Adversity Seen Through A Positive Eye
Psalms 23
KJV
4+ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Bold and a courageous affirmation you’ve just read from a man who turned adversity into an advantage, impossible to possible, tears to joy, poverty to riches, dishonor to honor, grass to grace, Yes this is David, reflecting on his experiences
Unlike many, David saw the positive side of every adversity that befell Him. To him, anything that happened has a positive value or lessons to teach him. This is what he meant when he said
“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Beloved, the rod and staff describe the two ends of the same stick a shepherd carries.
The two ends of the shepherd’s “ stick “ are not the same both in shape and usage. One end is straight the other curved. One end is used to guide ( the straight end) the other ( the curved) is used to punish. There are times when both ends are used simultaneously to punish.
Adversity, tragedy, mishap, misfortune etc contrary to what the majority thinks, are God’s ways to redirect us. David knew this from experience hence what he wrote.
Beloved many of us will say the same regarding things that have happened to us, by which means we are who and what we are today. I discovered my gift of writing when I left the pulpit. Instead of lamenting the Holy Spirit directed me to the pen!
Words either spoken or written are weapons that no one can stop! The pen is mightier than the sword. Through writing, I have probably preached almost half of the sermons I’ve preached orally though the audience may be small I’ve reached many than I would have if I were glued to one place.
What about people with physical disabilities? Take a look at the great things most of them have done. Yes, physical disability is not mental or intellectual disability! It is God’s way of directing their destinies.
Yes, God uses adversities to redirect our destinies. This is the beauty of adversity and this is how it should be seen. Ever heard the saying “ when sea dry we go by land ?” Adversities should not stop us, they are meant to redirect, refocus, and reset so we can climb up to higher grounds in life.
Is this not what James meant when He said;
James 1
KJV
2+ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3+ Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4+ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
This situation is truly difficult to understand if one is not wise and this is why James added the following verse; read it
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
So now, you see why James mentioned wisdom? Pay attention to the context. It is a prescription To see and turn adversity into an advantage you’ll need wisdom! Which is true and it is only the wise who see adversity as an opportunity!
All that I’ve said so far is not to downplay the negative effects and or the consequences of adversities. No on the contrary I acknowledge that they can and are very devastating.
Yet, they are the Divine means by which our destinies are redirected. So wake up, wipe the tears, stop complaining, look beyond them, see (visualise) the glory and the goodness that lies ahead.
With God all things are possible and with Christ, you are more than a conqueror! This is how many have turned adversities into advantages! You can also do the same.
“Adversities Re-position Us”
My thoughts to share