When the Unexpected Happens Part 2

Mark 2:1- 12

Mark 2:1–12 (KJV 1900)

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

1 Kings 19:1-21

1 Kings 19:1–21 (KJV 1900)

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

There are 3 things we can look at so far

I] SEEK GOD’S FACE ( We have looked at this last week)

II] STOP AND LISTEN

God uses the Unexpected to do at least 3 things we will begin to look at these for the next couple of weeks

I) TO GET YOUR ATTENTION.

In Mark 2:4 of our Gospel Story Jesus Attention is Attained

Mark 2:4 KJV 1900

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

Also in the Story of Elijah we find God getting the Attention of Elijah 1 Kings 19:4-9

1 Kings 19:4–9 (KJV 1900)

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

I have Highlighted the things God used to get Elijah’s attention

Have a listen to all the Unexpected things that happened in Elijah’s life under the Juniper tree.

cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head

touched him

the word of the Lord came to him

10 Ways God Gets Our Attention

Jeremiah 29:11 clearly states that God wants to give us a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV 1900

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

He gets our attention in order to give us that hope and a future that He promised.

The methods God uses to get our attention are not the same for everyone, but there are some that are common attention getters.

We need to pay attention to the things that happen to us and around us to discern when God is trying to capture our attention.

Pay attention to the ways God uses to get your attention. Ten of them are listed in this article.

However, there could be plenty more. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV 1900)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

1. Distruptions

One of the quickest ways God gets our attention is by stopping what we are doing by disrupting our plans.

God isn't being mean to us when he interrupts what we are doing.

He is forcing us to slow down and to focus more on Him. Perhaps we made our plans without God.

To keep us from going in the wrong direction, God stops us from doing what we are doing even though we have convinced ourselves that we are doing the right thing.

The story of the Tower of Babel found in Genesis 11:1-9 is a great example of how God disrupts people's plans.

Genesis 11:1–9 (KJV 1900)

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.

So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

2. Restlessness

When God wants us to do something, He might make us restless until we what He wants us to do.

A good example is recorded in Esther 6:1-3.

Esther 6:1–3 (KJV 1900)

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

One night the king was restless and couldn't sleep.

He got out of bed and ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.

He heard about Mordecai who had done a good deed and had not been rewarded for it.

Things were put in place for Mordecai to be rewarded and the entire Jewish nation was spared.

It was because of the king's restlessness.

3. Voices

God gets our attention through the voice of those who we don't expect to hear from.

God spoke though young Samuel to give Eli a divine message.

It took Eli four times to understand what was going on.

God spoke through Samuel to get His message to Eli, according to 1 Samuel 3.

1 Samuel 3 (KJV 1900)

And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.

And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.

And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

Raven feed Elijah by the brook

4. Unusual Blessings

God gets our attention through unusual blessings.

You must admit that it was an unusual blessing for Elijah to be fed by ravens while he was hiding from Jezebel at the Kerith Brook.

Ravens took him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and Elijah drank from the brook ( 1 Kings 17:2-6 ).

1 Kings 17:2–6 (KJV 1900)

And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

God definitely got Elijah's attention.

He wanted Elijah to know that he could depend on God instead of Jezebel.

God wants us to know that we can depend on Him for our needs.

5. By Saying 'No'

God sometimes says "No" to our prayer.

We don't like to hear it, but He does use this method to get our attention.

This is the way God got David's attention when his child was sick and died.

David had prayed fervently for his baby not to die, but God denied David's request.

That got David's attention, and he accepted it ( 2 Sam 12:16-23 .

2 Samuel 12:16–23 (KJV 1900)

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

6. Disappointments

God uses disappointments to get our attention.

The Bible records stories of lots of people who were disappointed when they did not get what they wanted.

Several women were barren and prayed for sons.

They were disappointed while God worked out the right time for it to happen.

Most of the barren women were also old.

They thought they would never have a male child.

They all eventually did but only after great disappointment before it happened

. Sarah: Genesis 11:30 Rebekah: Genesis 25:21 Rachel: Genesis 29:31 Hannah: 1 Samuel 1:6 Elizabeth: Luke 1:7

Genesis 11:30 (KJV 1900)

But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Genesis 25:21 (KJV 1900)

And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Genesis 29:31 (KJV 1900)

And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

1 Samuel 1:6 (KJV 1900)

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.

Luke 1:7 (KJV 1900)

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

The Burning Bush where God spoke through to Moses

7. Extreme Circumstances

Sometimes God will use extreme circumstances and situations to get our attention.

