Responding Right To Adverse Life Experiences (2)

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In a previous post Responding Right To Adverse Life's Experiences (1), we considered why current life realities, for many, are largely adverse. We saw that current life realities are in line with prophecy about the last days, which we are in. Moreover, we saw that current realities is consistent with the character of the devil, who is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). We then concluded with a message of hope, that Christ has overcome the world and made us more than conqueror.

Nevertheless, it is important ot critically examine how a believer is expected to respond to adverse life experiences. 

1. Respond from PEACE (John 14:1, 27)

Beloved, you have the peace of God. Jesus left HIS peace with us when He was returning to heaven, knowing that we will need His peace to sanely and calmly navigate the chaos in a world filled with trouble, distress, frustration, agony, etc. He forewarned us that we will have tribulation in the world.

It is important to understand the nature of this peace Jesus has given to us. This will inform how we respond from a place of peace.

a. It is the peace by which He could sleep in the midst of a raging and life-threatening storm; 

b. The peace by which He calmed same storm; 

c. It is peace that can be spoken to inanimate things; peace that can be spoken or impacted on situations or circumstances as He demonstrated when He spoke it to the storm;

d. The peace by which He fed over 5,000 starving and expectant people; 

e. The peace by which He walked on water;

f. The peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). The very peace of God!

This is the nature of the peace He has given to us. Hence, it's His idea that we respond as He did when He experienced storms.

2. Respond in FAITH and not fear (John 14:1, Heb 11:6)

"Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

Your attitude and response in the midst of difficulties is either an indication of your faith or fear. 

With faith, you speak to the storm. Jesus also showed us that with faith, you can walk on the storm.

Fear on the otherhand brings torment and distress, worry, even insanity.

Jesus and His disciples had very contrasting reaction to the same situation (Mark 4:38-40). One was a response from faith, the other was a response of fear. While, the disciples were scared, wailing and expending themselves in the futile efforts of getting water out of the boat, Jesus was sleeping. Ultimately, Jesus was awoken, He rebuked the storm and there was a great calm. His disciples didn't do any of these because they were been driven by fear.

3. Respond with JOY (John 16:33, Phil 4:4)

JOY is a weapon. The walls of Jericho were brought down by sounds of joy.

Isaiah 12:3 (NKJV)- "Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation."

You will not access the dividends of salvation by sadness, sorrowfulness, murmuring, complaining or sinful anger. There may be circumstances that have the potential to provoke these emotions, however even in those circumstances, God expects you to express joy. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" 

Sorrow, and the other negative emotions can incapacitate you and make you unable to see or assess God's blessing. However, joy can liberate you literally. Paul and Silas were in prison, but they expressed joy through their praying and singing and suddenly there was an earthquake which caused their chains and the prison doors to be opened (Acts 16:25-26). 

4. Respond with KNOWLEDGE (Eccl 7:12, Hos 4:6)

Knowledge is an instrument of liberation.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

The freedom you desire is on the other side of knowledge.

So, what is it that you need to know to be able to respond right in challenging situations? 

It is important to know that Jesus has overcome the world; that you are more that conqueror. God always causes us to triumph; God compels us things to work out for our good; that when you pass through the fire I will be there.

Moreover, under the umbrella of knowledge is vision; seeing what God wants you to see in a challenging circumstance you may be experiencing. We will need to see what God is doing so that we can align, and isn't doing so we can resist.

When Abraham was going through his challenge of childlessness, it was until he saw the stars in the sky that he believed God. Also, Elisha and his servant Gehazi were both faced with the same situation. They were surrounded by a multitude of soldiers who were sent to arrest them. Elisha was calm because he had vision of the protection they had. Gehazi was terrified, until his eyes were opened.

In conclusion, how do you thrive in the face of difficulties? We have presented 4 keys: peace, faith, joy and knowledge. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Prayer is another but I believe most people are aware of the power and efficiency of prayer (when done right). 

So, when faced with any challenges or storms, ask yourself, what is the peace response in this situation? What is the faith response? What is the cheerful or joyful  response? What do I know about this situation? What has God said about this situation? Responding from these viewpoints, guarantees the manifestation of the victory that God has already given you. God bless you.

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