Faith in Adversity

The devil has created false doctrines and introduced foreign mindsets to the people of God in an attempt to hinder the spiritual development of the Sons of God. There are those of us, however, who are not moved by the sleight of men or Satan himself. We know in whom we have believed. Nevertheless, we all must come to that place of maturity that begs for the opportunity to glorify the Father. Believe it or not, it is easy to walk in the power of our Christ.

Romans 8:14

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

This scripture sets the boundaries and establishes the criteria for those whom God considers to be His Sons. It also takes us beyond the indwelling of the Holy Ghost for eternal security. It implies that you must supply a walk, led by the Spirit of God. You must also be willing to remain in fellowship with the Father for His guidance through adverse situations. We must believe that God is in total control of our life and that the Spirit of Faith orchestrates those things we deal with from day to day.

John 19:11

11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Here we see Jesus believed and accepted the fact that the Spirit of God directed and ordered those situations that were unfavorable to His flesh. Here is where most saints would not dare or even think to go. God will lead you into adversity and persecution at the hands of man. Jesus is led before Pilate to glorify God. Even at the threat of death, He only spoke when and what the Father said to speak. He let it be known to Pilate and to whoever was around that there is no power but God, and that everything moves by the power of His Father. He went before Pilate in the meekness of the Spirit (power under control). He knew the Spirit was leading Him into suffering and death.

He came into agreement with the fact that it was not a time to be exalted. Instead it was a time to glorify the Father. In the New Covenant, God is glorified by the humiliation of flesh. We see this when Jesus would not defend Himself. To offer a defense in the power and authority of His Godhead would have defeated His very purpose for coming. Such a defense would have been birthed out of pride, in light of the fact that persecution, suffering and death were the very reasons for His coming. As Jesus did, we too must learn to speak and do only those things that are edifying to purpose. To defend oneself against adversity relative to fulfilling your purpose is an act of vanity and an attempt at self-exaltation.

To launch a wailing declaration, even with the truth, would be self- gratification and a sin against God. Here is where we miss God so many times in the vanity of our words, speaking the truth in pride not love. Jesus not only had to be led by the Spirit but He also had to be governed by the Spirit. In order to fulfill righteousness He also had to walk by the Spirit. The Holy Ghost demanded that He only speak of the authority of God and not of Himself. In His heart Jesus sought to exalt the Father, therefore that decision was reflected in His response. Had Jesus exalted Himself by rehearsing the power that God had given Him He would have stepped outside the boundaries of the very Faith He came to establish.

WHY DOES GOD LEAD YOU INTO ADVERSITY?

I Peter 5:10

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

God will lead you into adversity (opposition) to establish you. We must understand that even with the Holy Ghost we must still be established in God. In the midst of adversity, this establishment is only by submission to the Father. You must understand that God will use situations to prove His power towards you. The suffering we endure has a purpose; often it is the trying of our faith. Your righteous response to the tests in your life will cause you to become settled and established in the Faith. II

II Corinthians 1:3-7

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

Consider that this is another equally powerful reason for the Holy Ghost to lead you into affliction and sufferings for the gospel’s sake. Paul states in the above passage that we are led into suffering for our brothers’ consolation and salvation. Faith will console, save and comfort. When we endure and stand in faith it will have an effect on those who look upon us. Suffering in the flesh is a most effective way to preach the gospel. Suffering in the flesh is to deny yourself the acts, emotions and responses of the flesh. When you are led by Faith you are comforted even inside tribulation. Faith will also allow you to comfort others who are in trouble. Would mere human trust and belief alone cause you to walk this way? No!!!! There are times when the faith of men fail.

The Faith of Christ will never fail. It ministers beyond circumstances. The faith of Christ will bring peace in any situation and as others look at your life, they will find hope in the power of your faith. As Sons of God we must realize that divine faith is our nature. We are not separated from the Faith of Christ in nature, character or emotion. Faith is who we are. Divine Faith is steadfast and unmovable; it will seek to glorify the Father by not allowing flesh to respond in situations and circumstances. This is a decision we must make, to walk by faith (the Spirit) or by sight (the way of flesh).

Psalm 119:67

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

The chastening of the Lord is designed to kill the influence of flesh and cause the Sons to hide the Word in their hearts. As a result we will experience comfort through the power of the Word. This is how others will see God through us. Through our agreement with the Word in our hearts, we will manifest Christ in adversity. The world will see and have hope in God.

Psalm 119:165

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Here is the conclusion to the matter. If you would just agree with God wholeheartedly, you would reveal the character of Christ in every adverse situation. You would not find yourself offended by any situation in which the Holy Spirit leads you, but rather you would find consolation in knowing that you are here to glorify the Father.