August 24 - Adversity.

Proverbs 24:10
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”
 
Although we do not like to think about it, our times of adversity are just as much appointed by God as times of prosperity. When it is our turn to partake in the sufferings of Christ, we must remind ourselves that the trials and afflictions make us more like Him.
 
It is comforting to know that our times of adversity are not described as years or even days, but rather a “day”. Though it may not seem like a short time while we are facing the challenge, in light of eternity it is sure to be only a day. Our affliction is but for a moment!
 
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
 
We read that, for the Christian, suffering persecution is something we can count on. When we live our lives in service to God we are sure to suffer just as Christ did when He walked on this earth. It is not a matter of if, but rather when we shall face adversity.
 
2 Timothy 3:12
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
 
Though we suffer, we can renew our strength by relying on the Lord to carry us through our troubles. When we yield our weakness to His strength we can run and walk boldly with Him. We can face the adversity in our lives through His power and strength.
 
Isaiah 40:28-31
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
 
If we faint in our day of adversity it is because we are relying on our strength instead of His. Don’t give in to the desire to faint or quit. Renew your strength today by waiting on the Lord to defeat the adversity you are facing.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Job 27-28  |  II John  |  Psalm 25
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