Why You Need to Learn How to Handle Adversity

This is a subject that I'm passionate about as a pastor.  It is essential for Christians to learn how to handle it when life gets hard for five reasons.

First, so they don't turn to sin for relief.  This is our first instinct when we suffer -- to turn to sinful pleasures to cover the pain, or to sinful actions such as lying and stealing to get out get out of trouble.  But the Christian must know that trials are not a green light to sin.  We must stand firm, or God will lose the glory, and we will lose the many blessings that God wants to bring about through suffering (1 Cor 16:13).

Second, so they don't lose faith.  Many people lose faith and turn from God during trials because they believed the lie that "devotion prevents difficulty."  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.  David Jeremiah said, "We can find ourselves in the middle of God’s perfect will and in the middle of a perfect storm at the same time!”

Third, so they don't despair.  Many people sink into depression as a result of their troubles.  But the Christian must remember that we don't have to despair because there is a God who loves us, and He is in control and working all things together for our good (Rm 8:28).  

Fourth, so they can be a witness.  When you cave under the pressure of trials and compromise your Christian values, you miss the chance to be a witness for Christ.  Your worst ordeal is your best opportunity to shine for Christ.  Bill Bright said, "The sermon of your life in tough times ministers to people more powerfully than the most eloquent speaker.”

Fifth, so they can get the greatest benefit.  Thomas Watson said, "Our adversity is our university.  Affliction is a preacher."  God uses adversity to grow us, but we must respond appropriately or we will miss the lesson.  Charles Stanley said, “It is not the trials in your life that develop or destroy you, but rather your response to those hardships.”