"Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” - 1 Peter 4:12 Our troubles don’t disappear when we become followers of Christ, in fact they often intensify. Christ suffered and so will his children. Soldiers of Christ battle an endless warfare that’s waged on their spirituality. The question isn’t if we’ll experience hardship it is when we experience hardship how will we handle it? In James 1:2-4 were told adversity has its purpose. James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Adversity tests the very core of our faith. You have to believe God is working on your behalf regardless of the severity of your situation. Adversity teaches us to rely on God and have complete faith … [Read more...]