"God allows adversity to mold and shape you" Charles Stanley

I don't know if it is just me, or is adversity overwhelmingly present in your life? I was expressing my concerns recently regarding adversity; why is it when we have God's Holy Spirit living in us that life is a constant fight? I realize that the Holy Spirit is a constant, soothing comfort...the devil hammers and hammers and hammers away at our Spirit. Even though the devil cannot take away our spirit, he can throw fiery darts continually at us. That brings me to the devotional I read this morning, along with reading out of 1 Samuel 30, David was facing adversity in a very strong way. His wives were taken and life was falling apart around him. God had a purpose and a plan and it was to be fulfilled thru adversity. Wow, God can take anything bad and turn it into good for His perfect plan! Charles Stanley says: "The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us." Another couple of good quotes from this dear man "adversity shows us where we stand in our faith" Wow, how true that one is. I like to fix people whom I know are hurting - but God does not need me to do anything but stay focused on Him, pray for those who are hurting and keep my mouth closed! God wants to do a work and cannot if we are interfering trying to help that person avoid adversity. "God allows adversity to mold and shape you." Wow, another zinger. As Charles says, "God wants to accomplish several goals in your life and mine by allowing suffering and heartache into our experience.."

Adversity...
1. gets our attention
2. delivers us from pride
3. reveals our weaknesses and strengths
4. increases our hatred for sin
5. demonstrates the faithfulness of God
6. Prepares us for future service

And I could go on quoting this Godly man.. So, the next time you suffer adversity, say to the Lord "speak Lord" (1Samuel 3:9) as little Samuel said to God, and then prepare to listen.

I pray your day is filled with His blessings and that adversity draws you closer and closer to your Heavenly Father.. I've not arrived, but am working toward that goal of constantly saying "speak Lord" and then listen!

Blessings to you, and don't forget to hug your daughter!

Gayle