Interpreting Adversity

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Romans 5:3-4

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

 

Bible Reading for a Year [bible]psalm9[/bible]; [bible]matth9[/bible]; [bible]genes17-18[/bible]

 

Bristlecone pines are the world’s oldest living trees. Several are estimated to be 3,000 to 5,000 years old. The oldest one is found at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in White Mountains of California, United States of America. The tree grows under vegetation limit of 1,524 – 3,048 metres above sea level.

In spite of the harshest living conditions on earth such as arctic temperatures, fierce winds, thin air, and little rainfall, Bristlecones have been able to survive. Besides, the most interesting thing is the leaves on the top of the branch can live for 40 years.

Their ability to survive is amazing. But do you know that their brutal environment is actually one of the reasons they’ve survived for millennia? Hardship has produced extraordinary strength and staying power.

Paul also taught us that, “tribulation produces…character” ([bible]roman5:3-4[/bible]). Adversity is part of the process that God uses to produce good results in our lives. Trouble, if it turns us to the Lord, could actually be the best thing for us. It leaves us wholly dependent on Him.

So we should pray not just for relief from our affliction, but for the grace to turn it into greater openness to God and to His will for us. Then we can be strong in calamity, and at peace in the place where God has planted us.

 

God uses our difficulties to develop our character.