Clarity in Unfortunate EventsНамуна

The Balance That Is Adversity

King Solomon, the wisest king of the Old Testament, in composing the Proverbs and Ecclesiastical writings, duly noted the integral role of adversity in human life. In Ecclesiastes 3, we read there is a season and time to all things under Heaven. All seasons and times are never void of purpose. 

For the growth of plants, cultivation, rain, and the sun serve their unique purposes. For the health of a garden, dirt, digging utensils, certain insects, and the best biodegradable materials are essential. In the making of gold, fire is an essentiality. I highlighted the features that could seem adversarial, however, they are necessary to the process of fulfillment.

As with the natural, so it is with the spiritual: if we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, His Kingdom and coming, adversity is essential. God knew that we could all grow to a place of coasting and complacency if the mountaintop experiences became our permanent address. Therefore, pit stops, or valley experiences, were integrated into the plan for our lives. 

If everyday was beaming with sunshine and glee, how often would we pray? If each day we received everything we asked from our wishlist, how much would we depend on God, if at all? Were our health to never fail us, how would we come to know Him as the Great Physician? If struggle were to alway elude the believer, what would cause him or her to know God as The Rock, The Sustainer?

Unfortunate events are the ashes that make us appreciate the beauty of deliverance. Adversity is the mourning that causes us to appreciate the glee of joy. In Ecclesiastes 7, king Solomon shares some wisdom to ponder: good times and bad times are both gifts from God. (v14). 

A world without adversity is a world out of balance. The next time adversity knocks at  life’s door, answer with hopeful expectation and choose God’s grace and sustaining power to accompany you.