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Filling the Void in Your Heart—What Is Adversity?
What exactly is adversity, and how do we face it? I often ask myself, does it only count as adversity when something major goes wrong, or something really serious happens? Do I have to be completely helpless before I can ask for someone else’s help? Is it only when I’m backed into a corner that I think to cry out to God? In our lives, we face many setbacks, and often, we might feel withdrawn or down, even anxious about the future or confused about life. All these can be considered adversity.
Why do we struggle and suffer in adversity? It’s because we don’t understand what adversity is or why it arises. So, if we want to escape the suffering of adversity, we need to change how we view and handle it.
Joseph was betrayed by his family and sold into Egypt, then thrown into prison—this was his adversity. This hardship was part of God’s plan, but through it, Joseph was elevated to be the governor of Egypt and was able to save his entire family during a great famine. This adversity was the path God laid down to save Joseph’s family.
“Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75). Peter’s moment of personal loss and low faith was his adversity. This hardship was due to his own weaknesses and the frailty of his faith, but through this, God showed him his vulnerabilities, giving him a chance to see himself clearly. Ultimately, Peter became more humble and drew closer to God. This adversity acted as a mirror reflecting Peter’s weaknesses and was a lesson in his faith journey.
Job lost all his possessions, his children, and eventually his health after a great calamity. This adversity was permitted by God, but Job did not give up. In the whirlwind, he saw God and said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.” (Job 42:5). He not only saw God but also gained a deeper understanding of God’s creation and greatness. In the end, God blessed him twice as much as before, as he said, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10). This adversity was a test of faith, a beacon to see the glory of God.
The adversities we encounter all have their meanings. They aren’t merely punishments for our wrongdoings. So, when we face life’s valleys, challenges, and confusions, we should not fear or flee. These adversities are opportunities to see ourselves clearly, catalysts for maturity and spiritual growth, and chances to “see” God. Therefore, we should renew our attitude towards adversity. All adversities can reveal God’s glory because God is a God who desires us to turn to Him, an all-knowing and all-powerful God with a far-reaching plan.
I encourage you to join our church, to seek and experience the truth of God! Below are the ten basic beliefs of our church to help you get to know us better.
https://www.tjc-chicago.org/about/basic-beliefs/
Come join us in worshipping and knowing the one True God together In our upcoming Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation.
September 26-29, 2024
Thursday, September 26,2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, September 27-28,2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29,2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Our church’s address is as follows:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org