Faith in times of adversity

We lead in times of adversity by Faith in the goodness of God.

- World is getting increasingly discouraged by politics, by division, social media draining which is emotionally draining. As christians we have the answer on the inside of us. But the world doesn’t just need us to say the right thing, they need us to live carrying all the fruits of the spirit. Operating in peace in stressful situations, joy in the midst of depression, lvoe in the midst of anger and division. Hope in the midst of a hopeless generation.

Hope is a waking dream - Aristotle

Jesus guarantees us in life we will have tribulations. If it’s guaranteed, we don’t do ourselves any favors by sticking our heads in the sand and “hoping” we “never have hardships”.

People don’t need unprepared leaders.

We should be built on the solid ground now, SO WHEN the wind and waves come we are stable. It’s not if; it’s when.

A: In times of adversity, to lead by faith: PROV 3:5 “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Do not lean on your own understanding.”

“Understanding a situation doesn’t come before faith.”

We go to our own logic or wisdom first, and only ask God if its beyond us.

“Understanding is Gods reward for faith. Through faith, the false wisdom of human logic is replaced with God's revelation.”

Hilary of Poiters - early bishop who spent large portion of his life in exile, writing on the trinity and the divinity of Christ.

God’s gift of understanding is the reward of faith, for through faith the infirmity of sense is recompensed with the gift of revelation - Hilary of Poiters

Faith goes before our LOGIC, and eveb before our motions, and feelings. We Obey because of faith.

The fear of the Lord is the begining of wisdom. Trusting and obeying God comes first, THEN He grants wisdom.

God doesn’t owe us understanding.

But He loves faith, and He requires obedience.

Wisdom and understanding is a gift of grace we should be grateful for, not demand / act entitled to.

Sarah had gone through menopause and yet was rebuked for not having faith in the word of the Lord she would have another child.

B: We respond to crisis by rejoicing that the Lord will turn it for our good.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

We dont just try to tell ourselves its going to be ok. But we should REJOICE knowing that God will work it for our good.

Psalm 14:1 “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”

Carrying atmosphere of stress, anxiety, of fear those around us can sense it. Whether or not our words are faith.

208 Sweet are the uses of adversity.

William Shakespeare

Matthew 5:10–12 ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Paul and Silas rejoicing in prison.

Joseph thrown in prison

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Lemma - weaving/clothworker

“You wove evil,” he was saying, “but God rewove it together for good.”

Harvard review “The ability to thrive in discomfort is one of the biggest predictors of leadership success”.

PRACTICAL ENDING: In times of adversity :

Psalm 37:3–7 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”

Rejoice in His goodness even before you see the answer.

THEN Be still and wait on the Lord. Find your peace, and trust in God before you respond.

Jesus sleeping in the boat during the storm. When all the facts looked like sure death Jesus was actually just resting and not worrying, He wasn’t even rushing to end the storm that quickly. Great imagine of being cool, calm, collected,

Call out the destiny and gifts in those around us. BE CONFIDENT in who God has made them.

Body of Christ needs spiritual leaders that are confident in the body of Christ. In the gifts that are around them. It’s our job to call out to the destiny inside of them.

Declare the vision and promises God has given us.

When current reality that people see is different from what they expect, they need a leader full of hope to speak the vision of God.

Quickly obey as the Lord leads us, watching for His grace on every step we take.

As the body of Christ we lead in times of crisis by Love and humility, Hope filled Vision, and obedient faith.

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EXTRAS may not usse

We should embrace when we are in hard or uncomfortable situations.

Josh 14:6-15 (Caleb request inheritance)

Psalm 20:7“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

There is no love without hope, no hope without love, and neither love nor hope without faith.1 - Augustine

1 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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