Bible Study Notes

 April 27, 2025

Advancing Through Adversity

The Crown of Life

(Read James 1:12)

  Not only does adversity led to spiritual maturity in this life, but it also purchases for us a crown of life in the next. God understands the trauma of dealing with adversity. He has provided a special reward for those who "persevere under trial." Once again, we are faced with a conditional promise.  This reward is reserved for those who willingly accepted Christ in their lives. These are the ones who understood that God was up to something, that the adversity they faced was the means by which something good would come about in their lives.

   Are you persevering? Are you enduring? Or are you resisting? Are you mad at God for what He is doing? God wants to advance you through the use of adversity. He wants to grow you up and mature you to the point that your character is a mirror image of Christ's. That is His goal for you. And adversity is the means by which He will accomplish it. For there is nothing worse than a life filled with adversity from which nothing good ever comes.

  Why not tell the Lord, "Lord, I don't like it, but by faith I rejoice that You are up to something good in my life"? Eventually you will begin to see the "good." You will begin to experience peace. You will begin to advance through your adversity.