Are You Holding On to Jesus in Times of Adversity?

The Importance of Faith in Challenging Times

When the winds of adversity come, will you choose to hold on to Jesus or try to control the outcome? Scripture reminds us of our divine purpose. In Ephesians 4:11-14 (NKJV), we read:

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. - Ephesians 4:11-14 NKJV

Some people are uniquely called to lead God's people. These leaders are essential for stabilizing and growing the body of Christ. Therefore, the Church must stand firmly in unsinkable faith. We cannot be swayed by every doctrine that seems spiritual.

The Need for Discernment

Only those who dedicate time to knowing Jesus Christ will be able to discern between the genuine and the counterfeit. These individuals will possess such intense faith that they will walk in promised signs and wonders.

Jesus warned us in Mark:

For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. - Mark 13:22

The term "wonder" refers to a phenomenon or miracle, while "sign" signifies a supernatural attesting miracle. There's a truth here: supernatural events will occur, along with the presence of false teachers performing them.

Evaluating Our Stand

The pivotal question to ask ourselves is: Where do we stand when times get tough? With that in mind, let’s explore some inspiring biblical testimonies of faith.

Consider the story from Luke :

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'" 46 But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." -Luke 8:43-48 

This woman had suffered for years but believed that merely touching Jesus' garment would heal her. Her faith was enough to receive a miracle.

The Power of Hope

In another account, a Phoenician woman approached Jesus for healing for her daughter. Despite being ignored at first, her faith drove her to press on.

27 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." 28 And she answered and said to Him, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs." 29 Then He said to her, "For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter." 30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed. - Mark 7:27-30

Both women exemplified the unwavering hope and faith needed in desperate situations. They believed that if they could just reach out to Jesus, a miracle would follow. Their faith shone even in the face of societal labels—they were considered outsiders or unclean. But Jesus was pleased with their faith and responded.

Finding Strength in Adversity

I often wonder how long these women sat on their sinking ships, feeling hopeless, before Jesus arrived in their lives. Apostle Paul's words encourage us:

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. - Hebrews 6:19

Jesus is our eternal hope. Every challenge we face presents an opportunity to glorify God. We can do so with unwavering faith, trusting in His promises.

The Apostle Paul cautioned us:

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. - Hebrews 5:12-15

Paul’s warning reminds us of the importance of spiritual maturity. We must not behave like children, swayed from one doctrine to another. We must build on the firm foundation that Jesus left us, apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, and pastors.

Moving Toward Maturity

The call to spiritual growth is clear. In Hebrews, Apostle Paul challenges us again:

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. - Hebrews 6:1-3

We are called to advance from the basics of faith and embrace maturity. In every storm of life, let us look to Jesus as our anchor. Are you holding on to Him when the winds blow?

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