One of the hardest things for a Christian to do is remain faithful when faced with adversity. Paul warned Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). True godliness is at odds with the world. The wicked will always oppose the good. Jesus faced similar opposition in His time. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The question that ought to concern every Christian is, “How will I respond to adversity when it comes my way?”
Some Christians take the easy way out. Some keep quiet when they should speak up. This led Peter to deny the Lord (Matthew 26:69-75). Others go along to get along. Paul had to rebuke Peter to the face for this behavior (Galatians 2:11). Still others give up altogether (Matthew 13:20-21). Such failure is hardly worthy of God’s blessings.
Paul is a great example of one who know how to face adversity. Consider Paul’s courage in the face of adversity, “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:22-24).
Paul wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel. He was always glad to be identified with Christ. He stated on one occasion, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Paul was not afraid of a goal. He knew where he was going. He pressed toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 3:14). He also knew what it was going to cost him to get there, yet he still refused to ease up. We need Christians today who are not lukewarm or halfhearted! Are you such a person? May we all be willing to learn the will of the Lord and have the courage to do it regardless of the personal cost.
Bruce Stulting