THE ADVERSITY PRINCIPLE

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Scientist tell us that ongoing well-being is not good for us. An easy existence without challenge is simply not healthy.

Paul said in his letter to the Romans, "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

There is an old legend that the people in a small town in Germany for a number of years experienced poor harvests. They prayed and asked God to let them plan everything for a year. God agreed. When they asked for rain, God sent rain. Whenever they asked for sun, God sent sun.The corn grew tall and the wheat grew thick. But when the harvest came, the tall corn had no ears, and the thick wheat had no heads of grain. They cried out that God had failed them.

"You never asked for the harsh north winds," answered God. "Without the harsh north winds, there is no pollination, and with no pollination, there is no crop."

(Read in James Emery White's book, Life-Defining Moments)