What the Scriptures Teach Us About Adversity

by S. Michael Wilcox

S. Michael Wilcox We each face challenges, setbacks, disappointments, discouragements, and doubts. Sometimes those trials come in the way of poignantly tragic, life-shattering, dream-ending episodes that encompass our worst fears and can even challenge our belief in God. When adversity strikes, we anxiously search for answers. In his newest book, author S. Michael Wilcox helps us discover those answers in the scriptures, illuminating seven great truths that will help us make sense of our suffering and provide the healing hope to which we must cling. Discover seven great truths about adversity that will help you in any situation A perfect gift for anyone who is going through difficult times

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Inspirational, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction

152 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

S. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.

Reviews

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book five years ago, when I was in the throes of cancer treatment. My dear friend (whose daughter was going through treatment at the same time) had highly recommended it. Unfortunately, I just never got around to reading it until now. I wish I would have read it sooner! Wilcox has such a beautiful way of communicating, both verbally and in writing, and what he says always seems to resonate with me. I love the stories he shares from the scriptures--everything from the Old Testament to our modern-day church history--and the messages which go along with those stories. This book gave me so much to think about! In less than 150 pages, this powerful little book brought great peace to my mind and heart. I would recommend it to anyone, because everyone has challenges, right?

I just re-read it, and it was definitely worth the second reading!

[Tanya Wadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a spiritual gem! Although I consider myself a spiritual person, I often don't enjoy reading religious books... I have to admit I get bored and I'll start but not finish. I do enjoy the scriptures (some parts a lot more than others). Anyway, I loved this book enough to buy it. It's great!

[Katie Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Brother Wilcox -- you speak to my soul!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great nuggets and analogy to help you get a different perspective on adversity, suffering and pain. Really enjoyed it.

[Timber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I love Wilcox’s ability to relate scriptural stories into everyday lessons. He always speaks directly to my soul.

[Cnelsonquilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Michael Wilcox teaches from the scriptures.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Watch out for the chapters that could be titled "the problem of evil" (from a college class i took back in the day).

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

In What the Scriptures Teach Us About Adversity Wilcox gathers together a response formula for dealing with adversity and understanding its purpose in our lives by referencing scriptural examples of ancient and modern men and women of God who went through adverse difficulties with faith, hope and humility. The formula includes recognizing the commonality of adversity, humbly accepting what cannot be changed, losing oneself in service to others, overcoming personal weakness and receiving peace and forgiveness. Wilcox's own tragic trial and loss as the book went to print only underscore the personal feeling of this book. It is highly recommended to those who wonder about the lessons that are to be learned from life's speed bumps, large and small.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first knew Michael Wilcox as a Church Education Teacher. He has written quite a few books, but this is the first one I have read. We all face adversity in our lives. He, while writing this book was dealing with his wife's diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor, so he really knows what it is to deal with adversity in his life. He shows the reader, through the scriptures, that although adversity is a part of life, we don't need to let it define our life. There are ways to face trials so that we emerge the victor and even help those around us to be positive and uplifted. All of this is of course, easier said than done, but Wilcox assures us that with the Savior as our exemplar and guide we can overcome and achieve the final victory.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After spending 10 days with Michael Wilcox in Israel, I was excited to find this book at Women's conference. I could hear his voice in my head as he taught me more truths about the scriptures. Aversity is something we would all rather live without, but it is part of life, now and throughout the lives of those living in scriptural times. It does make adversity easier to bear when I know I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way. I would highly recommend this book. Michael has a way with words and stories that make doctrine easy to understand.

[Ane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me deeply to the core considering in the past 10 months, my family has been through the wringer. The author has such insight & perspective that things I have heard over and over took a new turn and led it into a new light. It's also refreshing to know that Old Testament prophets were only human as well. That they struggled and were tried , but their example of rising above their challenges rings true today. I recommend it for all! :-)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Singularly the most helpful book I have read throughout this trial of my divorce. Michael Wilcox was my favorite Institute teacher and he has a rare gift of seeing amazing things in the scriptures...and then being able to share the joy of what he finds with others. I loaned this book to a friend who just had a stillborn baby and it helped her as well. SUPERB.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book from start to finish. I loved reading about people in the scriptures who had serious adversities in their lives and how they lived through it. S. Michael Wilcox teaches so well because of his deep research into the various characters in the scriptures. I know I will refer to this book often as I read and study.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great way of humanizing stories from the scriptures. I had read and heard many of them before, but this author put their stories into words that helped me to understand them better. Through this rendition of trials and adversity in the scriptures, I was better able to reflect on and learn from my own. This was a very good book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to read this book right now. I needed to be reminded of what is real and true and have my perspective on the fleeting nature of this world sharpened and honed yet again. Something that seems to need to happen often! I love how Michael Wilcox makes connections in the scriptures that I never see. All three books in this what the scriptures teach us about ... series are great.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Michael Wilcox gives us insights into scriptures that help us in times of adversity; along with scriptures he shares ideas and storys to help us through those hard times that come into our lives or the lives of those we know and love.

[Gratefulscottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to appericate this book you must first read the Preface.
I really enjoyed this read. It part a few new ideas to my mind as well as reaffirmed many that I had or had heard before.\
A great read!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presents many stories from the scriptures and how they relate to adversity and our views of it. I learned a lot, but struggle with agreeing with some of it since I suspect Iam being a bit stiffnecked right now.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how he explains that bad things happen not only because of the agency of others to make choices, but also for reasons that we will never understand in our mortal state. It gives me hope for learning more in the eternities.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wilcox. There are so many things that as I read the book I thought, "He could be describing me". It isn't what I would call a super deep book, but I did find it very profound. It's a great book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars just because it took me a while to bring myself to sit down and get into it. You need to be in the right mood, receptive enough to get something out of it. Once I got into it it was smooth sailing. It's the kind of book you want to take a highlighter to and mark up (in a good way)!

[Kathy]

So looking forward to reading this book.

[Jan]

I loved this book so much.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous insights into the scriptures once again. He is one of my favorite LDS authors--I never tire of his thoughts.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on the question "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people" and dealing with adversity.

[Marvelle Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

insightful

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Michael Wilcox as a institute teacher and I loved this book as much as sitting in his class. I found the concepts enlightening asa well as instructive. It gave me hope.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, a book I will look at and use often!