Most people see trouble as something negative and seek to avoid it whenever possible. But what if it’s those troubles that actually lead to greater blessing and purpose? In The Blessing of Adversity, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate distills the wisdom gained from thirty years as a counselor, theologian, and psychologist. Barry Black offers a blueprint for removing the sting of life’s trials, showing us how to let God use our pain for his glory by blessing others—and how that can actually help heal our own pain. Drawing on Scripture and his own experiences as a counselor and chaplain to some of the most powerful people in the world, Black teaches us how to deal with seasons of God’s apparent silence, offers techniques for staying encouraged in the middle of life’s storms, and shows how to find advantages in adversity.
The mere mention of the word 'adversity' stirs up negative thoughts--trouble, pain, hard times. Not exactly the term that someone would expect to find coupled with 'blessing.' But Barry Black explains that Christians need to understand how the two concepts work together to build a stronger spiritual life. Besides using many scriptural scenarios to support his points, Black employs a wealth of practical experience to relate contemporary examples. A retired US Navy admiral, he served as the 62nd chaplain of the US Senate and has been a counselor, theologian, and psychologist for thirty years. He explains how a biblical perspective of adversity can turn negative aspects into blessings. Black begins by laying a foundation of basic steps in facing troubles, such as controlling one's doubts, believing in God's kindness, living with hope, and surrendering to God's providence. He does not simply toss out nice-sounding phrases, but provides brief but effective examples for each point without sounding preachy. Nor does he pound the reader with deep theological ramblings, understanding that he is addressing Christians who may be going through difficult, painful times and need encouragement and loving guidance to restore joy to their lives. Black builds on his foundation by moving into topics that are often overlooked by those enduring adversity. He encourages the reader to trust God's plan, accept the inevitability of trouble, and deal with God's silence. An underlying theme throughout all of these subjects is that the Christian should not "waste suffering." These times, he stresses, are actually opportunities to deepen one's faith and use those situations to bring blessings to others. Black uses the second part of the book to describe how to avoid many sources of trouble. He explores how to tame temptations, win over worry, find gain in the pain, endure the test, and gain by losing. His simple suggestions are not only invaluable aids in being aware of potential pitfalls, but are also strong biblical principles that will strengthen one's faith (perhaps regardless of religion), in many areas of life. The book's final section allows Black to end with a strong, encouraging message of hope. He provides assurance that no matter how dark the situation may seem, the proper perspective will reveal the blessing of adversity. - --ForeWord Reviews, March/April 2011
"The Blessing of Adversity is a great book for readers craving a spiritual pep talk. Barry C. Black offers biblical and practical encouragement for everyday living. He quotes Scripture and elaborates on the meaning of Bible stories that provide examples of people overcoming challenges. Using biblical characters like Jonah, Joseph, Job, Elijah, Paul, Daniel, Moses, and Jesus, he demonstrates biblical principles for facing real life. He extensively uses quotes and stories from Churchill, Einstein, JFK, MLK, and coaches Knute Rockne and John Wooden to illustrate his points. Drawing from Spurgeon, Thoreau, Tennyson, Billy Graham, and even The Rolling Stones, he offers commonsense advice to all who suffer.
"Black's personal life also contains relevant examples. He grew up in inner-city Baltimore as one of eight children, raised by a mom on welfare who worked as a maid. His alcoholic father was mostly absent. His family was evicted three times. Black joined a gang before he became a follower of Christ, attended seminary, became a pastor, Navy Chaplain, Two Star Admiral Chief of Navy Chaplains, and Chaplain to the U.S. Senate. He moved among and ministered to the wealthy and powerful, members of Congress, presidents, and Supreme Court justices, celebrities, and foreign leaders.
"Black shows that suffering can teach us to: be patient, persevere, rely on God and spiritual helpers, strengthen our prayer life, prioritize, practice self control, and enjoy the fulfillment of victorious living. " - John Bernstein --John Bernstein for CBA Retailers + Resources, April 1, 2011
