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Overcoming Adversity

Priya Johnson
Overcoming adversity builds character and character in turn builds hope. It is important to not allow our troubles to overwhelm and drown us. No matter how fierce the storm is, by God's strength we can rise above the storm. Read on...
The word overcome means 'carry off the victory' and overcoming adversity means 'being victorious even in horrendous situations'. Unemployment, betrayal, lack of breakthroughs in terms of career, marriage, children, etc. can all be very stressful.
Since there is no measuring device that has been invented to measure the pain caused by adversity, we really cannot point out which circumstances in life are more harrowing. However, we all know what it means to be stricken in times of adversity.
We have all experienced the times of sorrow filled with tears and tension accompanying these times. What do we do in times of adversity? Do we give up on life? Life is too precious to be wasted by worrying. Let us see what the Holy Bible has to say about such times and how we are to go about overcoming adversity.

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming Adversity

Romans 5:3-5

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Romans 8:35-37

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Revelation 3:21

"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

James 1:12-15

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Philippians 4:13

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Isaiah 43:1-3

But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Famous People Overcoming Adversity

There are several people who have overcome adversity in their lives by the grace and strength they received from God. One such example is Joseph from the Bible, whom as we all know was sold off into the hands of foreigners and then to the Egyptians.
He spent years in prison and when he finally got favor in the eyes of the emperor and got out, he was thrown into prison again by a false allegation. Joseph went through one storm after another, however, his faith in God remained unshaken. At the right time, God lifted Joseph and gave him the second place after the emperor of Egypt.
Another such person who overcame adversity is Joni Eareckson Tada of Baltimore, Maryland, who due to a diving accident in 1967, became a quadriplegic. Her life is a stupendous example of overcoming adversity by having faith in Jesus Christ and perseverance. It was at the age of 17 that she encountered this fateful accident.
The truth of being paralyzed neck downwards hit her really hard and she often got very depressed and fought with God for being so unfair to her. However, one day she surrendered her life to Jesus and began spreading His message of comfort and encouragement to scores around.
She even began painting with her mouth and blossomed into a great commercial artist. Talk about overcoming adversity! This is a wonderful example of 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!'

10 Overcoming Adversity Quotes

"Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has." - Billy Graham
"Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you." - Jeffrey Gitomer
"You may not realize it when it happens, but at kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." - Walt Disney
"Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings." - Ralph Blum
"I would never have amounted to anything were it not for adversity. I was forced to come up the hard way." - J. C. Penney
"The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration." - Confucius
"There is no education like adversity". - Benjamin Disraeli
"Adversity builds character and character makes us stronger." - Mark Wilson
"When it gets dark enough you can see the stars." - Lee Salk
"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan
Those of you going through harrowing times, take heart, for Jesus Christ cares for you. He has said in 1 Peter 5:7, "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Therefore, dear brothers and sisters let us hold firmly to this verse during dire circumstances in life. Have faith in our Lord Jesus and allow Him to fight the battle for you.
Ask God for the grace and strength for overcoming adversity. God Himself will go before you and make rough paths smooth. He loves you so much that He laid down His life for you on the cross. It's not by silver or gold, but with His own precious blood that He paid the price for your life.
He will never let go of you! So press on! God can turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones!