"overcoming Adversity"

Subject: "Overcoming Adversity"

Text: Mark 10:46-52

“Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. 47 When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.”

Introduction: Overcoming Adversity! What kind of adversity are you facing? Adversities can be physical or mental condition that may limit what a person can do or become. It can be a disability, a problem, or situation that hinders our progress. Adversity maybe a drawback, a hindrance, a detriment, or a shortcoming. This pandemic has proven to be quite an adversary. How do we overcome an unfavorable condition, circumstance or characteristic that has the power to cause an individual to come short of their goal, dreams and purpose? What are your adversities, frailties, weaknesses, and faults that hinder you in your quest for the abundant life that our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ promised in his word? I am talking about the thing that is holding you back individually, personally. What's your number one problem? How long have you had it? Well, today I am preaching on the subject, "Overcoming Adversity."

Everyone deals with adversities! Everyone face obstacles in life. Winners and losers are separated by how they choose to respond with the adversities of life. Winners in the Christian race learn how to overcome their adversities by taking full responsibility of their opportunities. To overcome means to gain victory over, to come out as the victor instead of the victim. To overcome means to conquer, to triumph, to beat down and subdue every hindrance that would keep us out of the main stream of life. This message may not be for everyone because some people are satisfied with blaming others, or the weather or the government or the environment. Some are satisfied living beneath their privileges. Others are satisfied living on the sideline of life refusing to take part in their own deliverance. While there are those just receive handouts from those passing by expecting someone else to pay the price for their comfort.

Then there are those who recognize life has more to offer and they refuse to be content with life’s limitations. They are always looking and searching for way out! They can sense that they were born for greatness. They were born to please God at a higher level. They have not lost their dreams; their hope is alive and well. They hunger to move into the mainstream of life. All they need is the right opportunity; the right message, the right inspiration; and the right motivation to push them forward.

Every individual on this earth needs to overcome obstacles at some point in their life. Whether it’s applying for another job after losing the first one or even just getting off the ground after falling, everyone has to learn how to overcome the difficulties that life throws at them even those who are famous! Here are eight famous people who overcame adversity.

1. Albert Einstein - Einstein didn’t speak at all for the first three years of his life. But even though he received good grades throughout primary and elementary school, many of his teachers assumed he was lazy because he was always distracted by abstract concepts. Despite the lack of confidence that many adults showed towards Einstein, he rose above such negativity and developed the theory of relativity.

2. Vincent Van Gogh - Van Gogh only sold one painting during his life. He produced over 900 paintings, yet only “Red Vineyard at Arles” was sold while he was alive. While he may not have physically overcome his challenges, his persistence and dedication to his work despite receiving no monetary compensation or external praise is something to be commended.

3. Jim Carrey - When Jim Carrey was fifteen, he dropped out of school to support his family. Soon after, he and his family were living in a van. Despite these challenges, however, Carrey continued to follow his dream of becoming a comedian. As we all know, he was successful in his endeavors.