WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    May 3, 2023

“EMBRACING AND OVERCOMING ADVERSITY”

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV

I’ve found myself challenged by the Adversity that has come into my life lately. What it has done is driven me to dive deeper into the Word of God as it strengthened my Faith muscles. I’m sure we’ve all been there, but just in case you haven’t, listen to what the Word has to say. We will discover more deeply that the Bible doesn’t promise we’ll have easy or carefree lives if we follow Jesus. In fact, it teaches quite the opposite. As believers in Christ, we’re bound to suffer even more adversity as we live countercultural lives in a world that is antagonistic towards our faith. We will be afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. Still, Paul promised that if we face adversity head-on with the power of the gospel, and we practice Inner Renewal daily, we will be able to Embrace and Overcome with resilience anything that comes our way.

Adversity oftentimes comes as a result of the choices we make, but can also come in the form of the many hardships that happens to us. Maybe it’s losing a job, a loved one, losing our good health, a marriage, or some financial crisis. When we focus on our own abilities, we soon forget the coping mechanisms that are available to us. The Good News is that we are not locked into our current fears, or ways of thinking. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” We renew our minds by doing what Colossians 3:2 tells us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” We can invite God into our struggle and share our overwhelming situations, asking Him to reveal what He wants to Gift us in this season. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Adversity will try to take you out. But if you allow God to lead you in and through it, you can stand and emerge a more resilient and stronger person. God is waiting with outstretched arms to Lead, Guide and Direct us in the way we should go. He’s all we’ll ever need. He promised not to leave or forsake us. We just have to Trust Him with every aspect of our lives. So, let us not be so focused on Coping with what the Culture says to do, that we miss the Kingdom that is within us, which is the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. What a mighty God we Serve! Amen!

Rev. Andie