2 Corinthians 12:7-10
even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I. Adversity Touches Everyone Sooner Or Later.

Some believers crumble under the pressure of difficult times.

Adversity can be either an overwhelming burden or a bridge to deeper relationship with God.

III. Adversity as a Bridge in the Life of Paul

Through difficulty, he learned:

Contentment is possible in the midst ofadversity
Philippians 4:11.

God provides supernatural strength in our weakness.
2 Cor. 12:9-10

The Lord is the source for all our needs.
Phil. 4:19

We can trust in the Lord’s faithfulness.
1 Cor. 10:13

The Father values service more than our desires.
2 Cor. 12:7

The Lord prioritizes character development over comfort.

In difficult times, God will give us strength to proclaim the truth.
Phil. 1:13-15

Adversity prepares us to comfort others more effectively.
2 Cor. 1:3-8

God has a specific purpose for allowing adversity.
2 Cor. 12:7

We are to know joy in the midst of adversity.
Philippians 4:4

The bridge of adversity can take you to a place of indescribable closeness with the Lord and Savior,

II. A Burden or a Bridge?

A burden, spiritually speaking, is a heaviness that weighs us.

A bridge, in contrast, is a way to rise above the difficulty and develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

Psalm 103:19: “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”

Romans 8:28: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”