The circumstances are so unusual that we can't help but stop and listen.

A very good example of a bizarre situation is recorded in Exodus 3 when Moses encountered God in a burning bush.

Exodus 3 (KJV 1900)

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

Bushes are not in the desert, and if they were there, they would not burn by themselves, and surely God wouldn't be speaking from one.

However, that is exactly what happened and surely, it got Moses' attention.

8. Defeat

How could a small city like Ai defeat Joshua's large army of about three thousand men?

Ai defeated the Israelite army, and God used the defeat to get Joshua's attention.

Israel learned a big lesson after it was surprisingly defeated, according to Joshua 7:4-5.

Joshua 7:4–5 (KJV 1900)

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

9. Loss of Possessions

Job was rich and he had it all, but he also lost it all.

He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a large number of servants.

Job lost them all in one day including his ten children (Job 1).

Job 1 KJV 1900

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

All these losses got Job's attention especially since he had done nothing wrong.

Job began to pay attention through the loss of his possessions.

10. Tragedies

Not only did Job experience tragedies through the loss of all of his possessions, but Job also experienced sickness and affliction that got his attention.

Job was afflicted with sores all over his body.

Even though Job's encounters got his attention, we should never think God caused those things.

In the very first chapter of Job, the devil wanted to see if Job would still serve God if he experienced tragedies and losses (Job 1).

Job 1 (KJV 1900)

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:

And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:

And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Perhaps the above ten methods God uses will give you some ideas about why you have encountered some of the things you have.

God wants to do so much for us, but first He must get our attention.

If unexplainable things are happening to you, it might be God's way of getting your attention in order to give you a hope and a future.

Pray to God and ask Him what He is saying to you through those particular attention getters.

How does God use adversity in my life?

Recognize and appreciate God’s purposes for trials

The Apostle James recommended a surprising response to troubles:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ( James 1:2-4 ).

James 1:2–4 (KJV 1900)

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The Apostle Paul expressed a similar perspective on adversity: ( Rom 5:3-6 ).

Romans 5:3–6 KJV 1900

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

These two men understood that, in light of the suffering Christ endured for us in providing salvation, the difficulties we experience in this life take on new meaning.

The difficulties we encounter are a means through which God works to accomplish His will in our lives: to shape us so that we reflect the character of Christ. (See Rom 8:28-30 .)

Romans 8:28–30 (KJV 1900)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

On the basis of this purpose, all adversity “works together” for our good and God’s glory.

Adversity gets our attention.

When adversity comes, we are forced to face problems and pressures that are too great for us to resolve ourselves.

In this way, God gets our attention.

We cannot continue to pursue our goals, tasks, and relationships in the same manner.

We must stop and evaluate our situation, ask God for His wisdom, obey His Word, and trust Him to bring the help we need. (See James 1:5 and Heb 4:16 )

James 1:5 (KJV 1900)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV 1900)

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Troubles point out our weaknesses and prompt us to rely on God in ways that we wouldn’t unless we had significant needs.

Christ’s invitation to those who are weary becomes especially attractive in the midst of trials: (Matt 11:28-30 ).

Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV 1900)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 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 unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of Christ and become more like Him.

Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of Christ.

As we come to God with our needs, our inward prayer should echo these words of the psalmist: (Ps 25:1-2 ).

Psalm 25:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Adversity reminds us of our weaknesses.

The Apostle Paul knew what it meant to live with adversity that would not go away.

He learned to see the good that God intended to bring to his life through it and to rejoice in God’s design. Paul wrote: (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 ).

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 KJV 1900

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

As we accept those situations we cannot control and instead embrace God’s purposes for our difficulties, we will experience the power of Christ in our lives.

We can trust God to care for us and to provide all that we need. (Ps 103:13-14 ).

Psalm 103:13–14 KJV 1900

Like as a father pitieth his children, So the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.

Adversity motivates us to cry out to God.

God responds to the cry of His children when they suffer. ( Psa 34:17 ).

Psalm 34:17 KJV 1900

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, And delivereth them out of all their troubles.

We are to cry out to God with our voice (aloud). Psa 3:4 ).

Psalm 3:4 (KJV 1900)

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

We can cry out to God for mercy each day. (Psa 86:3).

Psalm 86:3 KJV 1900

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: For I cry unto thee daily.

We are to cry out to God in humility. “. . .(Psa 9:12 ).

Psalm 9:12 KJV 1900

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

We are to cry out to God with a pure heart. (Psa 66:18 ).

Psalm 66:18 (KJV 1900)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me:

Adversity is an assurance of God’s fatherly love and care.

Wise discipline brings a child to maturity.

Just as a loving father helps his children learn and grow through the discipline he carries out in their lives, so God uses adversity to help us grow in holiness and become more like Him.

When we persevere through hardship, we have proof that we are God’s children.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Heb 12:5-11 ).

Hebrews 12:5–11 (KJV 1900)

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Adversity motivates us to fear the Lord.

Adversity reminds us that a holy and just God is ever-present, and we are accountable to Him for our every thought, word, and action.

This awareness is called the fear of the Lord, and God’s Word reveals that the fear of the Lord is the key to wisdom, life, and lasting achievement. (See Prov 9:10, 14:24 , 22:4 .)

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV 1900)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 14:24 (KJV 1900)

The crown of the wise is their riches: But the foolishness of fools is folly.

Proverbs 22:4 KJV 1900

By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, and honour, and life.

If we lose our awareness of God and begin to think and act as if He does not exist, God often allows painful reminders of our need for Him, just as He did with the nation of Israel.

(Judges 2:20-22 ).

Judges 2:20–22 (KJV 1900)

And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

Adversity strengthens our hatred of sin.

The pain of adversity helps us recognize the deception of sin.

Our hatred of evil will increase when we realize how sin keeps us from living in a way that honors God and how it damages the lives of those we love. God wants us to know that He will not ignore sin. (Gal 6:7-8).

Galatians 6:7–8 (KJV 1900)

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

If we could only perceive the final cost of our sin, we would shrink from committing it.

Therefore, in His mercy God exposes secret sin, and He allows others to see its devastating consequences.

In this way, we are warned not to be fooled by “. . . the pleasures of sin,” which last for only a season. (See Heb 11:25 .)

Hebrews 11:25 (KJV 1900)

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Adversity is a call for self-examination.

The discipline of the Lord is a part of every Christian’s life.

Adversity should motivate us to examine our lives and discern if we are disobeying God’s Word in any area.

Jesus warned the complacent church of Laodicea, (Rev 3:19 ).

Revelation 3:19 (KJV 1900)

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

God’s Word should be our guide in self-examination.

Many cause-and-effect sequences are recorded in Scripture for our instruction and warning.

When we experience specific difficulties in our lives, we should discern if they are consequences of sin.

The following verses are examples of the connection between our actions and the circumstances in our lives:

(Prov 28:13 ).

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV 1900)

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

(Prov 17:13 ).

Proverbs 17:13 (KJV 1900)

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

(Prov 16:18 ).

Proverbs 16:18 (KJV 1900)

Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.

(Eph 6:2-3 ).

Ephesians 6:2–3 (KJV 1900)

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

The observance of the Lord’s Supper is a time when God calls us to self-examination. As we regularly remember Jesus’ sacrifice, we are to seriously consider our behavior in light of God’s Word.

( 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 ).

1 Corinthians 11:28–30 KJV 1900

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Adversity exposes pride.

The sin of pride is the source of many difficulties, as the following Scriptures point out: (Prov 13;10).

Proverbs 13 (KJV 1900)

A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: But a scorner heareth not rebuke.

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: But the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

A righteous man hateth lying: But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: But the poor heareth not rebuke.

The light of the righteous rejoiceth: But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: But he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To depart from the snares of death.

Good understanding giveth favour: But the way of transgressors is hard.

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: But a fool layeth open his folly.

A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: But a faithful ambassador is health.

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Evil pursueth sinners: But to the righteous good shall be repayed.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Much food is in the tillage of the poor: But there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: But the belly of the wicked shall want.

Proverbs 10 KJV 1900

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: But righteousness delivereth from death. The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: But he casteth away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: But the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: But a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: But a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes: But love covereth all sins. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: The fruit of the wicked to sin. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: But he that refuseth reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, And he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: But fools die for want of wisdom. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it. It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: But a man of understanding hath wisdom. The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: But the desire of the righteous shall be granted. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: But the righteous is an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him. The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: But the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: But the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: But the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: But the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: But the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

(Prov 11:2 ).

Proverbs 11:2 (KJV 1900)

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom.

(Prov 29:23).

Proverbs 29:23 (KJV 1900)

A man’s pride shall bring him low: But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

(Luke 14:11).

Luke 14:11 (KJV 1900)

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

God detests pride, but humility prompts the gift of His grace. (James 4:6-7).

James 4:6–7 (KJV 1900)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Difficulties and hard times expose our pride, because they highlight our need for God and for others. In the midst of adversity, repent of any pride, seek to grow in humility, and receive God’s grace with gratitude.

