"When Facing Adversity"

GOOD MORNING!

DEVOTIONAL:

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’” Isaiah 43:1-2

The reality of the presence of adversity in life is a given. Consider Isaiah’s words: “When you pass through the waters … and through the rivers … when you walk through fire.” I’m also reminded of what is written in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” In this life, the presence of adversity is a reality. However, in each of these places we are promised by the Lord, “I will be with you.”

Here’s a question to be asked when facing adversity: Which is a greater reality, the intensity of adversity or the presence of the Lord with us in adversity? This question sometimes cannot be answered until we have stood in the midst of the rising waters and experienced Him with us.

Over the last two years, I have learned through adversity, even though the storm is raging on the outside, the peace of God is ruling on the inside. His peace strengthens our inner man. "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" [Isaiah 41:10].

As our church faces adversity, be assured, the Lord’s presence is with us. We will not only get through this, I believe the Lord is deepening us and growing us in our faith. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" [2 Corinthians 12:9].

PRAYING for you my precious church family!

Much love and care,

Pastor Pat

Greece Assembly of God

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