Adversity

[Wholeheart]

Don’t Go to War—Go to Prayer
When we are unjustly attacked, our natural tendency is to respond with anger and vengeance. However, unchecked anger and retaliation usually only make things worse. Besides, what we’re really hungry for is justice. An unfair attack can hurt deeply. It’s just not right! a little voice inside us screams. These emotions and thoughts often come out as anger.

But 1 Peter 3:9 encourages us to “not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” but instead bless our enemies (NIV). In Matthew 5:44, Jesus challenges us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

 

[Donald]

One of the greatest misconceptions about the Christian faith is that hardship and adversity are removed from life. Christians are never exempt from fire and flood. What we do have is the promise that we will never go through the storms of life alone.

Our time on earth can be filled with many wonderful, beautiful, and joyous moments. However, in the same life, we will also face unspeakable and often unexplainable hardships, tragedy, and loss. The prophet Isaiah did not say “if” we go through “fire and flood;” he wrote of “when”

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. Isaiah 43:2

Of course, sometimes trouble in life is of our own making. Certainly, the tragic aftermath of King David’s affair with Bathsheba was the result of sin and lust.

 

[Wholeheart]

Let the Conflict Refine You, Not Define You
Use your enemy’s attacks and criticism as stepping-stones to improve your walk with God, develop your character, and deepen your faith. But don’t succumb to believing exaggerations or negative narratives spread by your adversaries. Rarely is everything you’re accused of true. However, their complaints may contain grains of truth that can help you do a better job and become more like Jesus. Don’t hesitate to admit your mistakes. Not only is it okay to make mistakes; it’s also a good idea to learn from them.

 

[Traditional]

Let the Conflict Refine You, Not Define You
Use your enemy’s attacks and criticism as stepping-stones to improve your walk with God, develop your character, and deepen your faith. But don’t succumb to believing exaggerations or negative narratives spread by your adversaries. Rarely is everything you’re accused of true. However, their complaints may contain grains of truth that can help you do a better job and become more like Jesus. Don’t hesitate to admit your mistakes. Not only is it okay to make mistakes; it’s also a good idea to learn from them.

Adversity, though challenging, is an integral part of the Christian life, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, deeper faith, and closer reliance on God. It can be a catalyst for change, pushing us to examine our lives, trust in God's plan, and cultivate resilience against sin.

 

[Nannette]

Adversity, though challenging, is an integral part of the Christian life, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, deeper faith, and closer reliance on God. It can be a catalyst for change, pushing us to examine our lives, trust in God's plan, and cultivate resilience against sin.

I like this one too.

The Joy of Adversity | Dr. David Jeremiah | Philippians 1:12-26 ​

 

[Traditional]

I like this one too.

The Joy of Adversity | Dr. David Jeremiah | Philippians 1:12-26 ​

Your right, Dr. Jeremiah is always good.