In the faith of adversity

It’s been said that the two things you can count on in life are death and taxes. I think adversity needs to be included on that short list. Of course the one thing I know we can all count on is God to ultimately deliver us from the bondage of those other 3.

What has struck me lately though is the many people that are mentioning that they have some sort of crisis they are currently facing. As many of us speak to unbelievers and try to bring them to Christ we all need to realize that among each other we face adversity as well. How we face problems says a lot about your character and faith but what weakens you can ultimately make you stronger and wiser.

Take for example a recent sad announcement by a You Tube Christian and friend of mine who made a video saying that he was having marital problems. This person was a strong speaker for God and was passionate and dedicated to spreading the gospel message. I saw this individual take on large numbers of non believers who called him names, ridiculed etc. I admired this persons ability to not let this kind of thing bother them. A trait I could certainly use.

Although his crisis does not seem to be affecting his faith he seems conflicted that his ability to spread the gospel has now been impacted by this and being a strong proponent of family values and walking the Christian walk he will somehow now be seen by the masses as a fraud.

Sometimes we forget though that it is the very trials and tribulations that not only draw us closer to the Lord but give us a learning tool on how to help others. I could not begin to help a person who is in a divorce situation because I have not been there. I am not equipped through my own life experience.
When drug addicts seek help they generally find that they are better understood by former drug addicts as these people make excellent counselors because they have been there.

Another person on You Tube has a crisis where his wife has 2 forms of cancer. Medical issues are some of the toughest you can ever face as a Christian, especially if it involves a loved one or yourself. My wife and I have been through several health issues including one I am currently dealing with. My wife’s pregnancy and the birth of our children were very difficult due to many complications.
Each time I know God was there looking over my shoulder.

When things really would get me worried I would actually write letters to God. I know that may sound unusual and I don’t know that there is a scripture for this but I found it comforting. I would write a prayer out by hand on a piece of paper and I put it in a box on my dresser. In this way I was giving my problems to God. Once I would do this I felt good about it. I did this many times and whenever a prayer was answered I put the letters in my drawer.
One day I went to get something out of my drawer and there were all of these folded up notes in there of prayers that had all been answered. And these were all biggies too, health issues for family members etc. and I was taken aback at how many had accumulated there.

So ultimately no matter what the problem is, it helps us grow it helps us help others and brings us in a closer and right relationship with God, if we keep it in perspective. As long as it doesn’t make us angry and bitter and turn away from God but we use it to further God’s glory because in the end it will all work out that way.