Adversity is when you face many difficulties in your life. Obstacles and difficulties can wear you down. It seems at times, when they begin to rain upon your life, they just pour. Just as the extreme rainfalls recently have caused major devastation in the great state of Tennessee, extreme difficulties can wear you down.

Adversity can wear you down because it seems to be relentless. I know in the past year of my life, it seems there has been little to no rest from adversity. Yet, I know so many people have faced so much more than I have in life. The challenge I have faced is that the adversity has just worn me down at times. Why? Adversity can be relentless. Just when you think you are getting above it, it comes at you from another direction. I told my wife Jeana almost a year ago, “When we get involved in this Great Commission Resurgence movement and step into a major role of leadership, we will face much adversity.” That statement was more prophetic than I thought it might be at the time.

Adversity is not only relentless, but rigorous. Rigorous means to be extremely thorough! You see, many times it is not that the adversity is relentless, but very rigorous. During moments of life, adversity can be very thorough, working you over from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Whether your adversity is relentless or rigorous, it can wear you down. It can work you over. It can wear you out.

In these days, I have cried out to the Lord to pick me up, lift me up, and help me through life. In my helpless state, I am completely dependent on the Lord alone for my strength. In my study for the message I proclaimed yesterday in my fellowship, the Lord revealed to me a powerful Word from the Bible. I leave this word with you today as you live life, whether the adversity you are facing is relentless or rigorous, this can be a great word for you. Stand on it and stake its claim in your life today.

Lord, when You showed Your favor, You made me stand like a strong mountain. (Psalm 30:7)