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Mending a Heart in Adversity
Life’s pressures can feel like a mountain bearing down on us, and it seems like they’re not planning to let up anytime soon. Trouble can come knocking anytime. The uncertainty in our studies, the unknown future, bumps in our marriages, conflicts or even breakdowns in family relationships, and physical ailments—these can all add another heavy burden to our already weary souls. We struggle and resist in our pain, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t overcome the shackles of “fate.” This might just be the last straw that breaks us, possibly leading us to think about “giving up everything.” But should we really give up? Wouldn’t it be a pity? Wouldn’t it feel unjust? We need to learn to embrace adversity! Our attitude can impact how we perceive these hardships, much like a historical figure who faced adversity.
Job initially lamented, “Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?” (Job 3:11-12) Job was a righteous man, who lived his life doing good without owing anything to God or man. Yet, in a very short span, he lost all his possessions and all his children—seven sons and three daughters—and soon after, he was covered in painful sores from head to toe. He suffered not only physically but also lacked understanding from family and friends. Despite this, he did not give up seeking God, and eventually, he received hope from God. Ultimately, he recognized God’s glory, saying, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) In facing adversity, he did not compromise or get discouraged but continually sought God’s lessons behind his suffering. When we’re tormented by hardships, we shouldn’t just blame others or the world. We should remember that God knows our pain. He came down from His throne in heaven, became flesh, suffered various hardships, and even tasted “the taste of death” for us. He is not a God who watches us suffer for amusement; He suffers with us in our pain.
He knows our pain and waits for our cries for help. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Through our own tribulations, we can feel God’s comfort and guidance; we can meet and glorify God in the storm. We must change our attitude towards adversity because only by shifting our focus from the pain of the hardships to God can we see the lessons He has for us after the tribulations and behold His glory.
“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) In our struggles, we encounter God, experience Him, know Him, submit to Him, and glorify Him because the God who died for all makes our sufferings meaningful and gives our lives purpose. “Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out.” (Song of Solomon 4:16) The chill of the north wind and the heat of the south wind both serve to spread the fragrance of God. Adversity is beautified by God, and life becomes meaningful and lively because of Him.
I encourage you to join our church, to seek and experience the truth of God! Below are the ten basic beliefs of our church to help you get to know us better.
https://www.tjc-chicago.org/about/basic-beliefs/
Come join us in worshipping and knowing the one True God together in our upcoming Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation.
September 26-29, 2024
Thursday, September 26, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Our church’s address is as follows:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org
In our lives, we face many setbacks, and often, we might feel withdrawn or down, even anxious about the future or confused about life. All these can be considered adversity.
Often, we might try to dodge our problems with quick fixes, but that’s really just avoiding the issue! So, what does it mean to have wisdom in the face of adversity?
Whenever hardships arise, I remain calm in my heart and earnestly discern what I can learn from these challenges. In doing so, I feel the comfort and grace from God.