“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10

Adversity will test your faith in Jesus and your spiritual and mental strength in the word of God! Never forget that your faith is built to endure anything you face.

Not flinching in the face of the storm requires being prepared. Christians should ever be surprised by difficult and challenging situations. And Christians should never be surprised when bad things happen.

Peter communicated this truth when he warned us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (2 Peter 4:12). And Solomon said, “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts” (Proverbs 17:3).

I am amazed that despite the clear teaching from scripture, far too many Christians flinch in the face of adversity. Far too many are shocked and surprised when the storm hits. Far too many are simply not prepared for the realities of life. Are they just not paying attention?

So let me say it again: Adversity many times come as a test. It’s a test of what you really believe. A test of the habits you have built into your life. A test of how deeply you have allowed the Lord to abide in your heart. A test of your knowledge of and commitment to the truth of God’s Word.

When people are not prepared for the storm, that’s when they flinch, faint, and fail the test. When adversity hits your life and you reach deep into your heart to find the courage to trust God, you will only find what you’ve allowed the Holy Spirit to deposit there to fortify you. Are you letting Him build up your life? If you have “allowed the word of Christ to dwell in you richly,” and "put on the full armor of God,” you will overcome. If you have “built your house on the rock,” you will be standing at the end.

The storm will come, so how will you respond? Will you flinch, faint, and fail the test? Or will use your faith to trust the Lord so you can respond with strength and resilience?

Remember, God is always for you, not against you! Only He can sovereignly work all things together for good!

God bless you,

Pastor Paul