Lessons From Adversity

Written by Vianne Satterfield

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 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.”

This year has been filled with all kinds of adversity for most people. Believers, God’s people, are not exempt from trials of many kinds. We all have either experienced trouble or know someone who is experiencing trouble. People do not generally enjoy the process of illness, failure, loss, family problems, emotional upheaval, disappointment, etc. Yet, this passage encourages believers to have a joyful attitude when facing trials.

Joy is not our typical reaction to adversity. Frustration, upset, sadness, anger — yes, those are the typical reactions to trouble. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is a supernatural response that is cultivated only by being empowered by God’s Spirit. Having an attitude of joy sets us up to be able to handle the trial with faith, believing that God will sustain us, help us endure the trial, and mature us along the way.

How do we consider it “pure joy” when facing trials of many kinds? We believe God’s Word. We choose to allow God to teach us the lessons of adversity. We focus on the end of the trial, knowing that one day, ‘This too shall pass.’ We prayerfully ask God to show us what He wants to accomplish through the trial. I would rather be in alignment with God while facing trials, then not be in alignment with God while facing trials. When God allows trials to come your way, see it as an opportunity to become more refined.

When I have a joyful attitude about trials or trouble, it gives me hope that God is up to something. He is working something out! I can believe that adversity can lead to opportunity for growth both spiritually and emotionally. Adversity can lead to a closer, more intimate relationship with the Lord. Adversity can and often exposes areas in your life that need healing or refining, which ultimately lead to spiritual maturity and wholeness.

As an example, I will share from my own experience of a trial that has repeatedly occurred. (My trial is tiny in comparison to others facing difficult illnesses and loss of family members, however, my trial has exposed areas in my mind and heart that need refining and healing.) Each time the trial occurs, I learn and grow spiritually because I am willing to ask the Lord to reveal what He wants to teach me through the trial. Perhaps someone can relate to this example. For that reason, I will share it.

I have made financial mistakes or have forgotten to pay a bill that has resulted in charges or interest added to the bill. I routinely pay my bills on time, so this is an unusual circumstance. When this occurs, I would berate myself or call myself ‘stupid.’ 🙂 That had been my automatic reaction. This kind of mistake occurred again — except it was the IRS that was complaining. Uh oh. Sigh. More trial, and more opportunity to learn from adversity. I asked God what He wanted to teach me through this. I really want to pass this test! My lessons include the following:

Having self-compassion; practicing kindness and grace towards myself; accepting mistakes as part of being a human and recognizing the value of mistakes in the learning process; being present in the now, rather than living in the past (regret or sadness), or living in the future (anxiety or fear); not allowing failure to define me (I may have failed, but I am not a failure); recognize that perfection is over-rated and not possible, but rather work towards excellence in my pursuits; immediately address the issue.

I am choosing to let perseverance finish the work that God is doing in me as I count it all joy, partner with Him and learn the lessons of adversity.

As you face trials of many kinds, be encouraged that God is up to something in your life! Choose to believe God’s Word is true and prayerfully ask Him to show you what He wants to teach you. Be willing to learn and become more spiritually mature as you trust Him in your trials.