27. Adversity

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

I don’t envy those who have never known any pain, physical or spiritual, because I strongly suspect that the capacity for pain and the capacity for joy are equal. Only those who have suffered great pain are able to know equally great joy. > Madeleine L’Engle

Suffering is the seed from which compassion grows. > Dolores E. McGuire

Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it. > William Hazlitt

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God. > Helen Keller

If we are going to be mind into wine, we all have to be crushed; you cannot drink grapes. > Oswald Chambers

There are tender-hearted people who object to the whole scheme of creation; they would neither have force used nor pain suffered; they talk as if kindness could do everything, even where it is not felt. Millions of human beings but for suffering would never develop an atom of affection. The man who would spare due suffering is not wise. It is folly to conclude a thing ought not to be done because it hurts. There are powers to be born, creations to be perfected, sinners to be redeemed, through the ministry of pain, that could be born, perfected, redeemed in no other way. > George MacDonald

The best way out is always through. > Robert Frost

He knows not his own strength that hath not melt adversity. Heaven prepares good men with crosses. > Ben Jonson

He said not: “Thou shalt not be troubled, thou shalt not be tempted, thou shalt not be distressed,” but he said: “Thou shalt not be overcome.” > Julian of Norwich

When you’re up to your waist in alligators, it’s difficult to remember that your main objective was to drain the swamp. > Author Unknown

See also 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 4:12-19.