Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5: 6-11
What should yo do when faced with adversity?
We must decide to overcome in the face of adversity.
In fact, Zig Ziglar once said,
“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.”
Many who have heard our story know we adversed a 10 year adoption process and came out of it victoriously. We’ve been amazed at how God used this process to give us a lot of favor in ministry in Chiapas.
1. We used our Greatest Power Wisely.
We realized that the power to make decisions is the most important power you have in life. From the beginning we made the choice not to give up but to succeed, no matter how hard times are.
Joshua 24:15-Choose who you will serve, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
2. We put 1st things first.
Since we know God is our friend, we chose to make our relationship with God the number 1 priority in our life and dedicated all we had to God
- Mark 12:30 THe first commandment is this, Love the Lord your God
- John 10:10 The thief has come to steal, kill and destroy, I have come that you may have life
- Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the plan I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you
We mediated on God’s Word and His promises; not on negative thoughts, worries or circumstance that were out of our control realizing it’s all His anyways.
- Matthew 6:33 Do not worry, seek ye first the kingdom of God
3. We asked for the right thing…
We asked God for wisdom. James 1:5. If anyone lacks wisdom, Lt him ask and God will give it to him
While waiting on the Conejobus God spoke to me and said,-” Your asking for the wrong thing., Ask for wisdom 1st.”
We realized that whatever our trails are, we need to ask for wisdom… before we start addressing our specific needs or desires.
4. We made a point to walk in integrity, realizing that living righteously will always cost you time, money and even make you swallow your pride.
We were constantly faced with the opportunities to pay bribes, lie, take shortcuts and even break the law, but we realized that there is no substitute for walking in God’s favor.
5. We didn’t focus on our problem. We concentrated on the needs of others.
We reminded ourselves that no matter what battle we are going through, there is hope and there’s always someone else who is going through something even more difficult. We made a conscious effort to minister to those who are enduring harder battles than ours.
Karen had cancer, her need was greater than ours and we ministered to her and her family.
Rom 8: 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
6. We learned a special lesson about stewardship and giving-
Live to give and give to live. No matter how difficult the circumstances are or what decision you have to make, We should always decide to serve.
That’s why Jesus gave us the second commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself,,,Mark 12:31
These words are synonymous- GIVE, SERVE, LOVE.
In 1 Kings 3:16-28 2 Prostitutes were quareling, but one made the decision to give. Good decisions always involve giving. If you’re facing an adversity… GIVE, SERVE LOVE
Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG) So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith
7. We didn’t give up. We went through the school of hard knocks and passed the test, realizing that one day we’ll graduate into eternity with more character.
James 1:12 (MSG) Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
1 Peter 5: 6-7 (MSG) So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
Read About how we’re able to accomplish God’s will for our lives by making disciples for Christ