Adversities make us stronger

Steve Lyston, Contributor

For those who are suffering from the effects of the recent Hurricane Sandy - particularly the poor and the farming community - don't worry. Despite what you see, do not be discouraged. Adversity often makes us wiser and stronger than before.

Some may be wondering why this has happened, and how will they continue to school their children. Psalm 46:1-3 tells us that there will always be natural disasters at different times, but God reminds us that even during the times of hardship He is present with us.

He lets us know in Psalm 46:3, "Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling". He is present with us.

One of the greatest things we can have is life. Once we have life, God will give us the capacity to bounce back and rise again. Regardless of how indebted you are, He is able to give you double (blessing) for your trouble.

Only God can make the crooked places straight, the rough places plain, heal the hurting and weeping, and give joy and peace even in troubling times. He gives peace in the time of storm.

When the wind blows, many things happen. There is uprooting, exposure, shifting and changing of courses. Thereafter, we have to clean up the debris, and sometimes in the midst of that you will find things you never saw before that can be a blessing to you. You may even see new springs.

When the wind blows, the sea is purged and things that were hidden before are then brought into full view.

When the wind blows the hearts of people change and they become more concerned about their neighbours and lend a helping hand.

new opportunities

When the wind blows, there are new opportunities and new direction that await.

When the trees are uprooted, they make room for new trees to be planted and to spring forth.

When the wind blows, not only are hidden treasures revealed, but things that were planted that should not have been planted are removed so that you can prosper.

When we worry about tomorrow, we are trying to do God's job. He is in control of tomorrow and He knows what He wants to do for us tomorrow (Matthew 6). He is in control so we shouldn't worry or be anxious.

Faith in God changes the situation we are going through. God can turn difficult and impossible situations into some of our greatest moments of blessings.

Tomorrow is God's today. Lack and adversity can change in 24 hours - in the same way that hopelessness within a nation can change in an instant.

God can change ordinary to extraordinary, lack to plenty, broke to wealthy and indebted to debt-free in an instant.

Nothing is ever as bad as it first appears. Worry only increases your medical bills. Your endurance is the key to your success (Isaiah 40:31). When you increase your faith in God, He will increase in your situation. Always remain positive. Speak life to your situation. Create your future with your word. You never know - oftentimes adversity will allow us to relocate, which opens the door for new provision and new possibilities.

During our struggles you can develop new relationships and new friends.

The kind of adversity that has recently taken place is an opportunity for the farmers and members of the private and public sectors to get back to basics.

Business owners can reduce the prices of their stock - particularly the old stock.

Distribution companies and supermarkets can donate stock that is close to expiry.

All-inclusive hotels can prepare meals with the leftover food to give to the poor within the guidelines that govern them.

Furniture stores can donate bedding to those in dire need.

Linen stores and manufacturers can donate bed linen to those in dire need.

Media houses can create greater awareness of the needs of the poor by developing an initiative for people to give to the poor and to the places of shelter. They can offer scholarships to the children of farmers who have lost a lot in the recent disasters.

Start tithing and give to the poor.

Once you obey, you are going to see increase in sales, profits. They may even discover oil, gold and natural cures for illnesses - lupus, diabetes, cancer or HIV. This would take us out of the paths of international lenders.

Comfort my people, the best is still ahead.

Steve Lyston is a Biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.