Whitnee's journey with Christ

You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.

Michelle Obama

Growing up mom and dad would always say, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Did you hear that as a child? Did it help shape or mold you into the person you are today and how you view adversity?

Around the world we are facing several challenges; many people are struggling. Unfortunately the suffering did not just start during the pandemic but it help to show the blemishes. COVID-19 caused things to “all hang out.” It uncovered the ugly truth. Some view it as good while others view it as bad. How do you view it?

With uncertainties come distrust. With distrust comes disbelief. With disbelief comes a state of hopelessness. If you aren’t careful one could find themselves questioning their faith or wondering if God has forgotten them.

But not Job! In the Book of Job we see that Job was faced with several adversities. He lost his wife and children, his property, his health, and his reputation was in question. The Bible tells us he was faced with adversity not as a consequence to sin- Job 1:8 says, then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Some of us are conditioned to think bad things happen to bad people. Well by reading scripture and understanding God’s plan- we know that simply isn’t true. If that were the case then how could my mom who has never smoked in her life have throat cancer? Why do babies die in their mothers womb? Why are thousands of innocent people dying because of the coronavirus?

It came to pass. It didn’t come to stay!

Unknown Author

There is a limit to everything including how much God will allow us to face. While so many are uncertain with what is going to happen next, we should be hopeful and at peace knowing though we don’t know what tomorrow brings; we do know who holds our future! God will not put more on us than we can bear!

At the end of the day we have to remember this too shall pass. With each new day brings brand new mercy. What happened yesterday is in the past. We have to be optimistic and hopeful because we know God has a plan and a purpose for all that we face. Again, we may not understand but we serve a sovereign God who uses all things for His glory. Even if it is adversity.

Looking at chapter 1 in the book of Job we see that Satan brought adversity BUT the Lord gave permission for Job to be tested. Adversity is not to be viewed as a punishment it is to be viewed as apart of God’s divine plan. Everything we go through is necessary. God will not allow us to come to a crossroads without directing us which way to go-He is a light unto our feet. He will direct our path.

Often times God leads the way but we don’t follow.

Imagine being in pain 24/7. Imagine feeling like your skin is on fire. I mean the pain is so excruciating you would rather die. What could be going through that persons mind? What went through Job’s mind when he lost everything? Did he curse God? Did he lose faith in God? Did he think God had forsaken him?

I encourage you to read the Book of Job to see how despite everything he faced, Job still worshipped God.

So this morning I want you to understand that while we are so quick to blame the devil or think it’s karma we must realize that God knows and sees all. While we may not understand why certain things happen- we know God is sovereign. It’s like why would someone have to urinate on you to take away a sting or put a fire out? I’m assuming no matter how disgusting it sounds, you wouldn’t mind the pee if it meant you wouldn’t be burning to death right?!!

I want us to learn to take ownership over our lives and to understand the devils role BUT SEE God’s Grace in whatever you are going through. Remember you don’t have to go at this thing alone- God not only limits our adversities but He knows what’s best for us and He pulls us out of the “kitchen before the heat is unbearable.”

I say all of this to say: no matter what, we have to praise God! Understanding that worshipping God is key to our walk in Christ is essential to our spiritual health. It’s not the case I’ll worship God if and when I feel like it; I’ll praise God when I win the lottery; I’ll go to church once I get the ideal job; or I’ll help the needy when someone decides to help me. God is not a “tip for tat” God and we should not be a “tit for tat” type of people when it comes to how, when, where, or why we worship Him.

While our nation is hurting, people are burying their loved ones, children are hungry, people are losing their jobs left and right, persons are being evicted from their homes- let’s learn to show compassion to our neighbors. Let’s learn to not get so caught up in our circumstances that we forget to praise God through it all. We must trust God in all things.

Maybe you don’t know how your lights are going to stay on when you can’t pay the bill and no money coming in the house. Maybe your child just passed away and now your only suffering support is on the ventilator. Maybe everything seems to be piling up on you and you don’t know your start from your finish. What do you do? TRUST GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

Today’s message is for someone who might be unfolding at the seams, this message is for someone who may need to bring words of comfort or encouragement to others if that person isn’t yourself. We must do our part to encourage others and introduce them to the love of God within us. In conclusion, as the writer Paul says, we must never lose sight of who causes adversity and how God plans to use it for your good and for His glory.

To the readers of today’s message I not only encourage you but I challenge you to do as Job did and worship God even in the midst of this pandemic, death in the family, lost wages, pain, or poor health. Allow NOTHING and NO ONE to separate you from God.