How do you handle adversity?

OK- so here is my adversity for this week.  I was rear ended on my way to work on Friday.  My car may be totaled, I have been in a lot of discomfort do to whip lash, unexpected expenses to cover and missed hours at work.  I could let those things consume me with worry about what might be the outcome, how long the situation will persist, how much it will cost- will I be able to afford it.....

When things happen in your life do you want to blame others or God for this happening to you?  I know that God is sovereign and nothing that happens to me happens by accident.(2Chronicles 20:6 and John 10:29)  God is good and wants only good things for me. (Psalm 25:8 and Psalm34:8)      So how do I resolve this seeming conflict of God's goodness and bad things happening?   James 1:2-4  says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work, so that you many be mature and complete, not lacking in anything."  (NIV)  God's word tells me to take things in stride and be confident that God can and will use this adversity to grow my character helping me to learn how to stand firm and be persevering. Satan wants me fearful and worrying.  Those are his tools to undermine my faith and trust in God.

I don't know if I'm at the place yet in my walk with God that I really rejoice when adversity comes, but I am beginning to recognize those times and see that God is greater than anything I am facing and that I can trust Him.  Here are a few verses that help to turn my perspective to Him when adversity comes:  2Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, " I am content with weaknesses, insult, hardship, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.      Philippians 4:19  "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  and Lamentations 3:21-23  "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (ESV)   These verses assure me of God's sovereignty and care.  I can rest in Him knowing that He will provide, be merciful each day and will not give me something that His grace will not be enough to cover.  Those are assurances that allow me to get up each morning, persevere and claim victory in Him in spite of the adversities I may face that day.

I pray that these words of encouragement will help you the next time - probably today! that you face adversity.  Turn to Him and let him see you through it. God is the master of turning lemons into lemonade for each of us.
Have a Blessed day.
Linda