When Adversity Strikes

Difficulty comes in many forms. It doesn’t need an invitation and often shows up at the most inconvenient times. One day life feels peaceful and under control, and the next, you find yourself facing a mess. For some of us, life can feel like one challenge after another. Tough times are a part of life, no doubt. As the saying goes, “Sometimes you choose adversity, but more often, adversity picks you.”

When difficulties arrive, the real question is: How will I respond?

I was surprised by a survey that found almost nine out of ten people said a painful event—whether illness, death, tragedy, or loss—led them to find a deeper, more positive meaning in life. That may seem counterintuitive, but it shows that we have the power to choose a hopeful and confident perspective, even in the midst of hardship and suffering.

In fact, as God’s people, we are called to strive for that outlook. Jesus taught us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

“Be of good cheer” can also be translated as “take heart,” “be courageous,” “be confident,” “be undaunted,” “be filled with joy” or “be brave.” These are not just words—they represent a mindset, a way of life—showing us how, with God’s help, we can choose to respond to life’s difficulties with strength and perseverance.

God’s Word instructs us that adversity can be beneficial because it can:

1. Build courage in us (Acts 27:22).
2. Reveal our weaknesses so we can grow (2 Corinthians 12:9).
3. Push us to pray (James 5:14-18).
4. Toughen us (Romans 8:28-29).
5. Humble us (Deuteronomy 8:16).
6. Work for good (Genesis 50:20).

So, when adversity strikes, remember: don’t ever get angry with God, and don’t ever give up. 

Keep in mind what the apostle Peter wrote: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

When adversity strikes, we have a choice: to let it break us or to let it shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals. 

God doesn’t promise us a life free from challenges, but He does promise to be with us through them. With His strength, we can rise above the trials—not just enduring but thriving—knowing that our faith is being tested and refined like gold in fire.

As we face the hardships of life, let us remember these trials are not in vain. They are opportunities for growth, for deeper faith, and for a closer relationship with our Creator. In the end, we can take comfort in knowing that “the joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). 

So, take heart. Be courageous, knowing that through every challenge, He is preparing us for greater things.