Can adversity be a blessing?

Most of the time, we think that adversity is, well, adversity. No one likes to feel the “hard knocks” of life, and most of us honestly want to avoid adversity as much as possible. But the Bible says that adversity can be useful. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Adversity shows our mettle; it shows what we are made of. Athletes train for years to build their skills. Their intensive training allows them to get knocked down and be able to pick themselves up. Peter wrote, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ …” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Trials help someone to develop their faith. Because of this, adversity can be a blessing. Do not despair when difficult times come upon you -- rejoice that you have the opportunity to be made better. Falling down does not make you a failure, but staying down does!

Kyle Campbell