HOW CAN WE COUNT IT ALL JOY?

 

Let’s look at the scriptural benefits of being tested and tried. 

 

We are told to count it all joy, we are to glory in tribulations, the character of Christ is being shaped in us, and we are told to welcome trials as a friend. 

 

 

1. Adversity gets our attention. Jas. 1:5; Heb. 4:16; Mt. 11:28-30

 

 

2. Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of Christ. Psa. 25:1-2

 

 

3. Adversity reminds us of our weak defenses. 2Cor. 12:7-10; Psa. 103:13-14

 

4. Adversity motivates us to cry out to God. Psa. 34:17; Psa. 3:4; Psa. 86:3; Psa. 9:12; Psa. 66:18

 

5. Adversity is an assurance of God’s fatherly love and care. Heb. 12:6-11

 

6. Adversity motivates us to fear the Lord. Pr. 9:10; Pr.14:27; Pr.22:4; Judg. 2:20-22

 

7. Adversity strengthens our hatred of sin. Ga. 6:7-8; Heb. 11:25

 

8. Adversity is a call for self-examination. Rev. 3:19; Pr. 28:13; Pr. 17:13; Pr. 16:18; Eph. 6:2-3; 1Cor. 11:28-30

 

9. Adversity exposes pride. Pr. 13:10; Pr. 11:2; Pr. 29:23; Lu. 14:11; Jas. 4:6-7

 

10. Adversity is evidence of spiritual warfare. Eph. 6:11-18

 

11. Adversity is God’s method of purifying our faith. 1Pet. 1:6-7; Jas. 1:3; Heb. 6:12

 

 

12. Adversity is a reminder to pray for our authorities. 1 Tim. 2:1-2

 

13. Adversity is a signal to reevaluate priorities. Psa. 127:2; Ex. 20:9

 

14. Adversity reveals if our work will last. Mt. 7:24-27; 1Cor. 3:13-15

 

15. Adversity tests our friendships. Pr. 17:17; 1Sam. 18:1; 2Sam. 1:26

 

16. Adversity invites us to experience the power of God. Phil. 3:8-10; Rom. Chpt. 6-8; Eph. 1:17-23

 

 

17. Adversity prepares us to comfort others. 2Cor. 1:3-5; 2Cor. 4:8,10,12,16