There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV).

REFLECT:
It is for certain that in this world there will be times of adversity. The reason is that we are in a fallen world and as a result, we are prone to having problems, and there is still a devil out there who does not want man to succeed. Yes, we know that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has defeated the power of the devil over us, but now we must go forth into every situation as overcomers through the authority we have in Christ Jesus.

So, what things constitute Adversity and how can we overcome said adversity? Our Bible verse for today gives us a clear picture of the answers to this question. Therefore, going by what our Bible verse is saying, adversities stem from the different temptations and trials we face daily. Now notice that we are talking about temptations, which means an allurement or enticement by someone or something outside of oneself to do or carry out a wrongful act. However, the temptation is different from doing the act for which one is tempted. The act of falling into temptation is what is called sin.

On the other hand, trials are more like tests. In this case, it is a situation or circumstance that may have devastating effects beyond our control, and which may not necessarily be because of our fault e.g., a loss of life, property, health, etc. However, it must be clear that both aspects (temptation and trials or tests) are a product of the fall of man orchestrated by the devil for the sole purpose of having us deviate from the original plan God has for our lives.

One thing we must understand is that temptation is Satan’s way to get us to agree with him to weaken our Faith, therefore in such cases we have been given the power to say no to temptations. While in the case of trials or testing, even though Satan is behind it to afflict us, God works in the situation to help strengthen our faith and relationship with Him–Father God. In the sense that if or when we allow God to bring us through such trials, we get to see God in a new light and relate with Him on a different, higher, and deeper dimension.

Now how can we overcome adversities? Here are a few solutions:

First, we must acknowledge God in our lives. When we accept Jesus Christ, we invite God to come and have full control of our lives.

Second, we must trust and believe God for who He says He is and what He says He will or can do.

Third, if we say we trust and believe God, we must spend quality time with Him by finding out more about Him and getting to know Him more personally through His Word and communication with Him in prayer. We must begin to intentionally build a relationship with God as our Heavenly Father. This is the only way our faith can be strengthened to effectively stand strong against temptation and stand tall during trials.

Fourth, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work on the fulfillment of His ministry in our lives. It is by the power of the Spirit of God working in us, guiding, directing, leading, strengthening, comforting, standing by, helping, and speaking to us that will enable us to overcome every adversity that may come our way.

Therefore, we need not go through times of adversity on our own. This is because our God has proven time without number that He is more than capable to handle all our problems Mathew 11:28 -30. He also promises to be always with us, He will never leave nor forsake us, and will deliver us from every problem. HALLELUJAH!! Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:5&9; Matthew 28:20; Psalms 91: 15.

The answer to overcoming adversities is by cultivating a life of total surrender to God in Christ Jesus. Surrendering does not mean that we will be problem-free, it means that He will not only cushion us through the adversity as our great Comforter, but also that He will bring us out of such situations victorious as overcomers, stronger, and better and this is because He has promised to be a faithful Companion in times of adversities!

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Give Me Strength in Times Of Adversity.

FATHER GOD, I thank You for promising to be a faithful Companion in Times of Adversity. Please strengthen me when I experience or go through trials and temptations. Give me your Grace to stand strong and to stand tall against the onslaught of the enemy. I praise you because you have promised never to leave or forsake me. When you bring me through such trying times in victory, I know you will use me to strengthen others through the help of your HOLY SPIRIT. In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS AMEN!