Introductory Thoughts
Strength is not tested or demonstrated during times of ease. Rather, it is during times of adversity that one finds out just how strong he is (or how weak he has become). According to scripture, a man who faints in the day of adversity is a man who already possessed little strength. God does not require man to always be at the peak of strength, but God does ask that man to stay in the fight and to refuse to quit (Galatians 6:9). Only those who endure hardness and fight through adversity will enjoy the rewards promised to them. If one considers fainting, he need look no further than the Lord Jesus Christ, who “endured such contradiction of sinners against himself” (Hebrews 12:3), but pressed forward for the souls of men.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): How did these men faint: Peter (Luke 22:31-34, 54-62); Aaron (Exodus 32:1-5); John Mark (Acts 15:36-39)? Consider these who remained strong: Esther (Esther 4:16); Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23-25); Stephen (Acts 7:51-54).
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(For everyone): How do you fare in days of adversity? Is your strength sufficient for the winds of trouble and the storms of doubt? Do you remain stedfast and loyal to the Saviour during troublesome times?
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Can you think of any examples in scripture of individuals who remained strong in days of adversity? Can you think of any individuals who demonstrated small strength?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help strengthen you ahead of the days of adversity.
- Ask the Lord to preserve you through whatever comes your way.
Song
WE HAVE AN ANCHOR
