God’s Chosen Path Always Includes Spiritual Adversity

God’s Chosen Path Always Includes Spiritual Adversity Devotional Reading, July 10, 2023

“And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” —Matthew 27:46

The pitiful cry of those last words uttered by Jesus on the cross indicates His immense grief from being separated from God, His Father. Jesus’ words of desperation and agony were not a result of the physical pain from the beatings, nails in his hands and feet, or the crown of thorns on His head but from bearing the sins of every human being from the creation of Adam and Eve to every person born on the planet Earth.

Accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior places us on a Chosen Path [of Righteousness] which requires faith, trust, obedience, and daily surrender to God. To stay on the Chosen Path, we must endure spiritual trials and tribulations. The walk with Jesus is the toughest journey we will ever face in our earthly lives.

Spiritual Adversity is referred to in different ways: Trials, Tribulations, Hardships, Storms, and Dark Seasons. Yes, these adjectives describe the troubles, suffering, persecution, and difficulties that always produce mental, emotional, and spiritual distress, and often include physical challenges. Certainly, if we had a choice, we would avoid spiritual adversity at all costs. Yet, these challenges that we must endure in life test and build our faith, trust, love, hope, and perseverance which produces spiritual growth and transformation.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ ” —Matthew 16:24

Many post-modern churches are deviating from Bible-based sermons and not promoting daily Bible study among their congregants. Without the word of God as their foundation, feelings of despair and loneliness arise in the minds of both existing and new members when they encounter spiritual adversity. The absence of biblical teachings can create a false impression that serving God is an effortless journey free from hardships.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, there are few who find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

The Path of Righteousness is narrow with godly standards which can only be achieved with the human effort of daily surrender and the Divine Strength of the Holy Spirit. Still, we are not acceptable as we are, we require spiritual makeovers to receive eternal life. Sanctification, the spiritual transformation of our hearts and characters into the likeness of Christ’s Character is a life-long process. Only the sufferings from spiritual adversity produce a righteous character.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you…” —1 Peter 4:12

Wait! So, as Christians, we are required to suffer throughout our earthly lives?

Spiritual Suffering is never for naught [it is not meaningless]. It always produces the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities that are required to live eternally in the presence of a Holy and Righteous God.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” —1 Peter 5:12

Contrary to the human contrived theory of God crushing us like grapes, the Apostle Peter clarifies that every trial we suffer has an end-time that is determined by God. Our Heavenly Father never leaves us hopeless!

Reflection: What is your perception of having a relationship with Christ?

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” —1 Peter 4:16, 19

We are modern disciples who follow in Christ’s earthly footsteps. Never be ashamed to suffer for the glory of God! It is a privilege to suffer for Christ. If God allowed Jesus who was sinless to suffer for humanity, then we must also be willing and endure our spiritual suffering.

“How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For to this, you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps…” —1 Peter 2:20-21

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done. Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.” —Luke 22:42-43

God did not forget that Jesus, His Son was human on this earth. God, the Father whose name is Love sent an angel to minister to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our prayers for strength are answered immediately by the Holy Spirit. Never forget that God will dispatch a messenger angel to comfort us at any time of the day or night.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” —John 14:27

We must maintain our faith and confidence in Jesus’ promise that He will never forsake us during adversity. If Jesus said He will give us peace then His word is steadfast—always reliable and never-changing!

Daily worship strengthens our faith and trust in God. From the diligent study of the Scriptures, we learn of humanity’s failures, Jesus’ earthly life, and the abiding love that He has for the human beings created in His image and whom He died for.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

We have biblical proof that God will bring us through every spiritual trial, tribulation, and adversity victoriously. And from our suffering, we gain a deeper relationship with Christ, a righteous character, spiritual insight, and our reward of eternal life.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” —James 1:12

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus begins with these lyrics, “O soul are you weary and troubled No light in the darkness you see…” Chorus: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of his glory and grace.”

Spiritual understanding and the willingness to stay on our Chosen Path which includes adversity produces spiritual growth and character transformation.

Prayer: Thank You, God, for preparing us in our earthly journey through much suffering so that we will be ready to receive our reward of eternal life when Jesus comes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries