Why does God allow adversity?

This is a 3-part series on why God allows adversity in a believers’ life.  This is part 2.

DRIVES US TO GOD’S WORD

Psalm 119:71 - It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

• Through adversity, we should be turning to God’s word for comfort and correction.  The adversity we face is worth it if we learn from God’s word in the process.  By clinging to His word, we will better understand His will, law, and relationship with us.

KEEPS US FROM STRAYING FROM GOD

Ezekiel 14:11 - that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me, nor be profaned anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people and I may be their God,” says the Lord God.’ ”

• God executed a great judgment on the Israelites to correct them of their sins and not stray. 

1 Peter 5:10 - But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 

• Christians will deal with suffering and danger.  That is God’s work of perfecting, establishing, and strengthening His children’s lives.  It forces us to have constant reliance on God’s work in our lives.

MAKES US MORE FRUITFUL

John 15:2 - Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 

• The vinedresser cleans up fruit-bearing vine so it will bear more fruit.  God removes diseased and decayed portions of the vine and disciplines the believer to produce more fruit.  This pruning/cleansing is done through God’s word, which promotes growth.

PREVENTS PRIDE

2 Corinthians 12:7 - And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 

• Paul could have easily become extremely prideful given the revelations he received and the miracles he performed.  To prevent that pride, God gave Paul ‘a thorn in the flesh’.  This adversity in his life could be seen by all.  This was a gift from God to ensure that His followers wouldn’t become proud.