Full of the Word and the Spirit

Adverse circumstances come to us all. What we do with those circumstances determines the outcome of our lives. We can allow them to move us and shake us or we can refuse to allow adversity to defeat us and keep us from our destination.

Our hearts must be prepared when adversity comes so that we do not fall into wrong behavior but be able to make right choices during this time.

"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (2 Chr. 12:14)

This passage in 2 Chronicles 12:14 is speaking of Rehoboam, the king of Judah and the son of Solomon. He started off as a good king who was seeking the Lord. But just as many people today, he wasn't prepared for what would inevitably come his way. When satan throws temptation our way or we become bombarded with many trying things and become overwhelmed, if we are not already prepared, it will be too late and we'll probably lose the fight or make the battle more difficult than what it should have been.

We never know what each day has waiting for us. But we do have the capability to do our best to prepare ourselves for whatever may come. Whether a day brings us temptation, a trial or even a day of disappointments, we can overcome if we are prepared. Everyone faces temptation. Everyone faces disappointments and hurts. And everyone faces trials and tragedies. But the truth is, very few people are prepared to deal with it effectively and that shouldn't be the case and it doesn't have to be the case for believers.

When adversity comes our way, we may think that God is a careless God because He allows things to happen that He is capable of stopping. But we must remember in those times, He has fully equipped us to handle whatever comes our way. What we really need is HELP in using that “equipment”.

God's Word and His Spirit are freely available to help us. The Bible imparts to us essential wisdom: He promises to be near us and take care of us, He shares exhortations that help us avoid sinful snares, and there are many offers of forgiveness when we “miss the mark” and much more.

God does indeed equip us to handle adversity well, But we have to make the effort to use what He provides: His Presence. His Word. His Spirit.

Here are two simple things we can do to keep from being moved by the devil's attacks:

1. Build Ourselves Up In The Word of God.  We can keep ourselves full of the Word. When the Word is hidden in our hearts, it will come forth in times of crisis.

2. Build Ourselves Up By Praying In The Holy Ghost. (Jude 20)  We can keep ourselves built up in the spirit by continually praying in tongues. This causes us to become more sensitive to the Spirit's voice.

Psalm 108:1 My heart O God is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul

Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed. I will sing and give praise

Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord

We will have no fear in bad news. Our hearts can be steadfast, trusting God. If we prepare our heart in advance, we will never fall.  Stand firm, let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Stay Prepared For When Adverse Circumstances Come!

Connie J. Schmoll