Article March 27, 1989 Issue

Adversity or opportunity?

We have a choice as to how we view any circumstance we may find ourselves in. What we choose can make all the difference.

Suzanne C. Smith

ADVERSE circumstances can be opportunities if we use them as occasions to realize more clearly the allness of God, immortal Love, infinite good. As we understand more of God and our relationship to Him, we learn that He alone has control of our life; He alone has power. He is the source of good. And as we are obedient to Him, we find we are cared for, protected, and have what we need.

Two Bible figures who seem to have met a great deal of adversity are Joseph and Paul. Yet they apparently were not resentful about the trials they suffered and of what people tried to do to them. No matter what the human circumstances were, they knew their need was to be obedient to God, because He was already caring for them. This enabled them to love their so-called enemies; in effect, to follow Christ Jesus' teaching "Do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:27, 28.

There is no reason to be envious or competitive when we truly know that God always gives all good to each of us. When we realize that the goal for each of us is to do His will, there is no reason to desire another's job or glory or pay. Man does not need to covet. The message God speaks is "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." Luke 15:31.

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