We Must Face Adversity Head On

Lisa Whelchel's wish to be on the TV reality series, "Survivor: Philippines" came true this year, but it may not have been everything she hoped, according to her brother. Justice Coleman, Whelchel's younger brother, visited her on the set and said he "was not prepared to see her at that level of desperation."

"It was immediately obvious she had hit rock bottom," Coleman told People magazine. "I wasn't expecting her to be at the end of her rope. I almost didn't recognize her. She looked absolutely ragged: physically and emotionally torn up. I was imagining a big smile on her face, since she was so deep into the game and doing so well but she started crying so hard. I was legitimately concerned for her."

The actress often relied on her faith to get her through the tougher moments of the game and made no qualms about her religious beliefs. However, at the same time "Survivor" aired, news broke that Whelchel and her husband of 24 years had divorced, making it an even harder year for the Christian actress who often spoke about having a faithful, Christian marriage.

Just last month, Whelchel announced that she was battling West Nile virus, which she said, "takes a year to recover. I'm fine, just tired," she assured fans. But the virus certainly did not help Whelchel's physical stamina, which was severely tested during her time on "Survivor."

Through it all, though, Whelchel has maintained a sense of grace and humor. She took to Twitter to announce the publication of her brother's article in People but warned fans, "Ignore the hideous picture of the crazy woman doing the 'ugly cry.' But my brother is awesome!"  -Christian Post, December 6, 2012, Sami K. Martin

Overcoming adversity is part of the human predicament. Thus, to confront adversity and/or trials of any description is a spiritual exercise that will separate the weak from the strong. Some Christians feel they are automatically immunized from adversity of any kind. Some have said "all these trials and hardships show that God is missing."

Since the beginning of time the heroes of faith have always had to deal with adversity. This includes men like Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Peter, Paul and others. My friends, are we any better than the aforementioned saints? Certainly not! We must not be immersed in self-pity or feel sorry for ourselves when confronted with life's hardships.

Those of us who have been thrust into the lion's den of adversity must come to grip with it and face it head-on. The apostle Paul declared, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Overcoming the trials and tribulations of life means we place our ultimate trust in God. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). This means we will depend on God via prayer (James 5:16).

Daily praying and trusting in our eternal God will help immeasurably when coupled with a rich study of God's word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12). We must not underestimate the power resource that is available to us. Other than the aforementioned tools we must never forget the strength that is derived through family, friends and brethren. We must utilize these if we would overcome calamities in our lives.

Overcoming adversity comes with some positive blessings. Persevering and enduring hardship will certainly bring patience. As the scriptures tell us, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (James 1:3). Job, who faced adversity that we can only imagine, was a faithful patriarch that would not get sidetracked when hardships appeared at his door.

As it is written, "you have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord..." (James 5:11). We must emulate Job and refuse to let adversity swallow us like the great fish swallowed Jonah. Overcoming adversity will give us a closer relationship with God that will ultimately lead us to our heavenly home (John 14:1-3).

Yes, we all face hardships and tribulations of various descriptions. Therefore giving up and abandoning God is no option. Overcoming adversity with good is the best policy.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Philippians 4:12-13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Peter 4:1; James 1:12;

Prayer: Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.

-thanks to Bob Spurlin   

Have a blessed day,

Kenna