Challenging adverse circumstances

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4 NKJV)

The Bible contains countless true stories that are absolutely captivating. Many of them tell of adverse, difficult circumstances which, I’m sure, the characters involved would not have chosen to go through, but without which, these stories would be non-existent.

Acts 16 tells of how God used Paul and Silas in Philippi to deliver a fortune-teller from the evil spirit that controlled her, resulting in a considerable loss to her masters. In their anger they complained to the magistrates. Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown in prison. Such treatment certainly would not have been their choice. But instead of losing heart, they praise the Lord out loud in song. God then sends an earthquake, the prison doors fly open, and the chains of every single occupant fall off.

The keeper of the prison thinks all his captives have escaped, and grabs his sword to kill himself. But Paul quickly lets him know that all are present. The man then falls to his knees before the two evangelists and asks what he must do to be saved. They witness to him, and he takes them to his house, feeds them, and treats their wounds. In the end, his whole family comes to know Jesus.

This biblical example makes it obvious that challenging, adverse circumstances serve to greatly spice up our lives, which would otherwise be uninteresting and boring with nothing to tell of. As the quote goes, “There’s no testimony without a test.” [1]

Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials. - Smith Wigglesworth

[1] Anchor What Makes a Good Story