To advance, you must overcome adversity

The Christian life comes with blessings—and battles. You can’t have one without the other. Paul describes it this way: “In everything and in every way we show that we truly are God’s servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times. We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and gone without sleep or food. But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real. We have spoken the truth, and God’s power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right. Whether we were honored or dishonored or praised or cursed, we always told the truth about ourselves. But some people said we did not. We are unknown to others, but well known to you. We seem to be dying, and yet we are still alive. We have been punished, but never killed, and we are always happy, even in times of suffering. Although we are poor, we have made many people rich. And though we own nothing, everything is ours” (vv. 4-10 CEV). God will fight for you on your battlefield, take you through your storm, and turn your season of adversity into a season of advancement. When your faith is under fire, it attracts His power and brings His grace into your situation. The Bible says, “Even Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered” (see Hebrews 5:8). So rejoice, you’re not losing—you’re gaining!