One thing that we probably will never order and ask to be delivered is adversity or crisis. That seems to come our way even though we would not want it. Yet, God uses difficulties that come in life for our spiritual good. Adversity or crisis is a reminder that we have weaknesses and must be dependent totally on our Heavenly Father to sustain and strengthen us. The result will be praise and honor to His glory for His goodness and grace. Trouble is also a continuing reminder that the believer in Christ has an Adversary who seeks to distract and derail him from walking by faith. If Satan succeeds in his efforts against God’s people, then we will walk by sight, seeing only that which is discouraging, frustrating and useless. We will be forgetful of God’s love for His own children. The Psalmist wrote --
… “Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”(Ps 103:13-14 NASB)
Therefore, we must take care in how we respond to situations or circumstances. Some people react by blaming God for the troubles they are experiencing. Others, with the eyes of faith, cry out to God knowing that He will fulfill His promise to deliver in time of trouble. King David, a veteran in the spiritual warfare, wrote --
… “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”(Ps 34:17 NASB)
The Apostle Paul reiterated this promise in his letter to the Corinthian churches --
... “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”(1 Cor 10:13 TEV)
This was not just mere talk on the part of the apostle, for he had experienced that truth first hand. He reveals in a second letter to Corinth, that he had prayed three times for God to remove the adversity that he was facing. God’s answer was not necessarily what Paul expected, but it was perfect, of course, for God can do no less. Thus, the response from the loving Father was --
… “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”(2 Cor 12:9 NASB)
It is always advisable to consider prayerfully, that God may be using a crisis to refine our lives. This process places us in the crucible of adversity so that which emerges is purified, radiating His glory and grace. James states this principle in his epistle --
... “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”(James 1:2-3)
Then he sums it up with these words --
… “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”(James 1:12 NASB)