Adversity Introduces A Man To Himself

                                                       When The Door Slams 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.                                                                                                                    James 1:2-4 NIV 

          When life brings difficulties our way (and it most certainly will). We see where we are at, in our walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The old analogy holds true: Every positive application of God's principles ultimately benefits both us and others. Every sin we commit somehow, sooner or later, hurts us and others. "Adversity introduces a man to himself." Think about that.  

        God never promised His people an easy ride through life. In fact, the Bible is very clear-in many passages-that trials, storms, and suffering will be part of every believer's life. If you don't believe that, just take a look at the lives of the apostles, the men Jesus chose to take His message of salvation to the world around them. We are talking imprisonment, beatings, even martyrdom for nearly all of them. 

        God also doesn't just automatically make you a patient  person when you get saved, and He doesn't instantly make you a person of great perseverance, either. Instead, He uses a process whereby that trials and storms in your life strengthen you and make you the patient, persevering person He intends for you to be. So when the going gets tough...call for Jesus. 

        Think about this: All of us must endure difficult days. Sometimes even the most optimistic Christians can become discouraged, and you are no exception. If you're being tested by your own circumstances, perhaps it is time to focus more on your strengths and less on the challenges that confront you. 

        Every day, including this one, is brimming with possibilities. Every day is filled with opportunities to grow, to serve, and to share. But if you are entangled in a web of sin and disobedience, you may overlook the blessings that God has scattered along your path. 

        So don't give in to pessimism, to doubt, to negativity, or to cynicism. Instead, keep your eyes upon the possibilities, fix your heart upon the Lord God, do your best, and let Him handle the rest.

Affirmation: God will bring every work into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 3:14). But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 HCSB). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and Thank Him for His forgiveness.                                    

                                                                     Never Rest Ministries