June 10th
"Happy Anniversary (Adversity?)"
Today my wife and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary...
Happy adversity embodies the biblical principle of facing difficulties with joy, thus the truth in a normal marriage...
From our perspective, adversity is anything but happy. We have the idea that the Christian life is supposed to be trouble-free, and we see little value in hardship. But God sees it differently.
J.B. Phillips' translation of James 1:2-3 reads: "When all kinds of trials and temptations crown into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance."
Affliction does not come as a thief to steal our happiness, but as a friend bringing the gift of staying power. Through it all, God promises us His wisdom and strength, and without the strength of my wife and the blessings of God's works, I would be lost in such an adverse World...
So honey, don't be offended if I wish you "Happy Adversity" today!!!
Be assured beyond all doubting,
In the trial you're passing through,
That the Lord's great love and mercy
Is at work for good in you. ~Anon
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.
James 1:2
Heaven
