Occasionally people wonder how they can possibly make the most of adversity. Most of us feel like giving up. Consider Jesus Christ who experienced betrayal from one of His closest companions, Judas Iscariot. No doubt Jesus felt angry and tempted to lash back for such improbity. However, Jesus knew that God's sovereign will would enable Him to come out a winner if He continued in obedience to the Father's divine will. Regardless of the power of your opposition, you have the capacity, in the promise, "I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." (Phil. 4:13)
1. Jesus knew that God reigns over all people, circumstances and powers. The Good Shepherd persevered believing that God could work all things together for good as long as He continued in His Father's plan.
2. Jesus knew that nobody could defeat Him as long as He lived in a way that was pleasing to His Father. The Lord Jesus applied the principle that no person, no circumstance or any problem could prevent Him from doing God's will in God's way. In this truth Jesus knew that He would never lack God's support.
3. Jesus submitted to the worse agony, shame, and public humiliation ever known, but He came back from the grave a victor over death. When times look tough remember Jesus Christ.
4. Jesus knew that bad reports about Him should not be taken personally. He knew the truth of Ephesians 6:8 which says, "Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free." Press ahead with the ministry God has given you and you will succeed!
5. Jesus did not let impatience impoverished Him. The Lord knew that regardless of the slow beginnings, His truth, His plans and His disciple-making would pay off with big dividends for eternity. Do not give up on some people that seem so slow to grow up into all dimensions of Christ.
6. Jesus did not go around complaining about His problems to everybody. He told His heartaches to the heavenly Father. Stay upbeat. Stay confident in His promises. Be close to the one in whom You believe.
7. Jesus continually consecrated His time, talents, and resources to the heavenly Father. When you sing to God, "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee. Take my moments and my days let them flow in ceaseless praise - really mean it. God is far better able than you to make the most of what you give Him
8. Jesus used the power of winning words when faced with adversity. He said, "Lord, nevertheless not as I will, but let Your will be done." Words spoken in faith to God have power to infuse us with strength.
9. Jesus spoke about His expectations instead of His fears. We become what we think and talk about.
10. Jesus knew that His perception would effect His life's outcome. Your thoughts will control your emotions, behavior and responses to crisis. If you have faith, you can move mountains.
11. Jesus knew that the successes He would make for others would return for His benefit. The iron clad rule of God is stated in Gal. 6:6, "Whatever you sow that will you also reap." This truth operates in all situations regardless of what harm may befall us. God will determine how you will be rewarded.
12. Jesus knew that He was serving a good God who wins every battle. Let the Lord fight the battles for you. Remember the promise, "Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will help you and I will give you the victory."
13. Jesus refused to let the demonic voices discouraged Him regardless of fatigue. When the devil tried to tempted Jesus to sin, the Lord said, "You shall worship the Lord God only, serve Him and love Him.
14. Jesus knew that God's perception of success was different than human ideas about winning. When people try to tell you that you are a failure - do not believe them. God's success is eternal.
15. Jesus hung on to His goals regardless of the problems that surrounded Him. Many people give into the circumstances, temptations or the worries in their situations and take their focus off their goals.
16. Jesus relied on the joy of the Lord as His strength during times of difficulty. He kept the joys of the Lord's sweet song of victories in His mind throughout the worst times of adversity.
17. Jesus knew that success was measured in righteousness, holiness and truth. Do not let people change your definition of what a winner is. Your criteria for success is found in the Bible not in the newspapers.
18. Jesus knew that success is found in doing the will of God through trust and obedience regardless of what might befall us. Throughout eternity believers in Christ will be sing the songs of victory without regrets.
19. Jesus refused to fall into the traps of misusing or abusing His victories. He refused to gloat, but thanked God for every victory because He knew that real victory comes from the Lord.
20. Jesus always gave His heavenly Father the credit for the victories. Do not take credit for what you do not deserve. "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before stumbling."
