Strength Through Adversity

 

Strength Through Adversity

Genesis 21: ¹⁴ So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. ¹⁵ And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. ¹⁶ Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, “Let me not see the death of the boy.” So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept.

 

¹⁷ And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. ¹⁸ Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

¹⁹ Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. ²⁰ So God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. ²¹ He dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD promised Sarah that HE would return in one year and that she would have a child. She did. But this caused a change in her plan. She had Abraham have a child with Hagar, but now that she had the child that GOD promised, she wanted Harag and Ishmael to leave. Abraham was now placed in the middle of a mess.

 

He gave Hagar and Ishmael all the water they could carry and some bread. She wandered in the wilderness and eventually gave up. JESUS showed up and helped them out.

 

My Observations:

• Hagar was given next to nothing and was expected to survive.
• Ishmael had nothing and was told that he would become a great nation.
• JESUS appeared and did not give them money, shelter or people.

 

Hagar’s life seemed strange. She was an Egyptian slave who was given to Abraham as a commodity, because Pharoah almost took Sarah as his wife. Sarah was given Hagar by Abraham. Hagar had a child by Abraham based upon Sarah’s demands. GOD heard Hagar when she was sent away the first time and heard her again this time.

 

JESUS showed them a well that just happened to be there. I believe HE put that there, but the passage doesn’t say it. She got water, but what about food? JESUS stayed with them, teaching Ismael. Eventually Hagar made it back to Egypt and got a slave wife for Ismael. He grew despite the odds.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD didn’t intervene by placing Ismael in a palace like in the movies with a genie?
• Have you ever thought GOD should be making your life easier?
• Is your adversity strengthening you for the greatness GOD has in store for you?

Prayer for Your Strength

Prayer for Your Strength

Colossians 1: ^11-12 May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. 

 

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Weakness has been a lifelong problem with me. From bullies who physically taunted me to falling for temptation to acquiescing to fear, it seemed like I had no strength to fight off foes I was supposed to.be able to withstand.

 

• I felt weak.
• I wondered “Why does GOD let people get away with things?”
• I complained “Why do YOU allow attacks, hurt and pain?”

 

Paul knew many people would question their suffering and pain. Because of his relationship with CHRIST, he was able to do amazing things, but he also had to suffer great pain. Knowing the pain he went through, he said a small prayer for those who follow GOD and are persecuted for it.

 

My Observations

• When I am weak, GOD is strong.
• Placing everything in GOD’s hands makes me strong.
• Seeking GOD’s protection helps me to let go of things that make me worry.

 

Too much ownership makes me worry which in turn causes me to take action “my” way. I mean, when I look at the thing that is in front of me, am I frustrated, or wanting “my” way or filled with fear? The answer has been “all \of the above.” BUT GOD has a remedy, “Give it to ME.”

 

No decision is too large or small for GOD. HE can withstand my sin and provide grace when I fall. HE gives me patience to not run away from difficulties and joy to endure hardship which brings thanks instead of complaints. I am thankful GOD is willing to share what HE has reserved for HIS people in the kingdom of light with me.

 

Challenge

• What strength does the writer suggest?
• Have you ever felt weak?
• Will you let go of your decisions and allow GOD to guide you so you can endure “everything with patience?”

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with strength that comes from YOU. Bless this reader with endurance, patience, joy and thankfulness that YOU have made us share in YOUR kingdom of light. amen

Learned Satisfaction

Learned Satisfaction

Philippians 4: ¹² I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. ¹³ I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

 

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Tired of being poor, I sat and pouted. “Why do ‘bad’ people seem to get their way in life?” was my complaint to GOD. After my complaint, my car broke down. “This isn’t fair!” I complained.

 

• I was not satisfied with my life.
• Most of my thoughts and words were on problems in my life.
• “Everything” seemed bleak and I was not satisfied with the way things were.

 

At one time Paul was not content. He read the Law with fervor and was discontent with how other people lacked his conviction. He had people murdered because of his discontentment. GOD had to teach him a new way. He learned how to be content.

 

My Observations

• Being in need has a purpose with GOD that I sometimes do not understand.
• Having plenty can be dangerous because I can quickly forget I need GOD.
• Being content when I am in need or have plenty takes practice and is a gift given only from GOD.

 

Contentment is detestable to those who are never satisfied. I mean, if things have to go a certain way, those who are discontent will never reach satisfaction. After a while, even GOD cannot provide enough.

 

My discontentment can be detestable to GOD. Fortunately, HE understands. HE gently takes things away that I do not need and gives me an opportunity to say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” HE gives me things and I can say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” Yes it is the same statement because everything is HIS. I am glad HE gives me chances to learn how to be content.

 

Challenge

• How long do you think it took the writer to learn how to be content?
• Are there parts of your life that you are not satisfied with?
• Do you have complaints, worries or are dissatisfied with anything or anyone?
• Will you learn from GOD how to be satisfied in your situation, so you can be satisfied with other people HE wants to save today?

Strength Training

Luke 12: ⁴ “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

⁶ “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

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Sitting at my desk, I thought of different ways to exit the building. A bully had threatened to beat me up at 3:15 PM and I could not tell anyone otherwise it would truly cause the fight to happen. I could only think about the bully.

• In the past I have been filled with fear.
• There were moments when I was scared of a particular person.
• Several times I got worried about what humans would do to me so I sought to protect myself.

JESUS tells an innumerable crowd about depending on GOD. HE summed up life in a few short statements. “There will always be another bully that will fight you in all aspects in life, so do not fear them. BUT fear not doing what GOD says to do.

• GOD wants me to fear what HE will do to me for not proclaiming that HIS SON is my savior.
• GOD wants me to fear NOT depending on HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear eternal separation from HIS love.

“Fear HIM who has the power to cast you into hell after death” was JESUS’s statement, but HE wasn’t finished. HE also said BUT GOD cares for you as HE has a plan for every hair on your head. HE cares for birds and other animals, HE can certainly care for you.

GOD’s power is infinite and I should fear not serving HIM daily. HE protects me from bullies of all sorts, especially those who desire to control me. GOD wants my passion and HE will take out those who try to snuff my passion for HIM. HIS protection is invaluable and gives me strength.

• Are you getting worn down by someone?
• Are you trying to control someone?
• Will you stop looking at other people and focus your path to GOD?
• Will you get your strength from GOD instead of allowing humans to put you in a fearful mood?