For many years I viewed adversity as a negative thing and always took the path of least resistance. I didn’t realize nor understand that God was allowing it to teach me perseverance so that I could mature spiritually. Without hardship and various forms of suffering, I can get along well by myself. However, that was also when I had a tendency to ignore the Lord and go my own way. When misfortune or trouble comes my way now it doesn’t have the same effect because I am enjoying fellowship with Him continually. By having communion with the Lord as my primary objective and purpose in life, I view everything that happens in the light of His presence and nothing is as bad or good as it used to appear. I thank God for His faithfulness in every situation.
"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4