Thoughts for Life: Dealing with Adversity

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Lillian Duncan shares with us, "Last year I had a thought and I had it more than once.

I was pleased with my progress on my spiritual journey. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’m certainly kinder and nicer than I used to be.

In the back of my mind a scary thought crept to the front—what if my faith wasn’t as strong as I thought?

Life was good for me. I’d accomplished a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, had a godly husband, and enjoyed a job that gave us extra spending money.

I pushed that thought to the back telling myself not to be negative. In hindsight I wonder if it wasn’t God whispering for me to get ready—the ride was about to get bumpy.

And it did!

Not to dwell on all the bad things, let me just show you I’m not exaggerating about the adversity.

On Christmas Day my stepson had a schizophrenic episode requiring four hospitalizations. During this same time, I was told the school district I worked for was eliminating my position and that my husband would need triple bypass surgery.

That was enough to test my faith, don’t you think?

But it wasn’t over.

On April 1, I developed Bell’s Palsy and from that discovered I had two benign brain tumors that would require Gamma Knife treatment over the next year and monitoring for the rest of my life.

Life has its hills and valleys. It can be tough whether we’re 'good' Christians or not. Unfortunately, when life isn’t going our way, we start to question our faith—maybe we aren’t good enough—God doesn’t love us—perhaps God is mad—maybe…maybe. The questions can go on and on if we aren’t careful.

God never stops loving us. He is the source of every mercy. When you find life piling up, you can choose, like me, to follow these steps and draw your spiritual journey closer to Christ. He stands waiting for you to come.

1. Read, study, and understand the Bible.
2. Believe in God’s love for you.
3. Accept God’s sovereignty.
4. Expect trouble.
5. Don’t get stuck in the valley.
6. Praise God and Love God.
7. Guard your thoughts, words, and actions."

"All praise to the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. His is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others." 2 Cor. 1:3-4

Dealing with Adversity – Lil Duncan

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Senior Editor, Cindy Sproles of www.christiandevotions.us

Photo courtesy of microsoft.com free image gallery

Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance.

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net or her blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

Her latest book, DARK ALLEYS, was released in September 2012. She will be releasing a novella just in time for Christmas 2012 — THE CHRISTMAS STALKING.

Read Lil’s devotions.

Used by permission www.christiandevotions.us

Joe Stowell tells us, "As the familiar hymn says, 'Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.' We can rest peacefully in the knowledge that God is with us."

"Lord, in our weak and fearful moments, remind

us that Your love for us guarantees Your

presence with us and Your power against

our fears. Teach us to trust in You.

Trust the presence and power of Jesus

in the midst of life's storms.

Our Daily Bread

11/10/12

[Father, help us rest peacefully in the knowledge that You are with us. May we keep our eyes fixed on You every day.]

Today’s treasure truth #9: If you are “born again”, you are redeemed from the curse of the Law. Gal. 3:13

Our thought for today: To increase your faith, increase your knowledge of God.

Tomorrow’s post: Prophets Who Persevered for the Power: Prayer Note #94 Dutch Sheets