My husband made a decision to have a very special service on Dec. 28th.  It’s called Amazing Grace.  Our first experience with a service like this was under our Pastor at Skyline Wesleyan, Dr. John Maxwell.  In San Diego we looked forward to this service with great anticipation.  Jesus was always lifted up as we sang praise and worship and heard testimony of His goodness.  As we have prepared for this service I have been thinking a lot about the #1 benefit of adversity. 

When adversity comes, not if but when, the greatest benefit is that a result of adversity is brokenness.  I doubt if someone asked who wants to be broken that I would raise my hand. Yet I have seen that adversity is indeed a gift.  It is a tool that helps you reach your greatest potential in Christ.  In my life I have experienced several types of brokenness…emotional, relational, financial and physical.  Each type leads you to new areas of growth and development.  I believe brokenness from adversity leads us to the building of character traits such as maturity, humility, compassion, mercy, joy, peace, patience and kindness.  The bottom line is with adversity we can become more Christlike.  It is our choice whether circumstances will be a stepping stone or a stumbling block.  Our response to them is the key that opens the door to receive this gift.  As we surrender our hearts to God’s penetrating, though sometimes painful workings, we will never be the same again.  In our brokenness we realize that the difficulties in life are not the plans of a hard hearted God, but rather, products of life which God intends to use to make you stronger and more in His image.

How has brokenness changed you?