Though Paul’s foray into Macedonia, a principal city in Philippi, was by the leading of the Spirit, his experience there was not palatable all through. When he cast out devils from a girl, her owner conspired to throw him and Silas into jail. Who would have thought that Philippi would become a major support to Paul’s ministry years later! He acknowledged that only the church there communicated with him concerning giving and receiving. Where he had been bruised became a place of major blessing for him. Our God can turn adversity around for good.

Our God can turn adversity around for good…we should seek for the hidden benefit in any adversity confronting us…It is only when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes that we can see the benefit. 

How should believers respond to adversity? There are three things we need to mention here. Firstly, we should be conscious that Jesus has been through tougher adversities and He overcame. To that extent, there is no temptation confronting us that is new. Next, the promise of the Master should be our anchor. In Matthew 28:20, He said He would never leave nor forsake us till the end of the age. So we are never alone. Jesus remains the ever-present help in trouble. Finally, we should seek for the hidden benefit in any adversity confronting us. It was Napoleon Hill who said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” It is only when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes that we can see the benefit.