Adversity

No one is exempt from problems. From the palace to the poorhouse, women throughout the ages have fought and conquered adversity in their lives.

Queen Esther risked losing her only relative and her people. Using her influence, she saved the Israelites from destruction. Interestingly, the Jewish name Esther means “Hadassah,” which comes from the word myrtle—the tree whose leaves only release fragrance when they are crushed.

Are you facing adversity? Perhaps your faith has brought reproach or daily struggles have robbed your faith. Regardless, the scriptures ease the crush of adversity, releasing the sweet fragrance of God’s overcoming power.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 kjv

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:5–6 niv

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Pete 4:14 nasb

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 nk v

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Pete 1:7 kjv

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Phili ians 3:10–11 nlt

After you have sufferedfor a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Pete 5:10 nasb

Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Luke 6:22 nk v

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. James 5:13 nlt

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 k v

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Pete 4:12–13 niv

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17 nasb

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:12 kjv

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:19, 21–23 nk v

Our Creator never intended that we should shoulder a load of suffering ourselves. That’s the whole purpose of spiritual community.

Linda Ba tlett