Adversity

We have become so used to preachers speaking about the 'prosperity' of the Gospel, that we quickly forget the suffering that comes with the package of following Jesus. For this reason, I love Francis Bacon's thoughts on this:

"Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament;
ADVERSITY is the blessing of the New."

Paul says the same thing, just slightly differently:

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." - Romans 8:17-18

In a nutshell - our sufferings are NOT a sign of God deserting us, but rather of our choice to be Christ-followers. When we choose Jesus, we choose to be united with God in our sufferings, as well as our Eternal glory.

Living in Grace
D3LM3