Have you noticed that it is in the times of adversity that we can reach new heights of spiritual maturity and closeness to God? It is in the days of affliction that we can experience a new growth of faith. It is in the winds of anxiety that our faith in Christ can be enhanced.
Just as learning a new language expands a person's ability to understand and communicate with more people, so going through affliction opens up a vast new means of communication and hence a new means of being a blessing to others.
It is when we have passed "through the valley of Baca" (weeping) that we can truly "weep with them that weep." Who best understands the loss of a wife/husband than a trusted friend who has gone through the "valley of weeping"? Who can best understand spurned love than one whose love has been rejected? Who better can feel the pain of the parents who have lost a child than one who has experienced the deep grief of the loss of a newborn baby?
Those who have gone through a deep trial have learned the language of compassion. It is those who have placed their faith in God who can - in turn - give grace to others. "Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools" (Psalm 84:5-6). God is able to make our valley of weeping a well-watered pool.
Not that we seek out troubles. Our journey in life brings its own trials, but when we respond in submission to him, God can turn our tears into a fountain and help us in the future to be a blessing to others. Some of the greatest hymns were born out of tragedy.
When we understand that trials are a part of life - and understand that God uses trials to mature us - then we can anticipate spiritual fruit in our personal life.
Paul writes: "By Whom (Jesus Christ) also we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience (Christian character); and experience; hope: For hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:2-5).
God wants us to see that trials, sufferings and troubles are not our enemy but a means God uses to expand our spiritual life. Wilbur and Orville Wright studied the flight of birds in preparation for building their first airplane. One of the things they observed was that birds use the wind to help them fly and soar to new heights. Wilbur said, "No bird soars in a calm."
And that is something we need to learn in our spiritual journey. Usually it is not in times of prosperity and comfort that we grow as a believer, it is when we can use the winds of adversity to propel us upward that we learn the lessons of the cross. Paul pleaded three times for God to relieve him of his affliction. He entreated earnestly - continually and specifically - but God denied his request. God's answer was, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Cor. 12:9).
Just as a child does not like the pain of an inoculation shot, so usually we do not like the restrictions of affliction. God knew what Paul needed to help him be a more compassionate person. If we want to soar, we must permit the winds of adversity lift us to new heights. Lord, help us to see the difficulties of life as from your loving hand.
Guy Templeton was pastor in Ohio for 23 years and has taught in Bible schools for 22 years. He and his wife Carol are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank. Contact him at guytempleton1@gmail.com.