AdversityНамуна

In the previous two days of this plan, we discussed adversity and the importance of recognizing how it leads us to grow so God can use us more effectively for His Will to be accomplished on this earth. But what happens after the dust settles and we see the adversity through? God blesses us with relief from the fight, provides His provisions and blessings, and welcomes us into the promise He’s given. Now, we feel like we can relax a little. We can kick our feet up and enjoy the calm after the storm. Of course, this period of rest following such a significant season in our life is much deserved, but do we cease to lean into the Lord as much as we may have been during our trials when we were on our knees begging for healing, blessing, or deliverance? Absolutely not!

1 Peter 5:8 NIV reads: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Why do we think it’s so important to touch on this topic? Because so many important men in the Bible made the mistake of becoming too comfortable in their comfort and wealth, and made some grave mistakes against the Lord. Who are we to be any better than they were in avoiding the temptation of the enemy?

First, we’ll discuss David and his actions with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah the Hittite. On Day 2 of this plan, we highlighted David and his adversity during the time God groomed him to be King over all Israel. 2 Samuel 11:1 NIV reads, “In the Spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” It was not common for David to stay behind during times of war. He was a warrior, and one of the best. He lived for the fight. However, this time he chose to remain at home. While he lounged and enjoyed his riches, satan took an opportunity. 2 Samuel 11:2 continues: “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’” Ultimately, David sends for her, sleeps with her, impregnates her, and then has her husband, Uriah, sent to the area of the war where the fighting was the fiercest to have him killed. Uriah dies in battle, and David makes Bathsheba his wife. According to the Word, this displeased the Lord.

The point is, David lost sight of the God he had been fiercely pursuing in his trials. He became complacent and comfortable. He let his guard down, and satan exploited his weaknesses.

Another example is King Solomon—the wisest man ever to live. King Solomon loved the Lord with all his heart. Still, after years of living under God’s significant blessings of wisdom, discernment of the Spirit, as well as many resourceful blessings, he became obsessed with his pagan wives, who eventually led him away from the Lord. In pursuit of pleasing his wives, he built altars of pagan gods for them all to worship.

When the chaos of adversity calms and you find yourself living in the blessings you so strongly desired, check yourself. Bow down before the Lord your God regularly and remain in Him. Seek brothers and sisters in the faith to hold you accountable. None of us, in our inflated egos as human beings, is above making the same mistakes King David and King Solomon made. Ask God today if you’re getting too comfortable. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you may be getting complacent.