Good morning!

While people admire the ability of those who perform academically, professionally, or athletically at a very high level, few are willing to suffer through the sacrifices needed to reach that level.

Similarly, even though some segments of Christians acknowledge that suffering, bad times, affliction, grief, and tribulation all play their part in the spiritual strengthening and maturity process, few are willing to go through the discomfort process required to get there.

We see in John 10:10 that the mission of Satan on the earth is but to “kill, steal and destroy.” This warning tells us that while learning to develop into mature Believers, we must learn to fight against Satan’s strategies and plans at an expert, not a novice level.

Remember, the road from adversity to victory will always require faith, mastering spiritual weapons of warfare, and heeding guidance from the Holy Spirit!

Romans 5:3-5 tells us more about the maturing/growth process!

“3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Please note how Romans says we are to celebrate while in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings along with it the by-products of perseverance; proven character; and hope. And hope does not disappoint!

If you are presently in a fiery trial, please know that scripture has an amazing way of helping you view your troubles from God’s perspective. And it is that viewpoint of adversity that helps draw us (His children) closer to Him and brings us the hope we need to keep on marching through the challenge.

Let us strive to trust God through thick and thin on our way from Adversity to Victory!