How Do You Handle Adversity?

Scripture is abundant with tales where adversity does not have the last word; instead, it serves as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and often- unexpected goodness. It emphasizes that even in the midst of trials, there’s always a nugget of hope to cling onto.

Indeed, the Bible encourages believers to view their struggles from an entirely different perspective. Rather than being pointless or punitive experiences, these challenges are opportunities for personal development and deepened faith. This isn’t just about turning lemons into lemonade—it’s about recognizing that every situation serves a purpose in our spiritual journey. God is always working even when you don’t see it.

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was thrown into a pit to die but was subsequently sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt. Despite being sold into slavery he found favor in Potiphar’s sight and was put in charge of his household. However, when falsely accused of wrongdoing, Joseph was thrown into prison, where he would face new trials and tests of faith (Genesis 37:18-36; Genesis 39:1-23) and eventually ending up being the second most powerful leader in Egypt.

Joseph’s journey from the pit to prison to the palace is a testament to God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of adversity; it is a powerful illustration of God's providence at work. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. Joseph’s unwavering trust, integrity, and reliance on God’s promises paved the way for his eventual exaltation and redemption.

Through Joseph’s story, we see the transformative power of faith, integrity, and reliance on God’s promises even in the darkest of circumstances. The overwhelming truth taught by Joseph’s imprisonment is that God is sovereign over every circumstance, even in the midst of injustice and suffering. This emphasizes that God’s purposes prevail despite human opposition or setbacks. God can use even the darkest moments of our lives to fulfill His plans and bring about redemption and restoration. Even when it seems like we’re in a season of waiting or uncertainty, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good and His glory. Our focus should be on the sovereignty of God and His ability to work all things together for the good of those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28).

Joseph’s life story was not a fairy tale. It teaches us about resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of integrity, the power of forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God over our lives. Even in the darkest of times, God is at work, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people.  Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

The story of Joseph points to God’s chosen Son, Jesus Christ, who endured darkness and despair before being elevated to a place of glory to bring salvation to many.

We all go through difficult seasons. We are called to live a life of faith. That means we are to believe God’s promises even if our circumstances confound us. When adversity surrounds us, we must remember that God will never desert or abandon His people. His good purposes will be accomplished.

“Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.” Charles Stanley