We all experience different degrees of adversities in our lives. How we deal with our adversities is the real test of our faith in God.
I used to go through life thinking everything should be like the pages in a storybook--typical mindset of a young child of God--until reality hit me. If I remember correctly, I realized that life is not going to be struggle-free after I finished college and got married, which is when I came to the realization that trials draw us closer to God--ongoing health issues have been why I have a more intimate relationship with Him. So, in an attempt to find out what He wanted me to do with my life, I started to study His Word more and more. Through listening to our Pastor's sermons and reading His Word and Godly books, I gained a passion to be like Him, and learned that life is not going to be stress-free.
I read our devotional a couple of weeks ago, and am posting on it now. I want to share it, because it brings light to how we need to deal with our adversities.
"The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . ." (Psalm 91:1, 10)--the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment--"To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . ." (Revelation 2:7)."
The part of the whole reading that spoke to me was where it said, "God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome." That sentence needs to resonate within us, and remind us how He loves us so much, and wants us to draw closer to Him when adversities come knocking at our door. Why not hand everything over to God, because it is only then that you will find complete peace.
