What To Do In The Face Of Adversity

I’m often asked by friends and acquaintances how they should respond when facing adversity, one of the first things I want to encourage folks not to do, is to declare, “all is lost” or “this is the worst possible thing that could happen to me” - because it’s not and it isn’t. Don’t compare your hurts and pains to others, your pain is your pain, I’m not arguing that, but it doesn’t mean to throw in the towel and give up, the book of James, especially the 1st chapter is somewhere you should spend a great deal of time in study and meditation, 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

- James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we go through difficult times, trust in the Lord and allow your faith to grow and strengthen. God is not going to abandon you, God is not going to forsake you, don’t convince yourself that Jesus died for everyone else, that’s a lie, he died for you, and if had been for only you, he still would’ve gone to the cross. Whatever you are facing, whatever you are going through, let steadfastness have it’s full effect and you’ll lack for nothing. 

May God bless you and strengthen you as you navigate the challenging waters of adversity.

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Fostering, Adopting, Loving, Caring

A young boy waiting on Hope to show up...

I came across two different personal accounts today dealing specifically with the subject of children without parents. The first story comes from a friend of ours who has her own orphanage and ministry in Ecuador and the second story comes from our Youth Pastor's wife (they've done foster care for some time now and recently adopted a sweet little girl).

I'm sharing these stories for a couple of reasons; 1 - they touched my heart, deep in my heart, you'll know when you read and 2 - they perfectly illustrate the Word of God, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:27.

If you personally don't have the calling or ability to be active in helping children, you can contribute to either one of the outreaches listed in this post, I give links to their web sites.

Please take the time to read their personal stories...
Click HERE to read more...

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