Adversity

From: Oswald Chambers Devotionals

John 16:33 "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.

If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.

God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7).