Thank God For Adversity

One sermon title or theme that I happen to remember hearing during the earlier time of my recovery from depression, had to do with the blessing of adversity. I now know that my bout with depression was a blessing and could only be described as adversity. The joy that I felt as I found my way out and to the shelter of my Lord would not have been possible without first suffering the extreme anguish that was there when I was separated from God by guilt.

It's obvious that we could not appreciate comfort without first experiencing discomfort, so as to know the alternative. So adversity can come in many forms I suppose, ranging all the way from an uncomfortable inconvienence, to a life long hardship dealt to one of us seemingly at random. The American College Dictionary compares adversity to affliction or misfortune, and refers to the Bible story of Job as an example. Adversity, affliction, or misfortune whatever it is, is the best evangelist there is. Because no one would come to the Lord seeking comfort and shelter without a need created by one of these. And if that afflicted person suffering from adversity or misfortune will surrender to the Lord, he will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to have a life with meaning.

2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:26 ¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
(KJV) Amen