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Necessity of Adversity

We may think we have true Christian love until someone offends us or treats us unjustly. Then we begin to see anger and resentment well up within us. We may conclude we have learned about genuine Christian joy until our lives are shattered by an unexpected calamity or grievous disappointment. Adversities spoil our peace and sorely try our patience. God uses those difficulties to reveal to us our need to grow, so that we will reach out to Him to change us more and more into the likeness of His Son.
From Jerry Bridges's Trusting God : Even When Life Hurts.  It is a very helpful reminder that we only know ourselves partially. It is only when we are truly under adversity that our true character comes out. Adversity is therefore an essential part of revealing the imperfect aspects of our lives that need to be brought and under the submission of Christ. Trouble is even though we know that truth it is very tempting to not to see the bigger picture - namely that God is working all things for our good. When we are in that moment of struggles the world really does shrink. This quote from Bridges is one worth keeping close to the heart to be reminded that God's ultimate goal is to make me into the likeness of His Son! 

Copyright © Chola Mukanga 2013
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