Adversity and Opportunity are Joined at the Hip
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April 23, 2009I don't want to leave the topic of adversity without sharing with you a very positive perspective. I have learned that adversity and opportunity are always - not most of the time - but always, joined at the hip! No matter what the circumstance, there is always something of high value that can be gained from it. The greater the adversity, the greater the opportunity. When you find yourself in the grip of adversity, count it all joy knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4) The end result of adversity can be sweet fruit indeed. Be purposeful. Look for the opportunity. Ask God to show you the potential reward. Those who solve problems are of high value to any society and oftentimes that value has even a financial benefit to it. When you get good at solving problems, look for others who have problems and ask God for how to solve their problems. That's what good businesses do. They solve problems other people can't or won't. When you do that well, adversity can be a most lucrative opportunity for you. Count it all joy.
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Amen Michael,
We grow through adversity. In all things we should rejoice.
Sin of Greed brought this adversity, recession, and seeking God will bring us out of this recession.
Kern
Kern Pegues at 8:16am EDT - April 23, 2009
One of the major challenges we face in times of adversity is not beating others in a competitive situation, but beating that \"quiter\" inside us that wants to give up. I have a line in a poem that I wrote that say, \"You may not always beat others that's true, but surely you can beat the quiter in you\", adversity can be a gravestone or a stepping stone, we get to choose.
Thanks for your insights
Bill Stewart at 10:04am EDT - April 23, 2009
Michael:
Thank you for your spiritual insights. Adversity can be a way that the Lord is wanting to speak to us and speak into our lives through the process of \"why is this happening to me?\" It is an opportunity to self-examine ourselves and meditate all the while asking the Lord to show us what needs to be changed and to make us aware of opportunities. To Bill Stewart: great line about adversity being used as a Gravestone or Stepping Stone. I love it! Thank you both and may He continue to be our Inspiration. God bless.
Anita at 11:31am EDT - April 23, 2009
'He will never leave you or forsake you\". \"A chosen generation, a royal priesthood\". \"For HE will reward those who diligently seek HIM\". \"Lover of my Soul, Author of my life\".
For HE loves people, tribes, and every nation. But, it is the sin that HE hates. HE only wants your heart!!
Thanks!
Williette Herring at 5:53pm EDT - April 23, 2009
I have heard others speak from experience who say if you are called to do something then the next thing is that you will be given a trial or series of trials to teach you, prove you prepare you etc. Someone once phrased this as the deeper the valley you walk through after you have been commissioned the higher the mountain you will climb afterwards. When this was repeated to me I went to the speaker and listed a selection of the issues I had faced and they were amazed. I am still waiting to see how high I climb!
Others say that some people are in situations where they face in credible persecution. I think of a pastor who has been seen as a major player in his country's serious economic collapse. All he can do is the same as what he has done before when facing allegations is pray that the truth will be recognised. However, as after surviving previous false allegations righteously has only led to the growth of his church the expectation is that the same will happen again. Out of the strong comes sweetness.
Susan
Susan at 3:01am EDT - April 24, 2009