Prideful? Prepared? Purified? Praying?

I know, right? I sound like an old-time Baptist preacher. How many sermons have I listened to, and the speaker chose words that all started with the same letter . . . something about making it easier for the hearers to remember.
Well, it struck me as I studied that the next four important effects of adversity could all be described with those words starting with the letter "p."
Awesome alliteration, up there, no? (Grin)
Let's dive in!
Troubles and difficulties can expose our pride. The sin of pridefulness is the source of many difficulties. The Word of God points that out.  Conflict, shame, dishonor, broken relationships . . .

Where there is strife, there is pride,    but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,    but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

Pride brings a person low,    but the lowly in spirit gain honor. (Proverbs 29:23)

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

In the midst of troubles, if we will humble ourselves and throw our pride out the window, we can receive God's grace and His help with gratitude.

Adversity can also be evidence of spiritual warfare. As believers, we should know that there is always a battle raging between God and Satan. When our difficulties become overwhelming, there is a temptation to give in to the weariness and confusion.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians and encouraged them to be prepared; to avoid being overwhelmed; to never, ever give up, but to rely on God for our strength:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

We remember that Paul told us to put on the whole armor of God to be ready for the battle. Adversity is sometimes an evidence of spiritual warfare.

Adversity can be God's method of purifying our faith. Another "p" word, right? (Grin) One of the building blocks of the Christian life is always working to strengthen our faith. It's essential to living for Him, because the ways of God are the exact opposite of the natural ways of men. Our troubles may come at the hand of those who mock God. Peter told us:

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (I Peter 1:6-7)

Adversity is not just a reminder to us to pray and call out to God for His help -- it also is a reminder to pray for those in positions of authority. Because they are in positions of responsibility, they are supposed to provide protection for those under their care. Whether spiritual leaders, political, or leaders of our families, when there are failures in their lives, the ones they care for become more vulnerable to Satan's attacks. When we experience difficulties, it helps us remember that those in authority over us are also undergoing temptations -- they are in need of our intercessory prayers. I like the phrase at the end of these verses:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

Lord, help me to remember in adversity to pray for others. The Word promises peaceful and quiet life, godliness and holiness.

The Lord can accomplish so many of His purposes in our lives from our troubles! We'll conclude our study tomorrow.