Facing adversity and doing the unimaginable

Each of us faces moments of adversity when everything seems impossible. However, it is during these challenging times that we are called to achieve the unimaginable. Jesus reassured us that while things may seem impossible for us, with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

When faced with trials, do you find yourself wanting a quick resolution? It’s natural to desire to avoid trouble, as it often brings pain, shame, and a sense of hopelessness. However, as a child of God in His Kingdom, it’s important to recognise that you do have enemies. All your challenges and difficulties stem from your primary enemy, the devil. This is true whether the struggles arise in your family, at work, in business, at church, or within your friendships.

We often find ourselves under pressures that can feel overwhelming. Take the story of Daniel, for example. Thrown into the lions’ den, an ultimate test of faith, he faced a fate that many had not survived. Yet, Daniel emerged unscathed, protected by the Lord. His unwavering commitment to worship, even in the face of a decree prohibiting it, made him a target for his adversaries. This was really the spirit of evil at work, because when you read the story of Daniel closely, you will see that the battle was never about Daniel but about what he stood for and the spiritual forces trying to stop his efforts.

Remember this, the word of God says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ” Ephesians 6:12 NIV

It was a battle against spiritual forces because Daniel stood for God and did not want to conform to the traditions of the kingdom of Babylon (representing human rebellion against God, spiritual corruption, and oppressive world systems). Also, he wanted to make sure the prophecy given about his people being set free would come to pass. However, the devil was not going to go down without a fight, and he had people representing him to fight anyone who believed and worshipped God and not the gods of the land, Daniel 6.

So Daniel had to fight back. He didn’t waver but continued his prayers, undeterred by the threats surrounding him. In our lives, we may find ourselves in similar situations, diligently pursuing our relationship with God while facing opposition from the devil, who seeks to discourage us from worshipping God freely. Yet, like Daniel, we must persist. Even the Lord Jesus instructed us in Luke 18:1 to always pray and not give up. Prayer is always foundational; yet there is more you can do to stand in your authority against the devil, because doubt will come, but you have faith in you that is already stronger than your doubts, it just has to come forth.

Your strength in trials

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 24:10, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” God does not expect us to falter; instead, He empowers us to triumph over our challenges. In Christ, victory is guaranteed, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:57, which says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Your strength is crucial in times of trial. It’s not just about the problems you face; it’s about how you respond to them because your reaction matters.

There are several powerful strategies we can employ to navigate through adversity:

1. Engage in fervent prayer:
Immerse yourself in prayer to make changes in the spiritual realm. Jesus modelled this for us. He often retreated to pray (Mark 1:35, Mark 13:33, Luke 6:12, Hebrews 5:6-7, Psalm 141:2). Remember, prayer enables you to rise above your situation and become more aware of what potential you have. When you pray, you may begin to see changes not because the situation has shifted, but because you have been strengthened and positioned to receive God’s miracles, blessings, and divine ideas that align with His will.

2. Understand the nature of the battle:
We are engaged in a spiritual battle, facing opposition from various trials. In addition to the story of Daniel, Elijah’s story serves as a powerful illustration. He prayed for rain and heard the sound of it, yet he didn’t stop there. He prayed seven times before the rain finally came. 1 Kings 18:43-44. This persistence teaches us the importance of unwavering faith and tenacity in prayer. The truth is, the problem isn’t your circumstances, your pain, your economy, or any other thing you want to point the problem to.

The real issue lies in your understanding of who God is and who your real enemy is. Understand that God is always good, and that the devil never wants you to freely worship God, enjoy your blessings in Christ and have a prosperous life. It does not matter the type of trial or adversity you are facing. That is not the problem; it is a symptom of what lies behind the problem. God wants you to enjoy His goodness all the time. As you take charge, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what is going on, and begin to engage in prayer against it, and also use the right scriptures when you do so.

3. Know that you have authority and power in Christ over anything:
Not all trials or adversities are the same. Some may threaten your health, others your finances, some your marriage, and others your relationships with other people. Here are just a few examples to consider; the key is knowing how to assert authority through the Word of God. If you need healing, look for scriptures related to healing and start speaking them over your life. If it’s financial blessings you’re after, find scriptures that discuss God’s promises regarding our blessings in Christ, and declare them over your situation.

If you have Christ within you, remember that you are powerful. The power of a believer comes from the authority granted by Jesus himself here on Earth. Luke 10:19 states, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Never be afraid of the devil; he cannot harm you, no matter the situation you find yourself in. Approach challenges with confidence in your identity and in Jesus Christ, who is in you.

4. Take authority with the Word:
Speak the Word over your situation and invoke the name of Jesus. In addition to prayer, take authority with the Word. For example, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He responded by saying, “It is written,” as seen in Matthew 4:1-4. Along with prayer, it’s important to apply Scripture to your situation. Avoid speaking vain or idle words; instead, use the Bible verses relevant to your circumstances and watch how your situation changes. This could relate to healing, career challenges, marriage issues, finances, or facing false accusations. The only thing that stopped the devil from tempting Jesus further was the Word. He cannot withstand the Word of God from the Bible, as that is the foundation of our faith, as stated in Romans 10:17.

Conclusion

As you confront a day filled with challenges, remember the power and strength you possess through Christ. Keep moving forward and stand firm in your faith, no matter what spiritual battles you may encounter. God’s Word reminds us, “Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand”, Ephesians 6:13. Don’t give up, no matter the circumstances. In times of adversity, remember that in Christ, we are more than conquerors. Take a moment to read Isaiah 38, and let it inspire you to rise above your challenges with renewed strength and hope.