Articles
The University of Adversity
Life offers many ways to learn. We learn by reading, by listening, and by observing. One of the most effective ways to learn is by doing and experiencing. But when we go through a really tough time, it can teach us lessons we might have never otherwise known.
Since we must all pass through the University of Adversity (a.k.a., the School of Hard Knocks), we might as well graduate with honors. So what are we to gain from all the pain?
Job learned some things about God and about himself he did not know before he suffered. He gained a greater reverence for God. He learned humility.
The Psalmist learned to obey as a result of what he went through. “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word . . . . It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Psalm 119:67, 71 NASB).
Paul learned from his thorn. At first he pleaded with God to take it away. Later he realized he needed this thorn to keep him humble. He even grew to the point where he could say, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
The Prodigal Son learned to appreciate home only after being severely deprived of its blessings (Luke 15:11-32). And when he finally made it home and was so warmly welcomed by his father, he discovered something else: the sweet taste of grace.
So what are we learning now from what we’re going through?
