How to Handle Adversity

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, 'If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?'"Galatians 2:14

Paul's integrity drove him to stand up to Peter, his fellow leader, in front of several Jewish and Gentile believers. He criticized Peter's hypocrisy and demanded that all Christian leaders remain consistent, regardless of the company they keep. Paul teaches us how to critique someone. 

Have you ever heard the boys with the most toys wins? Amazing how the world can contort things from God-centered fact to self-proclaiming malarkey! 
After finding out , I was no longer needed  as a coach because I did not share the same philosophy as my leadership had(what does that mean was my first thought?). I decided to reflect on  an ancient account of the suffering of Job and contextualize some of its components into today’s world! Perhaps the key word here is “Realization.”

Let’s Touch on Job’s Source (origin) of Problem: (though many times problems are self-inflicted in this case it is from without) 

We see in Job 1:6, where the “sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD” This also included Satan. 
Identification of the sons of God: 
Job 38:7: (Job 38 is specifically speaking of creation of world) “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy”? 
In Hebrews 1:14 we the angels giving accounts to happenings throughout the universe: Hebrews 1:14: “Are they [angels- vs. 13] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”? 

We see in Job 1:7, the Lord asked Satan, “Whence comest thou”? Satan replied “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Remember what Peter wrote? In 1 Peter 5:8, it tells us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil (the accuser), as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (dominate).”

Satan is that bully that used to walk the corridors of your school. He wants to instill fear in you! He wants to dominate you and have you revere him!
It is interesting the term Satan literally means “one who lies in wait, an adversary or an opponent to God.” Folks, Satan is still the same today! 
In Job 1:8, God asked Satan, “Hast thou considered (set thy heart upon or observed the conduct of) my servant Job”

YOU SEE: Job maintained his integrity before God. WHY, because ultimately, it is more important than:
- Possessions
- Achievements

• coaching
• money
• love
• You see:

- Job recognized God had sovereign rights (The Lord gave and can take away)
- Job praised God: Giving ADORATION after ADVERSITY. WORSHIPPING after WOE. Even thou I feel bad, I am a child of God!
- Job did not become embittered
- Job refused to blame God for wrongdoing by others

Consider his checklist: when dealing with those who are leaders but have a lack of Integrity 

• Check your motive. Your goal should be to help, not humiliate.
• Make sure the issue is worthy of criticism. Does it really matter?
• Be specific. Don't drop hints, but clearly name the problem.
• Don't undermine the person's self-confidence or identity. Make it obvious that you value the person.
• Do not postpone needed criticism. If the issue is big, act now.
• Look at yourself looking at others. Take the log out of your own eye.
• End criticism with encouragement. Finish on a positive note.

Finally my brothers and sisters KEEP THIS IN MIND Job’s Formula for life’s ADVERSITIES:
- Realize: We owe our life, substance and strength to God! 
- Realize: God loves you from eternity and has a plan for your life
---- But first He wants to save you!

FOLKS,
- You know that Jesus died on the cross for us. 
- He wants to save you. 
- He wants you to be in His family. 
- It does not matter what you have done or failed to do in the past. 
- What matters is what you do right here and right now. 
- If you will come to Him just like you are, He will save you. 

 Just trust God and refuse to charge God foolishly?

God Bless You and This Ministry!