“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” 

Psalm 117:91, NLT

Every human on the face of this earth has a story that includes afflictions. Even the most accomplished and wealthiest people have experienced pain and adversity. Many of us wonder why we had to suffer the things we have suffered, particularly in our childhood—our formative years. Dealing with aftereffects seems like a waste of time, mental acuity, and physical energy.

Why would a father walk away from his family, leaving his children vulnerable to lack, spirits of rejection, and abandonment? Why should a young girl be subjected to violations by relatives and neighbors? Why would anyone be reared in a cult or legalism? 

Wouldn’t it be better to be born and reared in a loving, nurturing environment: one free of pain, anger, and lack of any kind—a Paradise of sort?

From the surface, this scenario seems ideal. The reality is, without having to face and overcome opposition, we would never become our highest and best selves. Having to cope with resistance strengthens us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It sharpens our senses and gives us determination and drive, at least that’s my experience. 

I have heard countless stories of people who achieved greatness in life due to the adverse situations they had to overcome. All of us have rich deposits, but we have to dig deep within ourselves to find it. The Bible refers to it as the hidden treasures of darkness and the hidden treasure of secret places (Isaiah 45:3). Adversity is the tool that draws it out.

It seems that life would be a bed of roses without pain and suffering, but they are a valuable component of life. Don’t despise the opposition, use it as a stepping stone to build an abundant life.

Remember, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). 

Declare…

Lord, give me the grace and stamina I need to unearth my most precious treasures. With You, I can do all things.

Posted by on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 @ 9:53AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational