Bible Study

Title: The School of Adversity
Date: Oct 13, 2005
Topic(s): Pain/Suffering
Scripture: John 16:33, Daniel 3:17-18, Philippians 4:13

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A gardener took great pride in caring for his lawn. But one year it grew full of dandelions. He tried every method and product he could think of to get rid of them, but nothing worked. Exasperated, he wrote to his county extension agent explaining all he had done. "What shall I try next?" he inquired. "Try getting used to them," came the reply.

As writer and theologian W.T. Purkiser once said, "God does not offer us a way out of testings in life. He offers us a way through them, and that makes all the difference."

What Does God Say?

Christians are not exempt from the trials and difficulties of life. Christians get cancer, have car wrecks, go bankrupt and get divorced. Jesus told us ahead of time that we would face trials, so we wouldn't be caught by surprise.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NLT).

Read the list below and choose which truth might be most encouraging to you in difficult times. The School of Adversity teaches me . . .

• that God is always going to be there.
• that trouble draws me closer to Him.
• that He's faithful to me.
• about my character when things are tough in my life.
• that I am not sufficient in myself to overcome the adversities of my life.
• that it's through God's strength that I am strong.

My Thoughts

Read these verses to discover some truths that have been learned in times of trouble and trials.

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18, NLT).

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

My Part

What are some things that God might be teaching you in times of trial and testing?

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