Your Problems are an Exercise Course

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

God's Word tells us what to do when adversity comes rushing in. Rejoice! Rejoice in adversity! In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul says that the sign of God's grace to the Macedonian churches during their most severe trials was this: they had overflowing joy! They rejoiced in adversity! Now, I realize that when you're going through tough times it's hard to rejoice. When the IRS audits you or when you lose your job, it's hard to rejoice. But the Bible says to rejoice in all things and consider it pure joy. It's difficult to do, like walking through deep snow, but when you come out of the deep snow, walking is a breeze, a joy. It's as if you have more power than you ever did. It's the same with rejoicing in trouble which causes you to grow stronger. Adversity is like a crash course in growing in the Lord. It's intensive training that's more powerful than a sermon. So, rejoice in the hard times. Rejoice so that when the hard times are over, you will have more strength and faith and your faith and joy will overcome the world.

From Message #947 - Cool Under Fire