I was thinking about the Western Civilization class I am finishing up (as a teacher) this semester. Reflecting on the 60s and a movement started by a generation that had not known hardship or war, there were some things that reflect well on that generation. Civil rights is at the top of the list. (I would argue THEY didn’t get that battle won, but they were there to raise a lot of awareness.) But there were things that went terribly wrong as well. It was like they had to create their own adversity in some ways.

The 1920s and the 1960s were probably generations that had so much given to them… and then squandered. I may be a part of a generation in much the same mold.

I then think of a generation molded by adversity. A generation hit by economic depression and war. THAT is a generation that knew adversity and was strengthened.

We don’t do well when we are handed ease. We don’t like adversity, but truth be told, we are better FOR adversity in our lives than without it.

As Christians, it is much the same. Adversity tests the mettle of our faith. We have the precious metal forged in us. We don’t like it. Who does? But adversity is a far better gauge of genuine strength than ease.