Daily Devotionals

The Blessing of Adversity

Posted in Anger/Frustration

Scripture: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13   

There are blessings everywhere, even in adversity.

In my last few devotionals, I have shared about the rough waters my family and I have been going through lately. Through lots of prayer, self-reflection, and personal growth, I have learned a lot about myself and am working toward a better version of myself. I am happy to report that things are much better!

Sometimes the hardest part of change is knowing that change is needed and deciding how to embark on making it happen. God always gives us what we need, encourages us with every step, and will never leave us.

To help facilitate my personal change and growth, God has blessed me with new people in my life. Although I have always been blessed to have wise people in my life– many of them friends– to help show me the way, these new friends are currently on the same journey that I find myself traveling. Many of them have been on the journey longer than I and have much wisdom to share. God has blessed me with the opportunity to make new friends and learn from their life experiences and wisdom.

Initially, adversity can feel painful. But as Pastor Lynn eloquently said in her last sermon, pain is a part of human existence. Her sermon reinforced for me the idea that without pain, the joy of life would be much less bright. Without the comparison, would we appreciate the beauty, joy, and happiness that we are blessed to have? We will never have pain to the extent that our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus endured for us, and we will never endure our own pain without him right beside us. What a gift!

Although not comfortable, adversity can be an opportunity for growth and change. God sometimes puts us in hard places that we’d rather not be. He knows what is best for us, though, and these hard places can force us to make necessary changes in ourselves.

Change usually is not easy and can be scary. However, it is possible, even for old folks like me. Change can be very beneficial, but must be practiced like any other new lessons in life.

We only have control to change ourselves, though, and not others. I am still very much a work in progress, but I am making progress.

There are blessings everywhere, even in adversity. To appreciate them, we must open our hearts, eyes, and minds. God gives us all that we need to get through hard times and pain, but we have to be patient and open to where he leads us. God is good– all the time!

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know us all so well. You know when we need to open ourselves to change, and you give us the resources we need to be able to make changes. Thank you for constantly working so that we can be the best versions of ourselves if we will only follow your lead. Thank you for loving us enough to stay with us always! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Submitted by Susan Ratteree