Keep Going
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. ~Proverbs 24:10
Swimming is perhaps one of the best resilience, resistance, and strength exercises and sports. To be a very good swimmer requires many hours of swimming and focus. Over time, good swimmers develop good technique to avoid early fatigue. Good swimmers know that the body’s buoyancy enables them to float on water. When they are tired and fatigued, they know that it is better to keep swimming instead of quitting and sinking. Adversity in the Christian life can be like swimming in difficult and choppy waters. The pounding waves and the distance to a safe location are difficult and might feel out of reach, but as a good swimmer we must keep swimming. Let us see this morning why it important for us not to give up when things are tough.
There is the attack when in adversity.
Adversity can be any kind of trouble and difficulty that we encounter that has no immediate solution. When adversity comes into our life, fear can overcome us. We are afraid about the uncertainties, the possible losses, and how our world is being altered. We feel that we are at a disadvantage and are fighting to keep our head above water. The devil places many negative thoughts into our head, and we may even think that God has forsaken us at our most critical moment. Adversity attacks our morale, our confidence, and our faith in God and people.
There is the admonition in adversity.
Solomon said that if we faint, or give up, in the day of adversity, our strength is small. Adversity brings out the best and worst in us. It shows what kind of Christian you really are. It is a means to determine if we really have faith in God and lean upon Him. Through this admonition, Solomon gives us a caution. It is a way of telling us to not waste our trial. It is a way of telling us to use the good days that we experience to store up strength against the evil days. When adversity comes, will you sink, or will you swim?
There is the advice for adversity.
First, we must prepare for adversity. We are encouraged to prepare ourselves in the event of a natural disaster. In the same way, we must take time each day to prepare our soul for the day when adversity comes. Memorize verses that speak about God’s power and faithfulness. Pay special attention to chapters and verses where faith and reliance upon God are given. Underscore Bible characters who overcame adversities in their lives. Read the biographies of Christians who were resilient in times of adversity. Second, we must strengthen our prayer life. Prayer is a spiritual exercise that deepens our soul experience, draws us closer to God, and gives us needed assurance. A strong prayer life makes a strong Christian.
There is the advantage in adversity.
Always remember that God will make a way for you! Always remember that God is for you when adversity comes. Always remember that God loves you and is with you in your adversity. Remember that things are always better higher up!
Don’t allow adversity to make you sink. You can prevail over your adversity. Don’t give in to the thought of giving up. Keep going no matter what.
Have a resilient God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 21-23