VICTORY IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 8:35-39
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Psalm 34:19, Isaiah 43:2, John 16:33
INTRODUCTION:
Adversity is a part of life, and even the strongest believers face trials and opposition. However, God has not left us defenceless. In the midst of challenges, there is a divine assurance that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Trials are not designed to destroy us but to prove and strengthen our faith.
As believers, adversity is not a sign that God has forsaken us. Instead, it can be a platform for God’s power to be revealed. When we stand firm through tough times, God shows up mightily on our behalf. The same God who delivered Daniel from the lion’s den and Paul from shipwreck is still delivering His people today.
The difference between defeat and victory is often our perspective. If we can see trials through the eyes of faith, we will realise that adversity is not the end, but a path to a new beginning. Every battle faced with Christ at the centre is an opportunity for victory.
1. UNDERSTAND THAT ADVERSITY IS TEMPORARY
The storms of life don’t last forever; they come to pass, not to stay.
a) Trials Have an Expiry Date
No matter how long your night has been, morning must come. (Psalm 30:5)
b) God Knows the End from the Beginning
God is never surprised by our challenges. (Isaiah 46:10)
c) Temporary Afflictions Work for Our Good
Our present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory ahead. (Romans 8:18)
d) Endurance Leads to Maturity and Fulfilment
Trials help us grow in character and strength. (James 1:2-4)
Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt
His adversity led to his promotion and the fulfilment of destiny. (Genesis 41:39-44)
2. GOD IS WITH YOU IN THE STORM
Your challenges may be great, but God’s presence is greater.
a) God Does Not Abandon His Own
He has promised never to leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
b) His Presence Gives Courage and Strength
With God beside you, fear is silenced. (Isaiah 41:10)
c) You’re Not Going Through It Alone
Even in fire or flood, God walks with you. (Isaiah 43:2)
d) His Presence Turns Fear into Faith
Knowing God is with you changes your outlook. (Psalm 23:4)
Biblical Example: The Three Hebrew Boys
God joined them in the fire, and they came out unharmed. (Daniel 3:24-27)
3. USE ADVERSITY AS A LAUNCHPAD FOR DESTINY
God often uses pressure to push us into purpose.
a) Challenges Can Birth Greatness
Pain often precedes promotion. (1 Peter 5:10)
b) Adversity Exposes Hidden Strengths
You discover what you’re made of in tough times. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
c) God Works All Things for Good
Even what the enemy meant for evil can turn for your lifting. (Romans 8:28)
d) Your Test Will Become a Testimony
God turns messes into messages. (Psalm 66:12)
Biblical Example: David and Goliath
One battle turned a shepherd into a national hero. (1 Samuel 17:45-50)
4. MAINTAIN YOUR FAITH AND CONFESSION
What you believe and say in adversity determines your outcome.
a) Faith is Your Victory Weapon
We overcome the world by our faith. (1 John 5:4)
b) Your Words Carry Power in the Spirit
Life and death are in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)
c) Doubt Attracts Defeat, Faith Attracts Victory
You must believe even when it doesn’t make sense. (Mark 11:23)
d) Speak the Promises, Not the Problem
Declare what God has said, not what man is saying. (Romans 10:10)
Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood
She spoke her faith and received her healing. (Mark 5:28-34)
5. CELEBRATE IN ADVANCE—VICTORY IS SURE
Your praise is proof that you trust God even before the manifestation.
a) Praise is a Sign of Faith in the Midst of Trials
It confuses the enemy and invites divine intervention. (Psalm 34:1)
b) Rejoicing Shows You Trust God’s Outcome
We rejoice, not in the problem, but in our God. (Philippians 4:4)
c) Joy is a Weapon Against Despair
The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
d) Praise Provokes Divine Intervention
God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison
Their praise brought an earthquake of deliverance. (Acts 16:25-26)
CONCLUSION:
Victory in adversity is not about the absence of problems but the presence of God. No matter how dark the night may seem, if you remain anchored in God, your morning of joy will come. Adversity may roar, but it cannot silence the voice of the victorious believer.
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you trust God. Let your faith be loud in the fire, let your praise rise in the prison, and your testimony will echo through the valley of adversity. Victory is your portion!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, strengthen my heart to stand strong in the midst of adversity.
2. Father, let every storm in my life be silenced in Jesus’ name.
3. I declare I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.
4. Lord, let my trials become testimonies.
5. Father, walk with me through every fire and flood.
6. Let my faith remain unshakable, even in tough times.
7. Every plan of the enemy to wear me out is destroyed.
8. Lord, make me a testimony of divine deliverance.
9. Father, I receive divine strength for every battle.
10. Let every battle I face turn into my promotion.
