Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will pull some truths from a book entitled, “The Blessing of Adversity: Finding Your God-given Purpose in Life’s Troubles.” This book was written by Barry C. Black who served as the Chaplain of the United States Senate. This book is pretty special to me, because it was given to me by the Community Sisters in Prayer. Ruthena Dorsey and her ministry made sure that I received a personally inscribed copy during a time when I became very ill. This book’s message is founded on sound biblical truths, and I pray it will bless you.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

Psalm 119:71

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4

In the first chapter of this book, the author says that we should celebrate our troubles. He references difficult seasons in our lives that have more negatives than positives. If you are anything like me, when facing difficulty, you begin to pick yourself apart, wondering what you did wrong or where did you go wrong. It is important for us to understand that trouble is a part of the package—a part of life. Not only that, we learn that God uses that trouble for a number of reasons.

The first reason for trouble that the author references is that it helps us learn God’s statutes. If you remember the children of Israel always sought God when they were in trouble. It is the same with us. We tend to seek God more when our backs are against the wall.

Another purpose of trouble is that it produces good fruit in us. James 1:2-4 states that we should be joyful in our trouble because it produces patience. It helps us mature, so that we can fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to deal with trouble in a way that brings you glory. Teach me to find a way to stay positive in the midst of my trouble, knowing that you are working in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.