Faithful Through Adversity

Many people react differently when tragic things happen to others. And often we forget the admonitions of the Scriptures in such a time.

It is imperative we understand the heart of God for us during Adversity and act in ways that reflects the love of God.

This story exemplifies often the typical reactions of people, which character here is your natural or typical response?

STORY:

When it happened, some turned away, others vomited, more cried, a few collapsed.

But one young man ran to hold his friend’s hand and pray for him.

The young men on the University of Louisville basketball team were fighting for every point, battling for a coveted spot in the Final Four and the opportunity to play for the men’s college basketball championship.

Kevin Ware jumped out to defend a shot from the other team, and he landed awkwardly on his right leg. In an instant, Ware had crumpled onto the floor in front of his own team’s bench with a gruesome compound fracture.

His tibia had broken, and the bone was protruding through the skin. The injured player screamed and wrenched his body in pain as paramedics rushed to the scene.

Everyone on both teams was deeply affected by this injury, but most kept their distance.

Luke Hancock, however, knelt down right beside him and continued praying until he was pried away.

What do we do when we see others in pain, anguish, turmoil, or trouble?

Maybe you have been the one who desperately needed a friend to come alongside you with prayer support?

Jeremiah was the only prophet who rushed to Judah’s aid. He wept for his beloved city, Jerusalem.

As false prophets turned away or offered false hope, Jeremiah stood by his countrymen through the suffering.

He continued to intercede on their behalf, and tell the people the difficult truths about repentance and obedience that they needed to hear in order to save their lives.

When reporters asked Hancock why he chose to run to his friend’s side when others turned away, he responded, “I didn’t want my friend to suffer alone.” Hancock had suffered his own frightening injury in a game with friends a year earlier.

He remembered how much it meant to him that one of his friends stayed by his side all the way to the hospital, and he wanted to do the same for Ware.

May we rush to aid other sufferers as we are able, becoming the hands of Jesus.

True friendship is known in Adversity. And Godly characters are displayed by those who possess it in Adversity. Don’t be JUST MOVED, by what people are going through, Identify with them.

Give the gift of your presence. Give the gift of Agape Love .

Give the gift of your Time and Resources.

Give the gift of Intercession and prayers .

Be God’s loving hands and convey His presence in all you do.

Shalom.