The Source of Adversity

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Joshua 11:1-12:24

"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses."  Joshua 11:20 (NKJV)

This is an amazing truth!  God allowed opposition to rise up against Israel.  It says here that He even planned it!  GOD WANTED TO SHOW HIMSELF MIGHTY THROUGH ISRAEL! 

Have you ever wondered why God allows adversity to come into our lives?  Some people think adversity comes ONLY from the devil.  No doubt, there is such a think as spiritual warfare wherein our spiritual enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  So why doesn't God just banish Satan to hell and be done with it?  HE ALLOWS OPPOSITION BECAUSE IT BUILDS STRENGTH IN US!  Adversity and opposition comes not only from satanic attack, it also is a part of God's plan for you.  He brings it about because of His high estimation of you. That is why the Book of Revelation continually says, "To him who overcomes..." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21).  He wants to show Himself might in your behalf. 

Psalm 110:2 says, "The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.  Rule in the midst of Your enemies."  That's God's plan for conquest.  He does not pre-empt the battle.  He allows it to come in full so that He might send His strength right in the middle of the action.  We learn to rule "in the midst of our enemies."  Some people spend great energy in "battle avoidance."  We would do better to not fear the battle, but instead to be built up on God so that we overcome "in the midst" of it.  That brings God great joy, and it makes each of us stand taller.