No one likes adversity. It comes at the most inconvenient times and in such contrary ways. Some wish they could treat adversity like an unwanted spam e-mail - hit the "delete" key and it's gone. We don't get to choose whether or not we will have difficulty in life. The longer we live, the more chances hardship has to come our way. However, we do have a say-so in the kind of adversity we have - the kind that destroys or the kind that teaches.

Faith requires adversity. In order to use a brand new, candy-apple red, mirrored-chrome fire truck, there must be a fire. With faith, the same fire that destroys a structure can be used to warm the fireplace of the new one built in its place. The book of Job in the Bible describes the misfortune of a wealthy man who lost it all in a matter of hours but kept his faith in God. That right choice gained him twice as much as he lost.

We have watched the horror that has gripped Haiti in the wake of the earthquake. These precious folks, like all humans, do not like adversity. It has been said that they disliked adversity so much that their ancestors dedicated the island to Satan in an effort to pacify evil. However, it has been reported that the spiritual structure rising from the rubble of this tropical isle is one of turning to the one true God in prayer. Missionaries ministering to and taking care of orphans for years in Haiti are very encouraged at the turn of the spiritual tide in this country.

May prayers and support for Haiti continue and may this adversity bring them the gold of rebuilding into a nation under God. "What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne in heaven he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. The best-equipped warrior is not enough to save a king, nor is strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory -- for all its strength, it cannot save you.

But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in time of famine. We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and shield. Psalm 33:12-30 NLT

Dianne Brady is an author and speaker and can be reached at dbrady@a4isp.com.