Am I enduring adversity?

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. - James 1:12-13 (Amplified Bible)

Adversity is a bridge to a closer relationship with God. - Charles Stanley

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 (Living Bible)

Endurance is evidence of genuine faith.

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return. - 1 Peter 1:6-7 (Living Bible)

What would steadfast obedience look like today?

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. - James 1:2-4 (Living Bible)

In what ways can I shift my focus from immediate relief to eternal reward?

Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. - 1 Peter 4:12-13 (Living Bible)

God is Omniscient and Sovereign - Is He your source of strength?

Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide? And who could ever offer to the Lord enough to induce him to act? For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. To him be glory evermore. - Romans 11:33-36 (Living Bible)

Nothing touches the child of God unless allowed by God for their good and His glory.

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. Romans 8:28 (Living Bible)

How is God inviting me to love Him more deeply through this season?

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. - Jeremiah 29:11-12 (Living Bible)

Father, You know the weight of my trials and the pull of temptation. Strengthen my heart to endure, not by my strength, but through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit as I yield fully to Your will. Help me trust that You are at work even when progress feels slow. Fix my eyes on the crown of life You have promised, and strengthen me to be faithful until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Encouraged to endure adversity with an eternal perspective.



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