How do you prepare yourself for a time of adversity? No one can predict what harsh environment surrounds us and when. Life can always fall to adversity and at some point it will certainly face times that are unjustifiable. It is always difficult to handle adversity. We tend to lose our senses. It is very difficult for people to prepare themselves for an adversity whose nature and kind is not known. It was the same for the disciples of Jesus on that tumultuous stormy night. They had no option but to succumb to the situation. They can’t hide in the boat nor can jump into the sea. It was lose-lose situation. But they found relief by the miraculous appearance of the Lord. “And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea” (Matt. 14:25).
The greatest advantage to believers in the time of adversity is Jesus Christ the Lord. The disciples were being battered by the waves for some time due to which all hope was fading. Just when they didn’t expect Jesus was there to help. He was watching over them throughout the ordeal making sure they do not fall to the storm. Having believed in the Lord saves us in that when we are embroiled in the adversity at hand and are least thinking of Him He does not forget us. Yet, for Him to remember us we must have become His followers. There are stepping stones to becoming one.
- Christ natured. We must put on His nature of obedience toward God in matters of heaven and earth. “And He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’” (Luke 20:25). The disciples became Christ natured when they began learning His mind.
- God favored. We must become a people favored by God. Such an exceptional state happens only by being able to know His mind to perform it with a view to honor Him. “After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will’” (Acts 13:22).
- Spirit maneuvered. Avoid getting involved with the things of the flesh. They only lead to frustration and conflict. Live a Spirit-led life in the flesh. In times of conflict do not seek ungodly ways to overcome. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (2 Cor. 10:3).