It is easy to praise God on the top of a mountain.  Of course, a mountain is a metaphor for the good times in our life.  But, we have to learn how to praise God in the valleys of our life...those tough times in our life.

When I hear about people who have a problem believing in a god or struggle with God, one common issue I hear is what to do with evil.  After all, we teach the "Reap and Sow" principle.  That is whatever you plant (sow), then you will harvest (reap) the same.  If you go around doing good, then good things will happen to you.  So, as Christians, how do we deal with adversity.  Dr Stanley points out some key points when understanding adversity:

• Adversity gets our attention (Ps 77:2)
• Adversity leads to examination (Ps 77:6-12)
• Adversity leads to change in behavior (Ps 119:67)

And I would add a couple more things to consider:

• Adversity expands our ministry (2 Corin 1:3 & 12:9-10)
• Adversity Builds Character (James 1:2-4)

So, when adversity strikes and the dust settles, take a fresh look on the situation and examine how you are different having gone through it.  The adversity in my life has ended up being the most significant growth!

I will start my blog back up again over the next couple of weeks.  I will expand my thoughts in regards to the sermon I most recently preached.

In my introduction last Sunday, I used the illustration of the Lone Ranger.  I always found it funny that he was called the LONE Ranger, when he had Tonto.  Technically, he was the only badged ranger between the two of the them.  However, the Lone Ranger was NOT alone.  Tonto had his back!  Tonto was the one who rescued him and saved his life in the first episode and at times he had to come to the Lone Ranger's side.  

We are reminded as Christians that we don't have to go at it alone.  Ministry is expected to be done in groups.  We share the load and we encourage one another in the ministry.

​Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to do just that!
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