Sun 9:30a Class; 10:30a Worship; 11:35a Communion
Bible Bites
The Sign of Adversity
“for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9)
Paul’s time in Ephesus was full of evangelistic opportunities, and the devil was not happy about it. Adversity is the companion of opportunity. One of the reasons that we ought to pray so diligently about life’s possibilities is because an opening for success also brings an opening for trials. Satan is the great adversary who looks to block our progress and the progress of the gospel.
Ever wonder why just when you decide to make a change, life gets in the way? Satan is why. Tell me if any of these sound familiar:
You decide to become more consistent in your attendance just to have a bout of sickness knock your whole family out of commission one-by-one over the next month.
You decide to become a better financial steward only to have the transmission go out, the plumbing spring a leak, and an unexpected expense for your child’s education show up.
You decide to be a better spouse only to have fifteen work projects due ASAP added to your plate.
These aren’t coincidences – they are adversity. The devil knows you are working, and he is working, too. Adversity is a sign you are doing something effective. Press on.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
