Adversity. Not a popular subject, especially in these crazy days we’re living in. Most of us try to avoid it at all costs. I know I do.
Adversity entails hard times, misfortune, and sometimes even danger. If not handled correctly, it can create anxiety, fear, and depression.
Author Chris Tiegreen suggests that whenever we run from it and refuse to face it head-on, we just might miss a tremendous opportunity for change—the God-type-of change. He says:
Somehow we have to reprogram ourselves—or let God reprogram us—to see adversity as an opportunity to overcome, to see rejection as an opportunity to love someone radically, to see setbacks as one more step toward our destiny. We have to learn to laugh in the face of the Enemy, knowing that everything he throws at a person of faith will backfire. Rejected? Opposed? Snubbed? Maybe. Wounded? No. These things become food for us.
The person who is able to do that becomes invincible. The negative situations of life become things that energize you rather than things that drain you. Every obstacle lifts you higher. Every disease becomes an occasion to heal, every insult becomes a showcase for a response of divine love, every chain becomes a precursor to freedom, every moment of mourning leads to dancing, all the ashes become things of beauty, every cross becomes a redemption story. Weapons raised against you backfire.
Let’s face it. Life is full of adversity on many levels. We live in a fallen, sinful world, and God did not promise us everything would be perfect. But He did promise to be with us. Always. No matter what we face. He offers us His wisdom, His strength, and His peace. He promises to help us when we call on Him.
The best part is He can take any situation the Enemy means for our destruction, turn it around, and work it for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). The Message says, That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Rising above adversity is a radical, purposeful lifestyle. It’s a matter of seeing things from God’s perspective and allowing His Word to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. It requires a commitment, but the results are well worth the effort.
Are you ready to rise above?
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Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and former associate editor with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Iron Stream Media. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues and teaches workshops on writing and editing. You’re invited to subscribe to her weekly devotions at www.AndreaMerrell.com or visit www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers and editors.