews 12:4-7 (NIV)
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
Before we lose faith and complain why the Lord allows adversities in our life. It is good for us to investigate. Why God allows adversities to come in the life of the faithful.
1. We have to note that all sins or wrong decisions lead us into deep trouble- Meaning you might have troubles, or you are in adversities because of Your sins- Verse 4a says In your struggle against sin. Adversity is brought to our own life by sinning. Think about King David. He created adversity to himself by lusting on Bathsheba that leads him to murder his husband Uriah. (2Sam 11). He becomes Gods enemy and who suffer? His innocent son. But One best thing about David after he realized sinned, He came back to God. So when sin is the cause of your problem or adversity – the only solution is to repent and return to God like David. God can always forgive sins. (1John 1:9)
2. Adversity allows by the Lord to develop your faith and mature – verse 4b you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Here, you know exactly that you have not fall into sin or temptation but suddenly found yourself into financial trouble, relationship problem, Physically and emotional adversity What do you do? Apostle James reminded us “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, [a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 (NIV)
So when in trouble or having problems do not freak out, do not panic. Pray discern why you are have problem, is it because of your wrong decision or sins? The Solution – Repent and return to God .
But after prayer and personal check up you knew you did not committed any wrong or sin like Job, then God allows you to have this to develop and grow you faith and Character so that you will become more mature. You can only be trusted after you have been tested.
Personal feeling sometime is our adversity- thinking I cannot do it, I cannot evangelize, I cannot talk to people. But unless you try and overcome this personal adversity you will not grow as believers – So why not overcome your Low self-esteem adversity by going outside and sharing Jesus ? You can do It. God want to grow your faith. Just do it! You will find it easy! God bless you.