Contending with Adversity

Let's face it, nobody enjoys going through times of difficulties. But as much as we hate it, it is necessary for the building of our character and spiritual development in our walk with Christ. James even goes so far as to say that we should face trials with an assured joy. Why, you might ask? Well, this is what James says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, NASB).

Adversities in life are the tools God chooses to use in building and maturing our character. It may even at times appear that such difficult circumstances have gained the victory over our bruised and battered lives. How can joy be found in such brokenness and defeat?  We may wonder what can possibly be gained from such hardships? Friend, look again. Try to learn from the experience by looking away from what seems tragic and learn to focus instead on triumphing through it! Do not complain over what seems to be the loss, but smile at the infinite possibilities of what can be gained from such sufferings!

For every thorn that causes you to bleed, there is the beauty of the rose; for every fire that consumes a forest in part, there is always the first green signs of life poking up through the ashes of death; for every raging storm of doubt, there is the sunshine of hope; for every dark valley of despair, there is the mountain top of victorious joy! For whatever trial we face in life, the Lord Jesus Christ is more than sufficient to meet our need: "No temptation has overtaken you such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13, NASB).

Living life for Christ is about loving to live, even in the midst of deep turmoil (see Luke 14:26-33; 9:23 cf. Mark 8:34; Matt. 10:37-39;16:24-26). For therein is found the secret to true strength of character! Having the Lord Jesus Christ in our life makes contending with adversity worth it.

Gifts or Judgments?

It is interesting to note that three (3) of the most common practices held by most Charismatic and Pentecostal churches--baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and being slain in the Spirit phenomenon--all speak of God’s judgment in some way.

1. Baptism of Fire (Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16)
2. Speaking in Tongues (Gen. 11:1-9; Isaiah 28:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:21)
3. Slain in the Spirit (1 Samuel 4:18; John 18:1-6)

These seven (7) scripture “proof” texts (Gen. 2:21, 17:3; Matt. 28:4; John 18:6; Acts 9:3-4, 10:9-10; Rev. 1:17) do not teach, or support in any way, the false teaching of the "slain in the spirit" phenomenon as advocated by over-zealous Charismatic preachers who are missionaries for their own cause. As in the words of Jesus, "except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48). I believe our Pentecostal and Charismatic brothers and sisters in Christ have good intentions in seeking for a much deeper and meaningful relationship with God. However, such a close relationship with the Lord eludes them, because they are seeking spiritual fulfillment in an experience rather than in the Lord Jesus Christ! True spiritual fulfillment comes from obedience and daily yielding to the Lord's will, which will result in having a close relationship with God. (see Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21)

1. Spirit Baptism – adoption into body of Christ as universal church (1 Cor. 12:13)
2. Spirit Sealing – eternal security in God’s salvation and guarantee of it’s claim on us (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, 4:30)
3. Spirit Filling – daily yielding to the Spirit’s leading in our lives (Acts 4:8, 13:9; Eph. 5:8)