Adventure In Adversity

Living a triumphant Christian life does not mean the absence of grief, pain, lack, difficulties, challenges, trials and tribulation.  It is rather a life filled with Peace, Joy , Righteousness, and Fruitfulness, in spite of these crisis situations (John 16:33; Philippians 4:6-7; 2Timothy 2:1; John 15:11; 16:24; Hebrews 12:11; John 15:2).

Jesus never said we would only see sunshine, and that there will be no floods. He never said we would never go through fiery moments in our lives, and that it would be all love from everybody we encounter. Some of us distort Proverbs 10:22 to mean a person blessed of God experiences no sorrow. If that is the absolute truth, then how would we explain Joseph’s life, and Paul’s experience that made him despair of life (2 Corinth 1:8-9)?

Our God has not promised us immunity from the crises of life. He rather promises and guarantees us His divine presence, divine empowerment, His peace, His love, deliverance, blessings, restoration and fruitfulness here on earth and in the world to come, eternal life (Deut. 8:2-4; Psalm 66:8-12; Isaiah 43:1-2; Mark 10:28-30; Acts 14:22).

Contrary to the popular teachings coming from some pulpits, a lot of these unpleasant moments happen to be of divine ordination and permutation, designed to build and enlarge our capacity for greater righteousness, fruitfulness, service, growth, and breakthroughs in life.

However, our lack of knowledge oftentimes hinder us from utilizing those divine resources set aside for such moments: peace that passes understanding (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7); grace that much more abounds where sin abounds (Rom. 5:20); consolation and comfort that much more abound in times of crisis (2 Corinth. 1:3-5); honor and resources that abound in times and places of lack (1 Corinth 12:22-24); spiritual empowerment that abounds in times of weakness (2 Corinth. 12:9; Romans 8:26); and anointing that unleashes potential and accomplishments beyond our imaginations and petitions (Ephesians 3:20; 13).

Our God never lies. The promise of His divine presence in times of crisis is guaranteed by His unfailing word. He would, however, not change our unpleasant situations because of our irritating squeals and cries. Not until His purpose of refining us, as silver is refined is accomplished (Psalm 66:10).

We need to learn how to deal with such unwelcome moments in our lives. Barring those ones that are consequences and creatures of our own carnal and egocentric motivations, some of these crises come to enrich our lives with divine opportunities and spiritual enrichment to make us better suited for greater service and fruitfulness in life; granting us a deeper knowledge of God and His word in the process. Others come as necessary growth elements that facilitate spiritual maturity; whilst some serve as disciplinary processes to make us more submissive to God’s counsel.

Each situation demands a specific proactive attitude, if we can reap positive benefits at the end of the day. No matter what happens, we should never doubt God’s integrity, wisdom, love, judgment, presence, mercy and goodwill in such moments (Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 12:10; Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28); because that is the only way by which we can guarantee a positive outcome.

Our focus should be on the end game, which according to His word, is filled with blessings, perfection, stability, strength, and restful resolutions (1 Peter 5:10); even as God’s word assures us that all things- the good, the bad, and the ugly, work together for our good, as we love the Lord and walk in His will.

Jesus said that we would have tribulation in the world, but if we stay our minds on Him and His word, we would have peace in the midst of storms. Our victory is our faith in His faithfulness (1 John 4:4); our unyielding posture in the face of adversity and terror (Philippians 1:28; 1Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:16); and our ability to rise above our situations and praise the Lord (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). 

 
 
Rev. W. D. Watley Ph.D. is the Senior Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, 588 Martin Luther King Blvd. Newark, NJ. A world renown preacher and teacher, he is the author of 18 books. For more information and materials, please call 973-622-1344. you may also visit
www.stjamesame.org or www..williamwatley.org.