17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
I try to avoid conflict if I can, but I don’t think I’m alone in this. Many go to great lengths to be considered “agreeable”. Though any amount of life in a standard week will help you to realize conflict is unavoidable. People are messy. Ministry has given me my share of this and as I look back, I see conflict as the very movement of God. Adversity has a way of refining what we believe, who we rely on, and what we’re made of. Look at any popular movie, and you will see this in all of it’s cinematic glory. The hero starts with a certain character or set of beliefs in the beginning, he experiences conflict, and then he often rises to the occasion. Many times there is a friend or guide who helps or “loves at all times”. Think of Yoda. Perhaps conflict isn’t a bad thing after all, especially if you want to be a Jedi.
Jesus has a way of turning life on it’s head. His ways are definitely not our ways and his perspective oftentimes runs counter to ours. So when we, in our humanity, tend to hate something, it can many times be the vehicle God wants to use for our redemption. He knows what is good for His kids. He puts high value on adversity, perhaps because it makes us cling to Him all the greater, or perhaps He wants to show His triumph. Conflict could be His reminder that He has already purchased victory over life and we are free to rest inside our victor’s corner.
Today, what is your adversity trying to teach you? Could it be the exact mode of redemption you need? Take courage saint, He has overcome your bad days and heartbreak. You are victorious because He is victorious. May this bring comfort to you in whatever situation you find yourself.
Lord, thank you for your grace and patience. Give us victory over the trials of this world and show us the courage that comes from being your follower. Bring to us friends who stick with us and help us to see you more clearly as we pursue to do the same to others.
Matt simon blog 