Today I am thinking about adversity as someone close to me has some serious challenges, this also has me reflecting on adversities I have had and know that in the future there will be more.

Here’s a link to an article I read this  that helped me understand get my arms around this.  Also find a few highlights below.

Spiritual Hardiness in a Cushy World: How do we prepare for adversity? 

“…What about us? How can those of us enjoying relative ease prepare for spiritual, moral, or physical adversity?

Adversity will come. Jesus told his disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).  “[D]o not be surprised,” Peter wrote, “at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Suffering is expected, they say, so don’t be surprised when it hits…”

“John Calvin, too, suggests that suffering produces benefits, because prosperous times — the cushy days — may cause us to miss seeing God at work: “For in prosperity we do not experience the worth of his assistance and the power of his Spirit, as when we are oppressed by men.” Not only is adversity inevitable; it may actually deepen our faith as we see God at work in us.

“For in prosperity we do not experience the worth of his assistance and the power of his Spirit, as when we are oppressed by men.” — John Calvin

Knowing this can remind us to seek the Spirit amidst our trials and let Him work in us, even when we feel weak — because our weakness allows God’s strength to shine: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).”

My prayer today that I always seek the Spirit when I have adversity and that I let God work in me.  It is comforting to know that through my weekend, by trusting in God, I can shine for him.