STRESS TO SUCCESS

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

I Corinthians 16:9

Adversity is breeding ground for miracles! Adversity is to be expected in the life of a Christian, but how we handle that adversity will determine its effect in our lives. Opposition and adversity may be common, but they are by no means to be accepted or submitted to by the believer, because God has made us “more than conquerors through Christ . . .” Adversities will always come when you confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You will be mocked and ridiculed. It may not be blatant, but perhaps subtle -- with jokes, comments, and innuendos.

You may face mental opposition! Satan will speak to your mind to get you off-track. You must re-program your mind to think as God thinks. You may have to battle doubt and fear. You may have emotional opposition. Your feelings may get hurt. Satan will try to seed such emotions as hate, greed, fear, or pride into your heart. You do not walk by your emotions, but by faith -- in God. You may face physical opposition. Satan will tell you sickness is because of sin in your life. He will say it is for the glory of God, to keep you humble, or to see if you have faith to be healed. However, I Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Adversity must be overcome! Opposition must be defeated. We are to put on the mind of Christ and be renewed in our minds. We must allow Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of the Spirit in us. We must trust God’s Word concerning our healing. Apostle Paul told us in Colossians 2:15, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (NKJV)

God always gives opportunities to go forward in life! Anytime you take a step forward, the enemy will try to bring opposition and adversity against you. Nevertheless, God promises you can overcome any opposition the enemy brings your way. So step out in faith, take your stand, and do not back off from what God has tapped you to do in His kingdom. You will defeat your opposition, and become the winner God has called you to be.

WISDOM WORD: “Love is a fabric which never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity and grief.”

TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father help me as I take my stand to grow strong in my faith. Help me to be available when the door of opportunity opens for me, In Jesus' name, Amen!”