OUR RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY
Welcome back readers! In this month of May, I've been led to write on Adversity. This topic, I must confess is inspired from my very on personal life experience/s.
Let's firstly define Adversity -
a difficult period or situation in one's life.
Adversity can vary from person to person such as: Financial crisis, Job losses, Death, Sickness, Mental Depression, Divorce/Separation, Neglect/Abandonment etc.
What does the bible promise through these moments of Adversity?
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock
James the Apostle recommended a surprising response to troubles: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).
The Apostle Paul expressed a similar perspective on adversity: “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:3–6).
These men understood that in light of what Christ did for us by providing salvation, the difficulties we experience in this life take on new meaning. They are a means through which God works to accomplish His will in our lives: to shape us so that we reflect the character of Christ. (See Romans 8:28–30.) On the basis of this purpose, all adversity “works together” for our good and God’s glory.
In my mind there is no doubt that God allows adversity for at least three reasons.
First, He may allow them to get our attention.
Second, He may allow them to guide us to self-examination concerning our lives.
Third, He may allow adversity to bring us to a place where we will change our belief and our behavior in life.
During this specific avenue in my life, adversity forced me to slow down and examine my life, bringing me to total dependency on GOD. It's been totally mind blowing and transforming all at once.
Adversity brings the following as well:
Increased faith and trust in God
Spiritual Growth
Strength
Currently the world is battling a pandemic, Adversity is at each and everyone's doorstep; Jobs are lost, lives are taken away, many are lacking food, shelter and the care of loved ones, depression and much more
My question to you is; What is your response?
Are you going to be fearful of everything and loose sight of God or are you going to trust him through this season? I urge you all to respond as God instructs his believers in Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and heal their land.
My dear brothers and sisters when the storms of life comes and they will, stand firm knowing God is with you, trust him, seek him and most importantly worship him through it all.
As quoted above, count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds.
It's only in the tests, testimonies are created. This season has taught me to fully trust God, it's easy to say trust until you are placed in a tough spot, surprisingly enough I have found a new peace and joy through it all.
ARE YOU GOING TO TRUST HIM IN THIS SEASON?