The Proper
Response in Adversity - Part I
by Dr. John Tetsola
Abraham is an example of the life of a believer in crisis waiting for God’s manifestation. Abraham’s response to his crisis teaches us how to properly respond in adversity without quitting on God. The following are three proper responses gleaned from the life of Abraham that must become ours if we are to remain steadfast in faith and not quit our pursuit in times of adversity.
He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.
Romans 4:19 AMP
The first proper response of a believer in adversity is, learn to protect your faith. We protect our faith by lining up our speech with what God says, in spite of the circumstances. Abraham’s steady response of faith in the midst of difficulty teaches us how to respond in adversity without quitting on God. Our faith is the victory that overcomes our circumstances (1 John 5:4). To weaken in faith means to lose confidence in God’s ability to bring His promise to pass. Abraham didn’t weaken in faith, which means he avoided at least two things: (1) negative thoughts of his circumstances, and (2) negative statements based on his circumstances. Negative thoughts are images we ponder on that have no value. The enemy uses these images to weaken our faith so that we lose confidence in God. Negative statements are the things we say that weaken our faith. In protecting your faith, never allow your mouth to be a source of complaint against God. You can never be persuaded of God’s integrity if you always complain.
DON’T BE AFFECTED BY YOUR SITUATION
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.
Romans 4:20-21 AMP
Another response of a believer in adversity is, refuse to be governed by unbelief or distrust. Unbelief is a weapon of the enemy to steal your promise. Unbelief is different from doubt. Doubt is the absence of knowledge in an area that faith is expected. In other words, a person who doubts in an area of life doubts because they lack the proper knowledge of God in that area. But unbelief is completely different. Unbelief is the presence of knowledge, but a refusal to walk in it. Unbelief and distrust has stripped many believers of their promise. The children of Israel could not enter their promise because of unbelief.
Finally, never allow your situation to affect your view of God. Your situation is what the enemy uses to try to change your perception of God. If the enemy can change your perception of God, he can affect your promise. Abraham wasn’t affected by age, impotence, or the deadness of Sarah’s womb. Instead, he was more assured of God’s faithfulness and ability to keep His word, than all of the overwhelming odds against him. Don’t allow your situation to affect your view of God. Maintain the proper response in adversity and be fully convinced of God’s faithfulness and ability to keep His promise.