Why We Face Adversity – Part 2

Yesterday

Primary Text: Psalm 119:71 — “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

Introduction

Affliction rarely feels good, but Scripture insists it is good when it drives us to God’s Word and to prayer. Building on the morning message, Pastor Terry reminded us that God is not a vengeful scorekeeper; He is merciful, gracious, and loving—“He daily loadeth us with benefits,” and His mercies endure forever. Trials are God’s invitations to recalibrate our focus from the difficulty to the God over the difficulty, to renew our minds, and to let grace reshape our thinking. Tonight’s message lays out additional biblical reasons why God allows adversity—and how each purpose can produce spiritual growth when we respond in faith.

Detailed Outline

I. Adversity Purifies Our Faith (1 Peter 1:6–7; Psalm 26:2; James 1:3; Hebrews 6:12)

Trials are “for a season, if need be,” so that the trial of your faith—more precious than gold—may result in praise, honour, and glory when Christ shows Himself strong.
Purified faith produces patience (James 1:3) and positions us to inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12).
Application: Wait on God’s timing rather than forcing outcomes; see the trial as a furnace where faith is refined.

II. Adversity Increases Our Hatred of Evil (Hebrews 11:24–26; Romans 7:13)

Moses chose affliction with God’s people rather than “the pleasures of sin for a season,” esteeming Christ’s reproach as greater riches.
The closer we draw to God, the more sin appears “exceedingly sinful” (Rom. 7:13).
Application: Let hard seasons detach your heart from the world’s lures and deepen your love for God.

III. Adversity Reminds Us to Pray for Authorities (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

We’re commanded to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all in authority—so we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.
Leaders face burdens at a scale we don’t see; adversity reorients us from complaint to intercession.
Application: Pray faithfully for local, state, and national leaders—especially those who don’t share our convictions.

IV. Adversity Signals We Must Reevaluate Priorities (Psalm 107:17–21)

Sometimes affliction is the fruit of our own foolish choices. Even then, when we cry unto the LORD, He sends His Word and heals.
Biblical snapshots: Eutychus, Ananias & Sapphira, and David’s chastening—all press the church and the believer to reset priorities.
Application: When life “full-stops,” ask: What have I elevated above obedience? Receive the Word as God’s healing corrective.

V. Adversity Tests Our Works and Motives (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; Matthew 7:24–27)

We build on Christ’s foundation with gold, silver, precious stones (enduring) or wood, hay, stubble (temporary). Fire reveals of what sort our work is.
Both the wise and foolish built houses—and both faced storms. Trials expose foundations and intentions.
Application: Serve “as unto the Lord,” not for eye-service. Trials are X-rays that reveal why we do what we do.

VI. Adversity Tests Our Friendships (Proverbs 17:17; Luke 10:30–37; Luke 15:11–14)

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Contrast: the Good Samaritan (giving) vs. the prodigal’s “friends” (getting). True friends walk in when others walk out.
Application: In hardship, note who tends wounds and bears costs—then be that kind of friend for others.

VII. Adversity Calls Us to Identify with Christ (Galatians 2:20–21; 2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 3:7–10)

“I am crucified with Christ… nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Don’t frustrate (set aside) grace by making the trial all about self.
All who live godly shall suffer persecution—suffering becomes a platform for people to see Christ in us.
Application: Welcome grace in the heat; choose responses that showcase Jesus rather than self-pity.

VIII. Adversity Creates Open Accountability (Judges 2:20–23; Joshua 24:15, 21–22)

God left nations to prove Israel after they vowed to serve Him—testing whether they would walk in His ways.
Trials make our true colours visible to God’s people and the watching world.
Application: Treat the trial as your chance to keep your vows—“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

IX. Adversity Prepares Us to Comfort Others (2 Corinthians 1:3–7)

God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, comforts us in all our tribulation so that we may comfort others with the same comfort.
Your past valleys become present ministry—God equips you to guide those entering the very storm He brought you through.
Application: Ask, Who can benefit from what God taught me in this? Turn your testimony into someone else’s roadmap.

Summary

Big Idea: God uses adversity as a multi-purpose classroom—purifying faith, detaching us from sin, pushing us to pray, resetting priorities, testing motives, revealing true friends, conforming us to Christ, holding us accountable, and equipping us to comfort others. When affliction turns us toward His Word and presence, we can genuinely say with the psalmist, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.”

Next steps this week:

Meet the trial with Scripture and prayer (Ps. 119:71).
Pray by name for your authorities (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
Audit your priorities and motives (Ps. 107; 1 Cor. 3).
Choose one person you can comfort with the comfort God gave you (2 Cor. 1:3–7).