Life From A-Z in the Word Part 20 of 22

Psalm 119:153-160

Tonight we’re going to look at the topic of adversity in Psalm 119:153-160.  Many times when we think about adversity, we think in terms of something that is negative, something that hurts.

Let me illustrate that for you.  Tonight I’ve brought with me a piece of paper.  I want to hold it up and have you tell me what you see.  Most of you only see the black mark, but you’ve overlooked the most important thing of all- the piece of paper.

There is much more white on the paper than there is black, yet almost everyone saw the black first.

Within the Bible we find that adversity is not negative.  The truth is, adversity can be one of the most positive spiritual experiences you can have in your life.  What is it that makes the difference?  Why is it that some of you look at adversity as being negative and others as being positive?  The difference is in the way you respond to it.

Some of you here tonight are hurting deeply and I want you to know that adversity doesn’t have to be a setback.  It can be a wonderful opportunity to grow and advance in your spiritual life.

Sometimes God uses life’s stops to help us to move forward.

How many of you have had some kind of adversity in your life?  TODAY!

Here’s how you know when you’re having a bad day:


    * Your birthday cake collapses from the weight of the candles.

    * You call Suicide Prevention and they put you on hold.

    * You turn on the news and they’re showing escape routes out of the city.

    * Your boss tells you not to bother taking off your jacket.

    * You hear a bird singing outside you window and it’s a big ugly buzzard.

    * You put your brau on backwards and it fits better.

    * You walk to work and find out that your dress has been stuck in the back of your panty hose.

    * Your blind date turns out to be your ex-wife.

    * Your income check bounces.

    * Your wife says, “Good morning Bill,” and your name is George.


Everyone experiences adversity no matter who we are.  It’s universal.  All people suffer adversity.  Ever nation on earth experiences adversity.  Adversity is not limited to one kind of person or one group of people.  It doesn’t make any difference what level of education you have, how much money you make, or what your social status is.  Adversity is a fact of life.  Life is like a golf course.  All of them have hazards.  They are a part of the game.

Adversity can sometimes be sudden like an accident or death.  Sometimes it is prolonged, year after year, after year, after year.  Sometimes adversity can be so intense that your faith in God is shaken to the point that you begin to wonder how much longer you can trust Him.

One of the first things we want to know when we experience adversity is “Why?”  Don’t ever feel guilty for asking God that.  Not asking God would be even worse.   God wants you to know why you’re experiencing adversity because He has a plan and purpose for your life.

So, why do we experience adversity?  Sometimes, it can be because of sin in your life.  At other times it can be because of the Devil.  But at other times it is because of God.  You see, God is much more interested in what you become than in what you experience.

Adversity can become a defeat in your life if you don’t respond to it properly.  How do you respond to adversity, setbacks, trials, hardships, heartache and pain?