Adversity is evidence of spiritual warfare.

A Christian must be aware of the spiritual battle that rages between God and the enemy, Satan.

Learn to recognize that sometimes adversity comes in the form of spiritual warfare through weariness, confusion, division, and spiritual oppression. In the midst of these trials, do not become overwhelmed or yield to the temptation to give up.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to be strong, courageous, and prepared to be good soldier

Adversity is God’s method of purifying our faith.

Faith is essential for living the Christian life, because the ways of God are opposite to the natural inclinations of man.

Thus, adversity may come at the hand of those who mock God’s principles, or it may come when we violate God’s principles.

In either case, adversity is designed to strengthen our faith. ( 1 Peter 1:6-7).

1 Peter 1:6–7 (KJV 1900)

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The development of patience is another benefit of having our faith purified by the fire of adversity. (James 1:3).

James 1:3 (KJV 1900)

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

It is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises of God. Be (Heb 6:12 ).

Hebrews 6:12 (KJV 1900)

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Adversity is a reminder to pray for our authorities.

Those who are in positions of responsibility are supposed to provide protection for those under their care.

As we experience the pressures of temptation, we should realize that those who are in authority over us are also undergoing temptations and are in need of our intercessory prayer.

The Apostle Paul wrote that we should intercede for those in authority over us so that we can lead a quiet and peaceful life: ( 1 Tim 2 :1-2 ).

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (KJV 1900)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Adversity is a signal to reevaluate priorities.

In troubled times, we need to consider our priorities and discern if we are spending enough time preserving the most important aspects of our lives: our relationships with God and others.

We should regularly evaluate the health of our relationships and invest the time and effort needed to maintain them honorably.

When we do not spend time with God, memorizing and meditating on His Word, and praying, we miss out on one of the most important means God uses to give us wisdom and to change our hearts.

We also rob others of the spiritual encouragement, direction, and testimonies we could share if we were faithfully spending time with God.

Adversity that comes because of having wrong priorities may be the consequence of trying to do more than God intended for us to do.(Ps 127:2).

Psalm 127:2 (KJV 1900)

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows: For so he giveth his beloved sleep.

If we have more projects than we can manage to do in six days, we have undertaken more work than God intended. (Exod 20:9).

Exodus 20:9 (KJV 1900)

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Adversity reveals if our work will last.

How we weather the storms of life shows what we have built our lives on.

Jesus gave this example: (Matt 7:24-27).

Matthew 7:24–27 (KJV 1900)

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The Apostle Paul explained to the Corinthians that each person’s work will be tested. ( 1 Corinthians 3 :13-15 ).

1 Corinthians 3:13–15 (KJV 1900)

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Adversity tests our friendships.

The strain of adversity impacts relationships. Hard times reveal if people want to get or to give.

Fair-weather friends won’t endure the test of trials and difficulties, but true friends will remain to offer support, comfort, and encouragement in the midst of challenges.

Prov 17:17 states,

Proverbs 17:17 (KJV 1900)

A friend loveth at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

True, lasting friendship is described in the Biblical account of David and Jonatha

Adversity invites us to experience the power of God.

One of the ultimate purposes of adversity is to cause us to desire more of Christ’s power in our lives.

Troubles reveal that, on our own, we can’t live in a way that honors God.

We need to rely on God and receive His grace.

Paul willingly suffered the loss of all things so that he might gain more of Christ and experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. He said: (Phil 3:8-10).

Philippians 3:8–10 (KJV 1900)

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

God works within the Christian in a mighty way, making him dead to sin and alive in Christ and enabling him to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit rather than according to fleshly desires. (See Romans 6–8.)

Romans 6–8 KJV 1900

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For the church at Ephesus, Paul prayed (Eph 1:17-23 ).

Ephesians 1:17–23 (KJV 1900)

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Adversity prepares us to comfort others.

One of the most valuable results of adversity is that through it we receive God’s comfort, which we are then able to share with others who face similar troubles. ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (KJV 1900)

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Suffering brings pain but is not an end in itself.

There are many purposes for suffering that may not come to our minds, especially during those periods of trials and adversities.

However, as we trust the Living God to work in our lives and through the situations that bring tribulation, we will see our Loving Father’s hand and heart towards us as His children.(2 Corinthians 4:8, 10, 12, 16 ).

2 Corinthians 4:8 (KJV 1900)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:10 (KJV 1900)

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV 1900)

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV 1900)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.