Right attitudes for times of adversity

Right attitudes produce right results. An attitude can make or mar you. A sour attitude can close major doors. And a sweet attitude can open closed doors. There is a right and wrong attitude for going through times of adversity. We will focus today on right attitudes for difficult and trying times.

• An attiude of total trust in God: We must totally put our trust in God - whether we are faced with high mountains or whether our paths are laden with roses. Job showed his total trust in God when he said in Job 13:15 - Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with a burning furnace, they showed their total trust in God by declaring -
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve he is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”Daniel 3:16-18

• A forgiving attitude: It is surprising how during times of affliction and adversity, people have ways of demeaning you, and saying all sorts of ill and untrue things about you. Joseph went through a difficult time when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He had Potipher's wife tell grave lies about him. And yet he forgave his brothers, who caused the commencement of his years of pain.

David roamed in forests, and slept in caves because King Saul sought to kill him, and yet when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, he decided against it. In the end, King Saul got his comeuppance and died a shameful death. Also when David roamed in the forests, running away from King Saul, he wanted a favour from Nabal, but got a mouthful of condescending remarks from Nabal. David was angry, however when Nabal's wife Abigail calmed him down, he forgave Nabal. Nabal got his just deserts, and died soon afterwards. When people abuse you, leave them in the hands of God, He is the greatest avenger. 1 Samuel 25

An attitude of joy, praise and thanksgiving - There is a common saying among Christian folks that when praises go up, blessings come down. We must learn to be thankful to God in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for us - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Paul and Silas learnt to do this. They sang hymns to God even though they were in chains and imprisoned. Whilst they praised God, there was an act of God - Acts 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. This eventually led to their release.


As we master these right attitudes: total trust in God, forgiveness and the act of being joyful, thankful and full of praise for God, we learn to surf the most dangerous waves of life.

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