Office LetterOvercoming Adversity/ Persecution

Life is full of challenges which may be seen as “opportunities for spiritual growth.” Our Father appears to do some of His best work in His sons and daughter when they face difficulties as He takes us through this transformation (sanctification) process. 

Is there a difference between adversity and persecution? If adversity is defined as facing calamity, distress or adverse circumstance, we face it every day. After all, we do have an “adversary” whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.

So what is persecution? Persecution will include adversity, but it suggests that often there is a planned, intentional well thought-out program to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate others. For a present illustration, what do you think the response would be if you were to ask our friends in Israel about their daily lives? 

So what may we do, as believers in Jesus, who are committed to His glory as we advance His kingdom? For sake of time and space may we suggest we seek His Presence 24/7. 

According to Isiah 61: 7 there is power in His Presence…even a double portion. This is coherent as we know from the New Testament that He has given to us the Holy Spirit to accomplish our assignment of spreading the Gospel and in the process of being good God Imagers of His character, glory, and Person. 

Consider these evidences of His Presence in our lives: 

1. Passion for God
We are to enjoy His Presence!
“O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness. I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more, with cravings in my heart that can’t be described. Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God! I am energized every time I enter your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power and drink in more of your glory. For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself.” Psalm 63:1-2
2. Intense moments of prayer and intercession
We are to “pray without ceasing…in everything give thanks…do not quench the Spirit.” 
3. Walking in humility
For this is what the high and majestic one says, the one who fills the eternal realm with glory, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in high and holy places but also with the bruised and lowly in spirit, those who are humble and quick to repent. I dwell with them to revive the spirit of the humble, to revive the heart of those who are broken over their sin.” Isa. 57:15
4. Total sacrifice
Our Father says “give Me all.” We MUST say I surrender all. 

Friends, we must displease ourselves so that we may please Him. Those who sacrifice are those who truly love Him. Psalm 16:11 “because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side I experience divine pleasures forevermore!”