How to Handle Adversity

Hebrews 13:3

The source of Adversity.

1. God.

1. Numbers 22:22 - The angel of adversity against Balaam.

2. I Kings 11:14,23 - God stirred up an adversity against Solomon.

2. I Peter 5:8 - Satan - our chief adversity.

3. Romans 7:17 - From within our own selves.

4. Matthew 10:34-38 - from family.

The cause of adversity.

1. Chastisement - To cause us to see our sins when we won't understand or listen any other way. This is a great blessing for we can truly understand that we are a child of God.

2. To test our faith in the promises of God.

3. To help us understand that the Christian life is not the happy, carefree life Satan and his followers would have us believe. I used to think that once I was saved, I wouldn't have any more troubles. I found out that isn't the case. But the trouble I have because I follow Christ is (1) easier than the trouble I would experience if I didn't follow Christ. (2) Easier because I know Christ is with me though all kinds of trouble and trials.

The way of victory.

1. Prayer - This is what Jesus did.

1. In the morning - Mark 1:35.

2. In the evening - Mark 6:46.

3. Alone - Luke 5:15.

4. All night - Luke 6:12

5. With the disciples near - Luke 9:18.

6. Garden of Gethsemane - Luke 22:41,42.

2. Bible reading and studying.

1. Make you sound in the faith. Know what is truth and error by comparing it with the Bible.

2. Able to understand scriptural doctrines.

3. Know that nothing can happen to you, except it be ordained of God.

1. Even Satan couldn't touch Job except God approved.

2. Matt. 6:33 - If you put God first, He will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus.

3. II Peter 3:10-13 - Get a grip on the end of this world. Everything men work so hard for will be burned up. What manner of person ought we to be?

4. Heb. 13:5,6 - Remember the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.

5. Matt. 10:25-33 - Do not fear those that can destroy this body, but fear the one who can destroy both the soul and body in hell. Have much confidence in the keeping power of Christ.

6. I Peter 5:7 - Bring all your care to Christ, for He careth for you.

7. Matt. 12:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that are heavy and labour, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

8. I John 4:18 - Perfect love casteth out fear.