"Considering Adversity" ~Ecc. 7:13,14
đź“– Episode Summary
In this deeply personal and spiritually rich episode, Matt Geib invites listeners to “consider adversity” through the lens of Ecclesiastes 7:13–14. Drawing from his devotional book Searching for Significance, Matt reflects on the meaning of adversity, its biblical context, and its role in shaping character and drawing us nearer to God.
He intertwines Scripture, personal experiences, and national tragedies to offer a powerful reminder: God is present in the pain, and through humility and trust, adversity can lead to exaltation and spiritual maturity.
🕰️ Timestamps
- 00:01 – Welcome and Worship
- 01:10 – Introduction to the Topic of Adversity
- 03:35 – Reading: Considering Adversity, Chapter 11
- 04:45 – Context: National Tragedies & Grief
- 07:13 – Clarifying God's Role in Adversity
- 10:12 – The Garden, Free Will, and the Crooked Path
- 13:06 – Hebrew Word Study: “Ra” and its Depth
- 14:02 – The Story of Job and Responding to Suffering
- 15:31 – Purposes of Adversity in the Life of Believers
- 21:32 – Jesus’ Beatitudes and Spiritual Neediness
- 22:08 – David’s Repentance and the Gift Hidden in Brokenness
- 24:51 – Self-Inflicted Adversity: Lessons from Childhood
- 27:30 – The Father’s Heart vs. Fear-Based Discipline
- 28:13 – The Prodigal Son and Returning Home
- 29:04 – The Call to Humility and Trust
- 31:39 – Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4
- 35:29 – Final Thoughts and Closing Prayer
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways
- Adversity is not from God, but God works through it.
- Ecclesiastes reminds us to “consider” adversity—not to rush past it.
- Adversity is a gift that can lead to exaltation.
- Without humility and the refining fire of adversity, there is no true spiritual growth.
- Free will explains the presence of suffering.
- God allows humans to choose, and in a fallen world, that often leads to pain.
- Biblical figures like Job and David faced adversity and were restored.
- Their stories remind us that suffering and restoration often go hand in hand.
- God can redeem even self-inflicted pain.
- Whether it’s a childhood mistake or a moral failure, returning to the Father brings healing.
- We carry Christ’s resurrection life even in fragile vessels.
- 2 Corinthians 4 assures us that God's power shines through our brokenness.
đź“– Scriptures Referenced
- Ecclesiastes 7:13–14
- Job 1:20; Job 2:9–10; Job 23:10
- Psalm 145:9; Psalm 51:17
- 1 John 4:9–11; John 3:16
- 1 Peter 1:5–7; 1 Peter 5:6–10
- Philippians 3:10
- Hebrews 12:5–12
- Acts 14:22
- James 1:2–4, 1:15–16
- Matthew 5:3, 5:45
- Romans 8:28
- Luke 15:11–24
- 2 Corinthians 4:7–12
🧠Quotable Moments
"Unless one is willing to accept the gift adversity brings, there can be no exaltation."
– Matt Geib
"God did not cause it, but He can use it."
– Matt Geib
"Brokenness is not the end—it's often the beginning of transformation."
– Kingdom Corner
🙌 Final Blessing
Matt prays for comfort, peace, and revelation for those walking through adversity today. He reminds listeners that God's grace covers even our deepest wounds, and His power works through our weakest places.
đź“Ł Call to Action
- Subscribe to the Kingdom Corner Podcast
- Share this episode with someone walking through a tough season
