Tag Archives: adversity

November 7
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“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.  For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”  (Hebrews 12:7-8, NIV)

Even as flawed parents, we hope that our children will become as we are — only better.  So, we allow various kind of inconveniences (of varying severity) to achieve that goal.  Perfect in every way, our heavenly Father’s ultimate goal for you and me is that we become exactly like Him!

Whether we view the inevitable hardships of life as punishment (as some do); or as preparation (as others do), depends on the nature of our relationship with God.

When difficulties and hardships invade your life, do you ask, “Why me”; or do you say, “Why not”?  – Luther

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November 5
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“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:3, NIV)

The antidote for fatigue and discouragement is the life of Jesus.

Because of His spirit within us, we each can be as Jesus was when facing opposition from others.  For example, when reviled (verbally abused) He did not revile in return; He prayed for His enemies; He sought reconciliation with His foes; He remembered that even when the devil and the forces of evil win a battle, it is God who shall win the war.

If you say that you cannot overcome opposition as Jesus did, you are correct — if your only resources are your own.  To succeed as Jesus succeeded, we must follow in His steps.  – Luther

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October 23
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“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.” (2 Timothy 1:15-17, NIV)

Most of us have lived long enough to experience what Paul describes: The disloyalty (and the loyalty) of others.

We should be disheartened (although not necessarily surprised) when others desert us — sometimes with malice.  However, we should be greatly encouraged by the loyalty of persons who have gone to great lengths in seeking us; in finding us; and in being present with us.

We should be encouraged by the mere presence of those who are not ashamed of — or intimidated by — our “chains,” whether our encumbrance be illness, financial difficulty, marital discord, substance abuse, or the literal chains of jail or prison.

We should also aspire to be “Onesiphorus” in the life of others.  – Luther

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