RESPONSES TO ADVERSITY. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. Habakkuk 3:17-18 When we experience adversity, we generally respond in one of three ways: (1) we become angry; (2) we try to gut it out; or (3) we accept it with joy. Anger - When adversity comes our way, we say, Why me, Lord? We become bitter and resentful and blame God and others for our problems. We view ourselves as victims and demand that God answer our accusing questions: Why dont You love me, Lord? We feel entitled to life, health, wealth and happiness. Suppressed Emotions - Another way we respond to adversity is by adopting a stoic attitude, repressing our emotions. We lie to ourselves and say, Im fine. Im demonstrating endurance. In reality, we are merely isolating ourselves with a shell of false bravado. We dont meditate on Gods love, we dont pray, we dont believe God really has anything good planned for us. We simply tell ourselves, This will soon be over. Im a survivor. We never receive what God has planned for us if we stay here. Acceptance with joy -This is the response God seeks from us. When adversity comes, we rest in His love and trust that He knows best. We realize that nothing can happen to us without His permission. If there is pain in our lives, we know its because God deems it necessary for our growth or wishes to use our pain to minister to others. If Habakkuk could be joyful in the face of a national calamity, then we can rejoice in the Lord no matter what comes our way. Prayer: Thank the Lord for being always there for you. Scriptural Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 10:52:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015