Observation - In the verses written 5 before this one - Solomon links strength to wisdom by saying that "a wise man is strong, yes a man of knowledge increases strength". It is evident that as we increase our Godly wisdom and our knowledge and understanding we have the strength to endure every adversity. The adversity that comes our way is planned to test our strength. Too many times we crumble under the adversity when in fact we should be looking at adversity as the gauge of our strength in the Lord and our knowledge and understanding of His ways. Adversity is our weight machine that allows us to continue to build our strong spiritual muscles. Fighting the adversity, becoming angry in the adversity only proves our lack of strength in the Lord. James says to count it joy when you fall into adversity and Peter says rejoice in the trial. They both testify that the trial serves as a test of our perfected faith in God. Remembering that "All Things Work Together For Good" allows us to look very differently and what we face each day.
Application - It has become abundantly clear that EVERYTHING that I have faced in my life - personally, professionally and ministerially has been for a purpose - I know that we are on the brink of breakthrough and with it comes new adversity and new challenges - today I will look at every challenge and every adversity as a test of my current level of strength.
Prayer - Father - give me the wisdom and knowledge to be strong in the adversity. Give me the tenacity to push through and the compassion to restore the lost to you.
