Turning Adversity Into Advantage

This is surely a difficult time we are in. Daily we learn of people who have been furloughed from their job, some who have contracted the virus. All of us have been "sheltered at home," and many have been quarantined. Many of us know those who have succumbed to COVID-19, and have passed away.

Obviously, no one likes what we are going through. But, we also shouldn't be surprised by it. Jesus told us in John 16:33 that "In this world you will have trouble." But, even though we will have trouble, Jesus tells us to "take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Actually, we have been given a most unique opportunity at this time. We can choose to focus on the difficulties, and complain about all the hardships. Or, we can seek the Lord as to what He is doing, and how He wants to use us now!

Paul the apostle experienced adversity, too. He tells the church at Corinth that he didn't want them to be unaware of the hardships he was experiencing. He was under "great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life."

But, God gave Paul wisdom and insight into how to turn what could be considered adversity into a great advantage!

I am confident that God wants to do the same thing for you and for me today! He wants to take what the enemy means for harm, and use it for our good!

This Sunday, we are going to look at what we need to do, just as Paul did, to turn our adversity into our advantage!
​
Do not miss this powerful exposition of 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. I believe that God can change your life!

You can watch us online by clicking this exact link - https://www.facebook.com/ValleyChapelAG/live/

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 - The Living Bible

8 I think you ought to know, dear brothers, about the hard time we went through in Asia. We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. 9 We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. 10 And he did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect him to do it again and again. 11 But you must help us too by praying for us. For much thanks and praise will go to God from you who see his wonderful answers to your prayers for our safety!

Today's BIG IDEA...
This morning, we are going to look at what we need to do, just as Paul did, to turn our adversity into our advantage!

1. Recognize Your Inability - :9a

“We felt we were doomed to die, and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves.”

2. Realize His Infallibility - :9b-10a

“then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us… and He did help us!”

3. Respond to His Inexhaustibility - :10b

“we expect Him to do it again and again!”

4. Request due to Interdependency - :11

“you must help us, too, by praying for us.”

We need to pray right now!

God, we…
· Recognize our inability
· Realize Your infalibility
· Acknowledge Your inexhaustibility
· Understand our Interdependency on each other.