Tag Archives: adversity

March 12
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“But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4, NLT)

We do not get to choose our circumstances, but we do choose how we react to our circumstances.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our predecessors in the faith, who were displaced but used their new circumstance to tell others about Jesus through word and deed.

We will often find ourselves in places not of our own choosing. Will we complain about the inconvenience, the pain, or the expense; or will we view our displacement as an opportunity to let our light shine for Jesus?  – Luther

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February 19
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“But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:26-27, NLT)

Most of our personal calamities or failures occur for lack of obedience to Jesus’ teaching. It is not because the calamity is God’s “payback” for our disobedience; rather, it is because we have ignored God’s blueprint, and we discover — frequently in tears — that our own designs and choices are inadequate for the stresses of life.

It is helpful to note that in Jesus’ parable, both houses are beat upon by the rains, and assaulted by the floods.  However, only the house built on a solid rock is able to withstand the events that test our foundation.

When the next storm of life arrives, will your life’s foundation prove adequate? Jesus says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” (verse 24)  – Luther

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October 4
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“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, NIV)

Paul was in prison when he wrote these words to the Christians in Philippi (modern-day Greece), so he knew a thing or two about the challenges of living-up to standards when times are tough.

His message to the Philippians was simple: Live up to God’s holy standard without regard to circumstances.

Is our discipleship conditional? Will we be obedient to the will of God in times when it is inconvenient to do so? Will our love for others sour when we are not treated in kind?

When external circumstances have little or no bearing on our resolve to conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” we will experience — as Paul experienced — the joy of seeing God make possible the impossible.  – Luther

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