Adversity often strikes unexpectedly, even when individuals bear no responsibility. Consider a young girl I know who bravely battled kidney cancer, only to face another formidable foe, blood cancer. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her parents’ unwavering support and exceptional medical care, enabled her to triumph over both challenges, a testament to the power of hope.
When adversity arises, we have two choices: succumb to discouragement or embrace trust. Yielding to discouragement can amplify the pain, fostering bitterness, anger, or the desire for revenge. Some may turn to substances like drugs or alcohol in an attempt to escape.
A more constructive approach is trust. Sometimes, adversity reveals our errors, requiring us to acknowledge them, repent, and seek forgiveness. Other times, we must accept our circumstances and beseech God to help us endure and ultimately conquer them.
In the midst of turmoil, praising God and turning to His Word can be potent remedies. Matthew Henry exemplified this when faced with robbery. He chose trust, reflecting, “Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
