Adversity

“Though we may not see an answer in the immediate circumstances of our lives, we can begin to put one together as we look at the lives of other believers. What did trouble do for Joseph?…What did trouble do for David?….for Paul?” - Challies

“What’s the point of such discipline? Four verses later, we get the answer to that question. It says, ‘[God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.’” - John Piper

“Grief comes easily to me. The furnace of my many afflictions—stoked by painful bone disease, stage 4 cancer, advancing arthritis, perpetual 35-year-long head pain…. When you grieve as much as I have, you sometimes wonder what the Lord thinks of it. Is my grief permissible, or have I fallen into grieving doubt and self-pitying discontent?” - TGC

“Ministry sometimes feels like a slap in the face, often when you least expect it to happen.” - Chuck Lawless

“This month marks five years since my family and I survived a plane crash. When landing, the plane skidded off the runway and down a steep incline, breaking in two before it ran into a concrete barrier that stopped it.” - 9 Marks

“The grief and tragedy that greeted New Orleans on New Year’s Day…reminded me of the promise Jesus gave His disciples in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’” - Baptist Press

“Your world is not spinning out of control, careening toward chaos, because we have a King who rules over all the earth.” - Paul David Tripp

“I cannot tell you how often I’ve turned to these biblical texts to strengthen my faith in a battle. Maybe they’ll help you, too” - Chuck Lawless

“On hearing this, Peter… asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Instinctively he wanted to compare God’s difficult calling on his life with His plans for John. Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’” - Randy Alcorn

“The unknown psalmist speaks on behalf of God’s people of all times, declaring that God has done great things while honestly affirming, ‘You have made me see troubles, many and bitter.’” - Randy Alcorn