Adversity Will Come: Our Response Defines Us

I work in media, and every day I am surrounded by headlines, press releases, and updates. At some point though, even someone like me gets tired of the constant negativity. I get tired of hearing stories about people making destructive choices, situations escalating into violence, or personal matters like divorces being broadcast as if they were breaking news. Sometimes it feels like the world is more interested in focusing on the worst of humanity than anything else.

Last Friday reminded me of something different and far more valuable than the latest headline.

A Day of Adversity and Perspective

I had to get my car repaired, and the technician explained that it would take about seven hours to fix everything. With traffic, the dealership was about an hour away from home, and I knew I could not just sit and wait. So I rented a day office. It was a simple setup with a desk, internet access, and enough space for me to do my radio shows, write commercials, answer emails, and work on proposals using my laptop and an extra monitor.

When I arrived, the building was not open yet. Once it opened, I was greeted by a young African-American woman at the front desk who looked overwhelmed. She told me she usually did not work at that location and was struggling to find the right keys. She could not log into the computer to check my reservation, so she had to call another branch for help.

It took her 20 minutes just to find the keys. She walked me down the hallway apologizing repeatedly. When we reached the office, the keys did not work. Another 10 minutes passed before she found the correct set. By then, she was visibly nervous, her hands shaking, and she kept FaceTiming her supervisor for reassurance.

You could tell she expected to be criticized at any moment.

Choosing Grace Instead of Frustration

Here is the truth: adversity will always show up. It might be a broken car, a late start, or a nervous employee trying to handle something unfamiliar. The real question is not whether challenges will happen. The real question is how we respond to them.

Instead of adding to her stress, I gently lowered her phone, leaned in, and said, “Adversity is going to happen no matter what we do. It is our response to it that makes the difference. You are doing great. Do not worry about it.”

The relief on her face said everything.

That moment was not just for her, it was also a reminder for me. During those seven hours in the office, I got more done than expected. I handled meetings, video calls, and projects I had put off. And every time I started to feel pressured, I remembered the words I had shared with her. Adversity is going to come, but how we respond is what matters.

A Biblical Reminder

That experience ties into a verse that has always strengthened me:

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

This verse reminds us that we are never alone. God gives us the strength to endure, the wisdom to act with grace, and the patience to extend kindness even when frustration would be easier.

A Personal Commitment

I made a decision that day. I am no longer going to seek out negative news. I will still stay informed, but I will not allow negativity to control my mindset. From now on, I am choosing to handle adversity with grace, positivity, and care.

Most of the time, it is not the problem itself that tears us down. It is our reaction. When we carry ourselves with calmness and perspective, adversity loses its power to control us.

Just like that young woman at the office, sometimes all it takes is a gentle word to turn an overwhelming situation into a moment of growth.

So here is my encouragement to you: adversity is guaranteed. Fear, frustration, and negativity are optional. Choose grace. Choose positivity. Choose to be the one who lifts others up instead of tearing them down.

That is how we truly make a difference.