Foundations: Adversity

Adversity. Now there's something that can shake our foundation! Paul knew well what it was like to have doors opened wide to minister and he also knew great adversity. "SUDDENLY there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. AT ONCE ALL the prison doors FLEW OPEN..." Acts 16:26. Believe me, earthquakes are great adversity! Paul gave his blood on more than one occasion for his faith in Jesus. We haven't given much blood in the American church yet, but the Lord knows how to shake what we build on sand. I've looked at a pile of rubble sometimes and realize it's a second chance from God to rebuild on the Sure Foundation. God still works in these mysterious ways, He can and does open suddenly, be ready; He does open more than one door at a time, be equipped to minister, the doors He opens no man can close, enter with the boldness of His might.

Paul's adversity in part, were stripes. He could count the number. I think I would remember each one too. Did you notice in Paul's life, and ours, that open doors and adversity go together? Wide open doors to minister to the jailer, many adversities. Wide open doors, great shaking. Pruned till it looks dead, great fruit, multiplied fruit, the 100 fold kind!

We can't get away from it. In this body we will know suffering and adversity, but remember the fruit and open doors. 1 Cor. 16:9, John 15.

Another day, our hope.