Challenges are meant to groom us.

The Bible explains in Isaiah 48: 10, "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction."

So the secret to overcoming adversity might not be to overcome it at all, but rather to change the way you view and approach it.

Develop wiser ways of dealing with challenges by exercising yourself in the wisdom that can only found in the word of God (2 Timothy 3: 16)

Begin to appreciate those challenges for how they’ll help produce growth in the long run.

Those who are newer to the game tend to respond to a problem by immediately seeking a “remedy.” Hence our focus on overcoming adversity, rather than on looking to the opportunity it carries with it.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with solving a problem, but going about it our own way can be fustrating. Every adversity is a potential moment to learn, grow, or create new opportunities.
For an hyperactive adult, I needed quality time to calm down. I was able to step aside, redefine my situation through the eye of God and harness some of my God's given resources on a sick bed.

I’ve specifically identified 7 powerful success forces that get unleashed when we change our focus from overcoming adversity to unleashing its power in our life and work.

Face your next challenge not only with an eye on overcoming adversity, but also with an awareness of the powerful benefits it carries with it. How ?

1. Adversity rewards natural strengths.

In adversity, we tend to go with our gut more than we do in moments of ease and prosperity. When our brain is clouded by a problem, our natural instincts take over (including the instinct for survival).

In the absence of “luxuries” like ample time or brain space—both of which can also give you room to overthink things—you naturally function according to your power-alley attributes.

Which is to say, you function at your best.

2. Adversity exposes weaknesses.

When you’re in a moment of disaster, it’s extremely difficult to hide all the stuff that’s weak and broken in your team, organization, procedures, or anything else.

This has a lot to do with that old adage “when it rains it pours.” When things get messy, all the messes come out.

Okay, so now the trees are all blown down. The camouflage is burned away. What’s left? Exposed weakness.

And once you know what’s broken, you know what you need to fix. That fix might lead to resolution of the problem in question, but it will also certainly help you avert future disaster.

3. Adversity creates opportunities.

Something what you thought was inconsequential might actually be an opportunity, but you won’t see that until when your insight reveals it (consistent readers of the Bible can attestify to this as a fact).

Have you lost a job ?
It clearly an opportunity to take time to re-asses your vision and natural attributes—those very strengths you once took for granted because they’re so inherent

It could be a doorway to embark on a completely new career where they find a level of success and fulfillment you never would have achieved if the former system had not effected a change.

4. Adversity releases pent-up energy

In a crisis situation, there’s a sense of urgency that can get you moving. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” right?

We all know that in an emergency, adrenaline allows people to run faster, lift heavier things, etc. Life obstacles have the same effect.

Which is why sometimes, the answer to the amazed question “How’d you do that?” is “Because I had to!”

5. Adversity destroys old paradigms

Paradigms—or mental models—are essentially just habits of thought.

If some broken old way of thinking is actually holding you back, a crisis is likely to reveal that, expose you to new ways of thinking, and—best of all—give you the shake-up you need to actually change the paradigm for the better.

Are you depressed and finding difficult to harness the key resources needed to prevail over circumstances ?
You need more TIME for yourself.

Develop a prayer cum Bible reading plan.
'Time' is the currency of the spirit. Let your inner being (spirit man) transform you.

The Bible teaches us in the book of Ephesians 5: 15-17 "So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."

Colossians 4: 5 also says- "Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of your time."

The only ANTIDOTE to ADVERSITY can be found in the words of GOD (His Spirit) beloved. By exercising in it you condition your spirit in comformity to how your creator will have you.

Remember:
"In him was light, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
- John 1: 4-5

Stay blessed.