In the Face of Adversity

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters[a] all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen. " 1 Peter 5:6-11

The storms of life seem to hit us at the most innopportune times. In addition when they hit, it's usually one right after another. The waves of the storm beating us down, weakening us with feelings of anxiety and stress. It seems we can hardly come up for air before another hits, knocking our feet right out from under us. These storms can be so overwhelming that we feel as though we are drowning in a sea of hopelessness. In the face of adversity, we can easily be tossed about and thrown off course. However, we don't have to weather these storms alone. There is hope and there is help.

There are so many dear friends who are currently weathering some terrible storms that life has thrown at them. Many are very godly men and women. These storms have come at a time when they have given a bigger "Yes" to God. They have committed themselves to ministry, they have stood up for their faith, or they have simply turned to Christ and turned from the past. Some are dealing with health issues that will claim their lives. Some are dealing with family members who have denounced Christ. Others are dealing with marital problems that threaten to tear apart their family while some are dealing with rebellious children. Some are dealing with addiction and some are dealing with financial crisis due to a loss of income. These people have stepped up their lives for Jesus Christ. It seems that just as soon as they did so, the attacks began. Make no mistake, there is absolutely no doubt that there is a direct correlation between their faith and these storms that are beating against them. However, in the midst of the storm, we are not alone!

In the face of adversity, there are some things we can do despite our feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. First of all we can choose to keep our focus on Christ. We believers have the confidence in a loving Savior who has no problem walking across the storm rocked waters to our small sinking ship. He has no fear of wind and waves of adversity because He has conquered them! A powerful image to medidate on is Christ walking across the waves to reach the storm ridden boat of the disciples. Peter longed to walk out on the water to Jesus, but when he looked down, fear gripped him. He began to sink when his focus left Christ. In the midst of trials, keep your eyes fixed upon Christ, never doubting and never looking away. Imagine Him walking to you across the violent waters, reaching out to you, taking your hand and leading you through the storm. Look into His loving eyes, filled with compassion and longing to help you. Feel the strength in His nail scarred hands. Have confidence that He will get you through the storm.

Second, we must chose to love God first with all that we are. This life is guaranteed to bring troubles, but choosing to love God with all our being helps us get through life's storms. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Don't allow the face of adversity block your view of a COMPASSIONATE and LOVING God! Love HIM first with all of you! Never lose sight of Him, even in the blinding rain!

Third, remember HE is with you at all times. Psalm 139:5 says, "You go before me and you follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head." When were are facing adversity, know that God has already been out in front of you clearing His chosen path for you. But He is also with you in the trenches, helping you in the midst of your suffering. His loving Hands protecting you, helping you to navigate life's storms. And as you are lead to solid ground again, He follows you, protecting you from behind. When you are in the midst of life's storms, imagine yourself enveloped in the cacoon of His loving protection. Nothing can get to you and nothing can snatch you away from Him. Dr. Charles Stanley says, "When trials come, know that God's presence surrounds you. There is a purpose for every storm; therefore, pray for the strength to be found faithful."

And last but not least, remember, you can only see the rainbow if you first go through the storm!

Praying for you, my dearest friends!

In His Love, Cathy