Last week, I read a book The Upside of Adversity by Os Hillman.  A friend shared this book with me a few months back.  It is a book filled with stories and scripture pointing to God’s purpose of trials, suffering, and adversity.  I know its not popular, but these broken moments and seasons we go through are not only necessary, but when received they can be beneficial.  The author shares a poem from an anonymous confederate soldier:

“I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed.”