Adversity makes us stronger

Then Israel arrived in Egypt; Jacob lived as a foreigner in the land of Ham. And the Lord multiplied the people of Israel until they become too mighty for their enemies. Then he turned the Egyptians against the Israelites, and they plotted against the Lord's servants. Psalm 105: 23-25 NLT

Here are God's people living as foreigners in the enemies' territory. Yet, they grow stronger rather than weaker. They are build up rather than torn down. Even when Pharaoh tries to put them under his thumb, he is thwarted on every side. He tries to kill the newborns but that doesn't work. He makes them slaves but this only makes them stronger people.

I suppose we don't always see adversity as a way of making us stronger. We would rather wallow in our misery and succumb to our grief. To do nothing and be nothing seems like a pretty good idea. The Israelites could have given up. Yet, they were becoming stronger rather than weaker.

In what ways have you given up in your life? How could you take advantage of whatever situation you are in right now to become a stronger person? Or perhaps a stronger follower of Christ? What can you learn right where you are that will improve who you are?

God, you have brought me here for a reason. Help me not to give in but to grow up. Help me to become a stronger follower of Christ even here and now where I am. May I bloom where I am planted. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims