{"id":2566,"date":"2020-10-03T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-03T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shop.honestreflections.net\/?p=2566"},"modified":"2020-09-21T09:10:09","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T14:10:09","slug":"how-can-you-stand-firm-in-the-face-of-adversity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.honestreflections.net\/index.php\/2020\/10\/03\/how-can-you-stand-firm-in-the-face-of-adversity\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW CAN YOU STAND FIRM IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cTherefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!\u201d (Phil. 4:1 NIV)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand firm by rejoicing always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.\u201d (<\/em>Phil. 4:4 NIV)<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s letter to the Philippians is packed with useful scripture.  In chapter four, Paul is wrapping things up.  He\u2019s giving them his final words of advice as he continues with his ministry.  He starts with rejoicing.  Why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.\u201d (<\/em>Phil. 4:5 NIV<\/em><\/a>) <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rejoicing shows the Lord is near.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul encourages us to rejoice because it shows how close God is.  How do we rejoice when life is closing in on us?  Paul gives us the answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.\u201d (<\/em>Phil. 4:6-7 NIV<\/em><\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you memorize one scripture in 2020, I highly recommend this one.  Paul\u2019s instruction gives us the key to finding God\u2019s peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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