Facing Adversity Biblically

Hebrews 10 How to Face Adversity

I am reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s biography again; yes again. I read it several years ago but was challenged by my disciple to read it again so am wading through it, all 606 pages! I am at the point where Hitler is adding insult to insult, injury to injury as he wields the sword on those who are Jews and Christians alike. Thus, this verse is a reminder of how to faced adversity, just like the believers during WWII“For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.” [Heb 10:34] 

We, who are US citizens, do not understand that verse except as we read it as part of history because we have not faced this circumstance.Yet Bonhoeffer, as he taught, and as the Hebrews author is teaching, this is how we are to face discrimination and false charges heaped upon us. How joyful would we be had we lived in the 1930’s and 40’s as to the reality of this happening? How joyful would we be today if we faced this same set of circumstances? 

Paul reminded the Ephesians: “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind” [Eph 4:22-23]  Instead: “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,  and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind” [Eph 5:1]

Again we are reminded:”Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” [Phil 4:4-6]