09/07/2024
Sermon: Triumph over adversity
Often in times of adversity it is easier and sweeter to drink negativity. To allow yourself to rest in a defeated mindset and forget that this too shall pass. What happens when we decide to just one day do a 180? When we choose to demonstrate God instead? When we remain steadfast and resilient through it all, is that the peace God speaks of?
Psalm 37:3-5 I’m paraphrasing
Trust in the Lord, DO GOOD. Delight in God and he will give you the desires of your heart. Trust him.
What if we just trusted God to handle it like he promises he will? Through that adversity we just show up everyday in the jail cell, in the lions den, at work?
Mathew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
So through these trials there’s usually a force driving them. Sometimes it’s our own poor decisions, maybe words? Maybe you trusted the wrong people, consistently? Jesus himself hid himself, not always revealing his true intention. Perhaps to avoid the evil among men? Not everyone is for you. In fact God says that the closer you draw to him the more you resemble his ways the more hated you will become. That in this is true glory, for God. (Mathew 5:10-12)
Often though, there is a force at work against those who desire the heart of God. Rejoice and be glad. Rejoice. Praise God. Thank God. Whatever door may be seemingly closing who are we to question the ways the Lord works? Trust in Him. Be beyond reproach , so there’s no question , stand firm in knowing you in fact do not have it coming, but do they? Let God he your vindicator and do not be deceived by what your eyes see. Do not be offended by coworkers behavior, that bad driver , the slander against your character. Be beyond reproach. Be better. Love your enemy as yourself and keep Gods commandments. This too shall pass.
In Jesus name I pray that all perceived enemies of all who read this myself included, Hearts would soften and bend to God so that they may too be forgiven as you forgive us all. We repent of our sins and choose to put your heart above our own daily. For your glory and honor we pray, so be it, amen.