The Day of Adversity
Today's Verse:
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. ~Proverbs 24:10
As we get older, we are confronted with the fact that life is filled with unfairness, injustice, and inequities. We see the rise of evil men and eventually question how is it they can get away with what they do and not get in trouble. We see other people around us succeed in acquiring more wealth than us, and in our heart we wonder, “How did this person get ahead of me?” We develop ongoing health trials, and we look at other people who appear to be healthy and we wonder, “Why am I the one who is suffering?” We go through one difficulty after another, and we question God: “God, why are all these things happening to me?” In some respect, it could be that you have asked the question, “Why is life unfair to me?” This morning, we are looking at God’s counsel and encouragement to us when we experience an extended trial and adversity in our life.
There is the reality of adversity.
“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). It is not a matter of if we will have adversity, but it is a matter of when we will have adversity. Adversity is packaged differently for everyone. I am thinking of a precious Christian family where the youngest daughter has had brain tumors since she was a toddler and has had numerous physical challenges. She has been an inpatient in the hospital many times. Adversity is no respecter of persons, status, wealth, or age. All of us will experience failure, disappointments, setbacks, betrayals, and heartaches. We cannot plan for adversity. We cannot place a time limit on adversity. Adversity is God’s crucible for the shaping of our faith and character. Believe it or not, adversity is one of God’s gifts for our life. Don’t hide your head in the sand; adversity is a reality for all of us.
There is the resilience in adversity.
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." When adversity comes, we must be strong. First, we must be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. This means we must rest in His ability to see us through and give us patience. Second, we must avoid the attitude of quitting and throwing in the towel early. Fainting implies quitting or trying to find a solution that does not exist. Third, we must pray with great earnestness. Our praying is to give the entire problem to God and allow Him to have control. We must learn to wait on the Lord during our adversity. Many times adversity is sent our way because we are impatient and impulsive. Adversity is sent our way to curb our self-confidence and self-reliance. Don’t faint when adversity comes!
There is the responsibility for adversity.
Don’t envy the evil man when adversity comes. Be careful to not allow the prosperity of a person, who you know is dishonest or unethical, cause you to envy him. Don’t rejoice when those who are spiteful of you go through hardships. The Lord has His way of dealing with those who do us wrong. We are reminded that if we rejoice and say things like, “They deserve what is happening,” we could cause the Lord to be displeased with us. Focus on building your home and life, and don’t let things fall apart. When adversity comes, we can be so overcome with fear or uncertainty that we let everything in our life be neglected and fall apart. We succumb to the pattern of a slothful man who does not care for his house. Keep building your life and having faith in God.
Don’t let unfairness or injustice blind you from the blessings of God. Keep your eyes on the Lord, and trust in Him. Remember, God is not just fair; He is more than fair when it comes to His grace and mercy in our lives.
Have a strengthened God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 33-35