The document discusses how adversity can be refining and bring blessings. It notes that while adversity is painful, good can come from such experiences through God's grace. Adversity allows one to demonstrate courage, exposes weaknesses to be strengthened, and is sometimes part of God's plan for growth into Christ-likeness. The greatest hardships can produce the greatest blessings, as Jesus' suffering led to eternal life.

1. THE REFINING BLESSINGS OF ADVERSITY “ Count it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds . . . James 1: 2-4

2. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4, NKJV)

3. Adversities/trials come in various SSS (styles, sizes, shapes) Apathy Betrayal/deceptions Discouraging circumstances Delays Physical infirmities Anxiety/fear Unwanted events Etc.

4. The nature of man is detest/hate adversity. But God’s view is altogether different. Life never was intended to be easy. Rather, it is a period of proving & growth. It is interwoven with difficulties, challenges, & burdens… yet these very forces, if squarely faced, provide opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development. After the crucifixion & resurrection of Jesus, Christianity made rapid gains in Jerusalem. Then disaster struck: Stephen was stoned to death; Christians were scattered to Judea & Samaria. End of the Church? NO! This proved to be its Great Beginning . Shakespeare writes “Sweet is the uses of adversity.” Persecution became the catalyst of Jesus’ Great Commission . * Persecution jolted the apostles out of their comfort zone & sent them out to witness in their hiding places. It was God’s way of fulfilling Jesus’ prophesy .

5. Many in today’s generation have not fully known nor appreciated the refining blessings of adversity. Adversity is a painful experience, but by God's grace it is possible for great good to come from such experiences. Don't give up! Don't hate the refiner's fire. Trust God during the dark days and He will guide you through to a better tomorrow Refining Blessings of Adversity

6. Refining Blessings of Adversity Jesus knew that adversity is on the outside of a person. An individual’s attitude determines whether one chooses to become bitter or better from it. Ask the Lord to improve your ability to handle adversity with a better attitude.

7. Jesus knew that adversity often allows one to demonstrate courage. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord to help you respond with great courage to hardships.

8. Jesus knew that adversity often exposes our weaknesses. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord show you your weakness so you can learn ways to grow in Christ.

9. Jesus knew that adversity comes to everyone, but God provides a way to overcome them. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord to help you choose the way out of trials rather than allowing it to conquer you.

10. Jesus knew that adversity overwhelms people because they do not utilize the power of prayer. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord to help you utilize the full power, privileges, and processes of prayer to overcome your adversity.

11. Jesus knew that adversity is often a part of God’s plan to help us grow in Christ-likeness. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord for willingness to let Him do whatever He wants to bring you more into conformity with Christ.

12. Jesus knew that adversity could bring People to see the greater works of God. Sometimes God allows adversity for His purposes which we are not to question. Refining Blessings of Adversity Ask the Lord to allow you to believe, perceive and understand more of the greater things God will do through all types of adversity.

13. In life we all have our times of testing and growth. These trials are necessary. They are growth experiences. Although these were times of deep anguish and suffering, they are also times of drawing near to God. Adversity

14. The suffering of the Savior in Gethemesane was without question the greatest that has ever come to mankind, yet out of it came the greatest blessing in the promised eternal life.

15. A Carrot, An Egg, A Cup of Coffee?

16. Carrot, Egg, Coffee The carrot seems strong, but under trial wilts. The egg seems fairly formidable but under trial becomes very hard in the inside; still looks the same from the outside, but its inside is stiff. But the coffee bean is altogether different. It changes the hot water. The very circumstance that brings the pain is changed into something that changes the environment.

17. Am I living my life that way? Which of the three are you?

18. May you. . . elevate yourself above the dark hours have enough happiness to make you sweet have enough trials to make you strong have enough sorrow to make you human have enough hope to make you happy have enough courage when you fall to rise again In Christ!

19. The happiest of people don’t have the best of everything make the best of everything that comes their way builds their future on hope, not from past failures