Grow Strong Through Adversity

July 6, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2-4

 

Something to Think About:

 

~What is the most difficult obstacle you have faced in your life?

~Who is someone you have seen overcome adversity?

~What can you do today to prepare yourself to meet challenges you may face in life?

 

     When we face problems and obstacles, God gives us the grace to accomplish spectacular things. When setbacks come – we are encouraged to count it all joy!

 

     Most of us live in a relatively healthy, secure and affluent society. Such conditions make it easy to feel a sense of privilege - that we deserve only good things in our life. Things such as a peaceful and comfortable existence, that everything goes the way we planned and all things work out for our good.

 

     However, there are millions of Innocent men, women and children all over the world, who know no such comfort. In fact, a large majority of our world would quickly and eagerly trade their meager existence for yours in a heartbeat!

 

     James, the brother of Jesus and the leader of the early church in Jerusalem, witnessed firsthand the horrors of persecution and hardship. Yet he calls for fellow believers to face all trials and tests with joy, faith and optimism.

 

     He never asks for us to wish for hard times, but he does remind us that hard times – whether financial, physical, relational, or emotional – combined with faith - are God-given opportunities to help us become a more mature, spiritual person.

 

     If you are facing adversity in your life right now, take heart, and know that God is doing something wonderful and new in your heart and life. He says:

 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 2-3

 

God will…

 

Be with you in difficulties – “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17

 

Make you more than a conqueror – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

 

Produce perseverance and character in you – “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.” Romans 5:3

 

     Perhaps you are facing a harsh situation in your life right now? Give serious thought and prayer to how God wants you to grow through this adversity that He has allowed in your life. How can you work with God to grow and become a more complete person in Him?

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Lord God,

 

     Protect me and my loved ones from hardships this world tosses on our shoulders.  Help me to trust in You when difficulties come and learn to lean on Your promises that You will be there to see us through every step of the way. Please continue to make me who You want me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.