Committed To Do What Is Right

“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” Genesis 22:1-3

Most often when the issue of discipleship, commitment, or adversity is discussed, the focus centers on God’s discipline in our lives. But there is a source of adversity which must also be taken into consideration - the persecution of believers because of their faithfulness to God, not their disobedience.

Adversity has as its purpose the development of perseverance, character, and hope. Its result is godliness and righteousness in the life of one who responds correctly.

We are admonished in James to rejoice in the midst of trials, seeing that they result in patience, perfection and completeness, lacking in nothing. So, trials (adversities) are God’s tool for developing stability and bringing us to maturity. James 1:2-4

Jesus said, “... you have tribulation” John 16:33. Paul mirrored this thought in II Timothy 3:12-17.

Adversity in the form of persecution can be expected for the believer. It is normal and natural. Be prepared for it. Take heart in Christ’s declaration. “...but take courage; I have overcome the world” John 16:33. And so can you.