We want an easy and good life, but comfort and ease can be dangerous ? Deut. 8 – The Lord promises blessings, but reminds Israel not to forget where they came from Deuteronomy 8:1 "The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers. Deuteronomy 8:11-14 "Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, (12) lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, (13) and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, (14) then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, Deuteronomy 8:17 Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'

We want an easy and good life, but comfort and ease can be dangerous ? Deut. 8 – The Lord promises blessings, but reminds Israel not to forget where they came from Adversity seems to make some people more willing and ready to serve God Exodus 3:7 Exodus 3:7 Then the LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,

Adversity Dealing with adversity 1) A state of hardship or affliction; misfortune. A calamitous event (American Heritage Dictionary) Dealing with adversity One step at a time with courage and confidence Cower down in self-pity and fear

Great Bible characters are known for the way the handle adversity Not always flawless in every case Gen. 12:11-20 – Abraham, Sarah, and Pharaoh Exodus 3:10-4:17 – Moses’ excuses 2 Samuel 11 & 12 – David, Bathsheba, Uriah, and Nathan Take the sum of their lives and their faithfulness Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, (18) of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." (19) He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, (25) choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (26) He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

Given a choice, most of us would probably avoid adversity if we could Not Christians in their service to Christ Acts 5:40-41 James 1:2-3 Acts 13:15 & 50 Acts 5:40-41 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Acts 13:15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.“ Acts 13:50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

The blessings of adversity Get out of our comfort zone – 2 Cor. 11:6 Cope with fear, anxiety and uncertainty – 2 Tim. 1:7-8 Promotes courage and confidence – Phil. 1:14 Promotes self-growth – James 1:2-4 Learn to trust in a higher power – Phil. 4:12-13 2 Corinthians 11:6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 2 Timothy 1:7-8 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, Philippians 1:14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Everyday is full of adversity Psalms 90:10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. A Christian’s life is about dealing with the adversities of living everyday 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.