Romans 5:3 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;" - God is the one person who you can count on in times of trouble. The one sure thing that you count on about adversity is that it will arrive. The issue is of how you deal with it when it arrives. Adversity can be hard to understand, but there is clear evidence of its benefits in life.
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - If you never got physically sick in some way your body would never develop the immunity to fight off bigger diseases. In the same way, if God didn't build up your immunity to adversity by placing various sized troubles in your path then you would merely crumble under the powerful adversities that the devil will place in front of you. So when troubles and adversity come to you, move yourself spiritually towards God and keep him in your sight. In doing this you will be able to develop the strength to overcome your trouble. No trouble is insurmountable to the mind if you work it hard enough. Be a winner, an over comer! God uses your circumstances to help you grow, then once your metaphorical shrub is flourishing with fresh shoots then you will be able to help others grow. Having the opportunity to help others is such a blessing and honour and the rewards are twofold - for you and for the recipient.
It's easy to be full of the joy of Christ and proclaim your faith in God when life is going good. However, when life gets tough, for many it can be a totally different story. But true faithful believers have the unique opportunity to demonstrate how a wholesome relationship with God brings comfort and hope at any moment in our life.
Psalms 9:10 - "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." - God is always present in your times of trouble, you just may not feel him, which can, if you let it, turn to you believing the devils words that God is not there for you and that he has abandoned you. This is not true! This abandonment feeling arises when you have become so focused on easing the pain by yourself caused by your troubles that it is in fact YOU neglecting God rather than vice versa. Do not forget that God promised to help you in your difficulties. To abandon you, God would have to stop loving you but he will never, ever do that for He is love.
Psalm 119:9 - "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word." - Are you one of the youth of today? What do you see when you look around? I, as an adult see a far too large number of youths leading unhealthy, immoral, troubled lives. This psalm whilst not perhaps appearing to be particularly profound is key to a young person who needs to submit to God's word, especially from a young age in order to start developing and accepting core Christian values and adopting the belief system which will then lead to a successful life in all aspects.
In my line of work I come into contact with hundreds of your people each day and those who with Christian foundations stand apart and above the others due to their Christian nature and obedience to God.
Would you as a young person stand out in a crowd? .. for the right reasons??
Proverbs 21:23 - "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity" - The non-Biblical versions of this verse are of course "Think before you speak", "Hold/bite your tongue". I am sure that there have been many times if your life when you have spoken before you thought and then on to regret it, but then have hopefully repented. This process can sometimes take over your mind as you try to deal with the guilt in an appropriate way. However, if you put this verse into practice in your life not only will it cause less ructions and upset for others but you will reap the benefits yourself, in your own mind and then God in turn will be pleased with you for having avoided adversity.
When was the last time that you bit your tongue???
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