Good morning! How are we faithing? It is amazing how adversity builds character. It also reveals character. I have dealt with people who whine about adversity and never grow and I have seen character grow when things are severe. Character is something that is rooted in one's belief system and not something we are born with. If we do not grow in adversity we become superficial or even downright bitter. I've met both as I am sure you have. Some shut down and gather everything they can to themselves and lash out and any indications of threat while others learn from those things and become wiser and more compassionate when they are met again with adversity. God never promised that our deeds would be met with no adversity but he did say we would receive strength to overcome. Ever notice that the more you do something the more you can do it? That principle not only works with physical things but spiritual also. You have something awful happen and seek God's face throughout that time and you will become stronger, tougher, more of a soldier. We are soldiers of God and if we think a life of leisure prepares us for battle we are sadly mistaken. The adversity we face, if we face it with our savior, builds us so we can persevere even bigger harder things that lie ahead. Look at the book of Job. I can't even imagine what he dealt with but he had Godly character even in misery. He knew God had everything and even though he didn't like what was happening he stayed the course. Oh he had his times but never forgot God and knew that in luxury and poverty, Godly principles still ruled. Paul and Silas had an interesting evening too;
Act 16:23-32
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Act 16:23-32
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Heavenly Father, Let us not be fooled by prosperity doctrine. Help us not be swayed by circumstances. Help us see what you see and remember there is a lesson in everything we face. Help us be calm and content in you whenever we face life. Lord we praise your name and bless you. We lift our leaders to you. Protect and open their hearts to your principles. Prepare our spirits for what lies ahead and help us not look inwardly and whine but look to you knowing you got all this. In Jesus name, amen
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