Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-7
A Perspective on Adversity
This is not a spin, a positive filter, or a photoshop alteration of adversity.
It is an effort to dispel our self-centered human worldview of trouble by revealing God's purpose for adversity in our temporal lives.
Many scriptures by different biblical authors reveal the benefits of adversity to followers of Jesus.
A Promise: It is a given conclusion that we will face adversity as we walk with Jesus, just as He did!
In the opening verse, the testing of your faith may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Adversity in our lives can reveal Jesus Christ.
Adversity—You don't ignore it, deny it, or explain it away. You walk through it.
Or maybe limp through it.
You allow adversity to have its work to reveal Jesus in you.
I am not saying to like adversity because it couldn't lead to transformation if you liked it!
But you can welcome the benefits that come from a righteous response.
What leads to the righteous response?
A healthy understanding of our identity.
Recognizing that we are God's children and this life is not about us but the revelation of His love for us and others.
If adversity reveals Jesus's life in us by squeezing us until He is shown, He will be glorified.
How have you allowed adversity to move you further from Abba Father?
Describe a time when adversity revealed your total dependence upon Him.
What mindset needs to be changed for you to have a healthy view of adversity as a child of God?
Lord, thank You for the benefits of adversity. Refine us as pure gold until You can see Your reflection in us. Amen