02/20/2026
We've seen that God uses adversity to make us more like Jesus. So, how do we cooperate with this process? How do we avoid the temptations to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful when facing difficulties?
Jesus shows us three spiritual disciplines that formed him during his time in the wilderness and can form us during our trials.
1. Meditate on Scripture
The goal isn't just to check off boxes on a schedule; it's to allow God's word to transform us.
We read Scripture to know God, not just to learn about God. To become like Jesus, not just to know all about Jesus. When theology and maturity become about how much you know instead of how much you look like Jesus, something has gone wrong.
Jesus responded to each temptation with scripture. He didn't just read and forget it; he meditated on it, internalized it, and allowed God to sustain him through His word.
2. Trust the Character of God
Jesus chose surrender over the spectacular. He didn't test God; he trusted Him.
I just wanted to ask you a question: Where did you plan to be by this point? If you're like me, the answer is "not even close to here!" Few people see their lives unfold exactly as they planned. When our plans and God’s plans are visibly different, we can choose to control life or trust God and what He has planned for us,
You can try to control or love God, but you cannot do both.
3. Embrace Adversity
There's a fascinating story about Biosphere 2 in Tucson near the University of Arizona. Scientists created a miniature version of our planet to study how the planet's living systems work. In the biosphere, trees grew faster than they would in the wild but wouldn't completely mature. Before the trees could mature, they would collapse.
Later, scientists discovered the reason for the tree collapse—the lack of wind in the biosphere. Wind plays a significant role in a tree's life. The presence of wind makes a tree stronger, enabling it to mature and withstand its weight.
When plants and trees grow in the wild, the wind keeps them moving. This wind causes stress in the wooden load-bearing structure of the tree. To compensate, the tree grows something called "reaction wood" or "stress wood." This stress wood has a different structure and can position the tree where it will get the best light or other optimum resources. Without the wind, the trees die!
Similarly, the adversity we face strengthens us in ways comfort never could.
Pastor John Ortberg once wrote: "If you ask people who do not believe in God why they do not, the number one reason will be suffering. If you ask people who believe in God when they grew the most spiritually, the number one answer will be suffering."
I’ve shared that quote with thousands of people as a pastor, author, and speaker. Whenever I share it, people tell me how close to God they felt amid their worst moments. “My relationship with God was never stronger than when I was going through that difficult time.”
What if the very thing you're asking God to remove from your life is what He's using to make you more like Jesus? What if the wind of adversity is strengthening you for what lies ahead?
