Finding Blessings in Adversity

Birds are born with an instinct to chip their way out of their eggshell. This grueling, necessary process, called zipping and hatching, begins after the bird takes its first breath. This sustained, exhausting struggle, which can take many hours, sometimes a whole day, is the chick’s first test of endurance. Without this effort, its muscles wouldn't be strong enough to support its body, walk, and survive. The chick is forced to exchange the comfort of the shell for a new existence.

As we yield to the Lord, he uses all things to transform us to develop character, resilience, and maturity.

Like the chick, we go through a similar process. Our "hatching muscle" is mental resilience, which must be developed to foster spiritual growth. Our resilience is strengthened in the face of adversity, becoming stronger the more difficult the trial. When we exchange ease, comfort, and pleasure for hard work, dedication, and faith, we gain the deep satisfaction that comes from persevering despite our challenges. We can be joyful when faced with adversity because it enables us to transform from a problem avoider into a problem solver. Veteran Mark Geist captures this beautifully: "Resilience isn’t found in avoiding the storm—it’s forged in the middle of it. Every battle... is an opportunity for God to show His strength through us." This perspective echoes the truth that our struggles, like the chick’s fight to hatch, are divine opportunities to build character.

It is easy to avoid larger goals because we know we will face greater obstacles. Until we make decisions based on our identity in Christ and face life with godly confidence, we will continue to settle for less than the best. If we want God’s best, we must embrace His vision, which will typically be bigger than the vision we develop on our own. He knows the limitations we impose on ourselves, and He knows He can fill in the gaps. He wants us to lean into Him, and His vision will cause us to do just that. Part of the struggle with adversity is rooted in our view of God; we doubt His faithfulness to do what He promised. Yet, when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He directs our paths and provides the strength needed to meet the goals He leads us toward.

... we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us... Romans 5:3-5

In his letter to the Romans (5:3-5), the Apostle Paul teaches this exact process of resilient growth. The premise is that adversity serves as a necessary catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity. As believers, we are encouraged to rejoice in the hope of our salvation, even in the midst of suffering. This celebration isn't a denial of pain, but a certainty based on a guaranteed process: tribulation produces perseverance, which in turn develops proven character. This proven character is anchored in a hope that does not disappoint. This absolute certainty is rooted not in our performance, but in the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Essentially, life's challenges build our inner resilience, transforming us from seekers of comfort into bearers of faithful endurance, spiritual strength, and a proven character shaped by God’s love.

In Christ,

Derrick Poston

North American Mission Board

Great Adventure Missions, President