The Prophetic Word - Day 105: Expect adversity.
- araratchurch
- Aug 14, 2023
- 3 min read
“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT
Some well-meaning parents, in order to convince their children to cooperate with getting some medical procedure (such as a shot), will tell them it’s not going to hurt. As you might expect, that strategy only works once. As soon as the child is subjected to the inevitable hurt, they will no longer believe the word of the parent.
Sadly, such is the scenario in many modern churches in which there is never talk of adversity. Perhaps in an attempt to garner more congregants, only a steady diet of messages about advancement, prosperity, and even self-aggrandizement, are fed. Tragically, the sheep may end up starving spiritually from lack of spiritual nourishment.
Not having been warned that adversity is inevitable, many Christians go into trials totally unprepared for how to deal with what they are facing. Still worse, they may assume that there’s nothing to what they have been being told. They may become discouraged and forsake their Christian walk!
You cannot make an honest assessment of biblical examples and come away saying that we should never speak of adversity. In fact, just the opposite is the truth. Not only is adversity discussed in the Bible, it is very often the focus of its instruction.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
I Peter 4:12-14a NKJV
Here, the apostle Peter is clearly saying that adversity, yes, trials, are not “strange,” but are to be expected by those following after the Lord. Indeed, we are identified as suffering with Christ! As well, on the other side of our suffering, is glory!
Additionally, we are taught that the trying of our faith is what perfects it!
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 AMP
The apostle Paul shares that God has given him strength to be able to endure hard circumstances. Now, he is at peace in whatever state he finds himself, whether in times of blessing or adversity.
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13 NLT
In our opening scripture we see what is promised to those who continue to work for the Lord through all circumstances. Yes, our work will be rewarded; our labor is not in vain!
Remember, adversity is to be expected; but you can also expect a reward. This knowledge will keep you in God’s process until it is completed…even when the going gets rough.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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