Introduction: Have you ever been NEGATIVE…especially when you are faced with things and people you cannot control? Are you finding yourself complaining because of your circumstances? Do you agree that it seems like when we go thru times of ADVERSITY, it becomes very challenging? Often, we fail the test.

So how can we, as believers in the living God, respond in times of “ADVERSITY”?

1. By TESTIFYING to others about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because of our ADVERSITY! (2Tim 2:8-12)

“8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:”

What is Paul saying? More often, people are watching and listening to us when we face hardships more than any other time. Why? Because anyone can be happy and positive when things are going good. But, it is when we are in the crucibles of life that a door swings wide open for others to see and witness true FAITH in the God we profess. 

Do we always understand why? No. 

2. By GLORIFYING the name of Jesus because He has won the VICTORY! (2Tim 1:12)

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Paul was anchored in God’s, “GREAT LOVE,” and purpose (see Rom 8:28-9)

“28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Keeping a proper perspective when we are going through ADVERSITY is the key. Granted, it is never easy, but always rewarding.

3. By MAGNIFYING the power of our Lord Jesus because He is our STRENGTH! (2Tim 1:12)

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

The word “committed” is παραθήκη (par-ath-ay’-kay), which means a deposit, anything committed to one’s charge or trust.

Conclusion: To sum it up, the way “ADVERSITY” is turned into “VICTORY” is by….

1. TESTIFYING – when you are ready! (see Phil 1:12-14)

“12But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

2. GLORIFYING – because of Jesus VICTORY (He has experienced all that we will, and can sympathize with us…see Heb 4:14-16)

“14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

3. MAGNIFYING- lifting up our God who is “with us” at all times! (2Tim 4:16-18)

“At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

ADVERSITY comes to everyone. But after you’ve been thru it, you can look back and be a blessing to others.

Jesus has been thru it!