Why Find Gratitude in Adversity?

 Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Gratitude in Adversity

Last week was World Thanksgiving Day, but I am still feeling grateful to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Maybe it's because I had filled my year with so much nagging, complaining, and questioning of God's goodness amid adversity.

A Year of Unexpected Challenges 

Some had recently asked me to describe my year in one word, I said "extraordinary" because the events were unexpectedly extraordinary. 

My family began the year with unexpected debt, which cost us our only valuable property. This threw us into unexpected crises and constant conflicts, testing our resilience and faith. The days were filled with tears and pains, and the enemy sought to steal our joy, but God's goodness prevailed.

Finding Strength in God's Goodness

I am praising God today, not because my year was perfect, but because the Lord held me throughout the trials and tribulations. I am praising God because His mercies said no to the enemy, and His goodness gave me the strength to persevere in adversity.

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psalm 124 MSG says: "If God hadn't been for us... we would have been swallowed alive by their violent anger... swept away by the flood of rage... We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird." It depicts the overwhelming seasons I experienced during the year, and how God's goodness helped me navigate them.

Reflections on God's Faithfulness

When David spoke of "the flood," my mind went to the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea, surrounded by enemies. And here was God, doing what He does best - showing up and turning things around amid adversity.

As the psalmist said, "If the Lord had not been on my side, the enemy would have stolen my health." What about you? What are you most grateful for in 2024? Any miracle is a miracle, no matter how small, and it's a testament to God's goodness and faithfulness.

The year seemed tough, but what if the Lord wasn't on our side? What if the Lord wasn't in the picture? Do you think the enemy would have allowed the "little joy that transcends your soul"? The enemy tried to steal your joy, but the Lord said No!

I feel so much alive, like a bird, as I reflect on God's goodness and the many times He came through amid adversity. 

Indeed, what if the Lord had shut His eyes as we thought? 

What are you most grateful for? 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

What is that Good short prayer that works?

Growing up, I had a very narrow view of prayer. I used to think it had to be serious—no smiles, no distractions. "If you don't kneel, God won't listen," I thought. Over time, my understanding of prayer evolved. It became a lifestyle for me, and I started to love the idea of talking to God about everything on my mind. But I know I'm not alone in feeling that prayer can sometimes be difficult or even intimidating. I once had a friend tell me that she didn’t know how to pour out everything to the Lord, and that’s a struggle many face. The truth is, prayer isn't as complicated as it seems. It’s simply about being open and honest with God, speaking to Him from the heart.

What Is Prayer?

At its core, prayer is a two-way conversation between God and us, based on His Word. In prayer, we bring our petitions, worries, and desires to God, trusting that He can answer. God knows we may feel anxious after we pray, but He encourages us not to worry. In Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), He reminds us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

There are a few steps to praying I would like us to consider and also apply in our daily lives, especially when we've prayed and are in the waiting season.

Easy Practical Steps to Prayer:

There are a few key steps that can help guide our prayer life, especially when we find ourselves in the waiting season:

1. Adoration and Praise: Begin by adoring God and blessing His holy name. Just like when you approach a king, eulogizing Him makes Him eager to hear your request. Praising God stirs God's heart up.

2. Confession and Thanksgiving: Confession is important as we acknowledge our mistakes and seek God’s forgiveness. Thanksgiving is essential, too—giving thanks for all God has done, is doing, and will do, even before the answers come.

3. Supplication (Making Requests): This is where we present our needs and desires to God. But remember, prayer goes beyond asking for what we want. It’s about seeking His will and trusting His timing.

Prayer goes beyond this, different types of prayer are essential

Intercessory Prayer: This is when you pray on behalf of others, interceding for people, nations, or situations. You don’t have to know them personally to pray for them. Intercession builds unity and encourages God’s intervention it consistently causes God to Intervene in the affairs of the parties involved. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Galatians 6:2)

Silent prayer and Groaning: Silent prayer happens in the heart. Sometimes, words fail us, and all we can do is pray silently, trusting that God hears us. Groaning is when we pray beyond words, and the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. 1 Samuel 1:12-13 and Genesis 24:45 show us how God understands our deepest cries.

Thanksgiving Prayer: Should we give thanks when we have not gotten the answers we desire? Even before we receive what we ask for, it’s important to give thanks. Thanksgiving is not just an expression of gratitude, but also a way to invite more blessings. King David exemplified this kind of prayer, praising God even before the answer came. After Presenting our prayers to God in faith we must wait in thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an application for more, Thanksgiving sets us in line for the miraculous, it is appreciating God for what He has done, What He will do, and What He is doing.

Praying with Specificity

When we pray, it’s important to be specific. Don’t just offer vague prayers—be direct about what you want and need from God. And always back your prayers with God’s Word. Reading and knowing the Bible allows you to pray with authority, quoting verses that align with God’s promises. Praying in line with His Word accelerates results and strengthens our faith. Even Jesus prayed persistently, asking God for the same thing more than once. So, don’t give up—keep pressing in prayer until you see the answers. Prayer has transformative power—it lightens your heart, relieves worries, and brings you closer to God.

Trusting God’s Timing

Sometimes, it can feel like God isn’t listening, or that your prayers are going unanswered. But remember, there’s no time wasted in the Lord. His timing is perfect, and He makes everything beautiful in its season. God hears even the smallest requests. I remember during my service year, I asked God for a free ride one morning, and within minutes, I got exactly that. God hears us. No matter how small or big your request may seem, don’t give up. Keep pressing on in faith, and trust that God will answer.

Making prayer a lifestyle is one of the best things you can do. It changes everything, strengthens your relationship with God, and transforms your life. So, I encourage you to make prayer a priority. It’s not just about asking—it’s about connecting with God, growing in faith, and experiencing His love.

I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to partner with Him and give your life a fresh perspective. Amen, and God bless you!

Why Find Resilience in Adversity?

Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Resilience in Adversity. 

I had an encounter with a cockroach some nights back, and I struck it thinking it was dead. When I woke up the next morning, It still struggled for breath. 

This sparked a conversation between me and my sister about the tenacity and strength of cockroaches to survive against all odds.

Cockroaches are notoriously resilient and can thrive in various environments. There's something we can learn from them if we pay closer attention. They move with the survive against all odds mentality and this inbuilt and innate characteristic is their key survival factor. 

As I reflected on every month of the year, I thought about my wins and losses. My losses stood out more to me. Before April, I had applied to over thirty industries in search of a job. I was either rejected or never received a response.

These rejections affected my self-esteem, making me question my abilities. I struggled to accept if I was good enough for anything.

God's word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 came as a reminder to me that:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (ESV)

This passage is a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even amid uncertainty. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can find the strength to persevere and overcome adversity.

The Message version says, "We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do..." But God knows what to do.

As I pondered on this, I realized that I might not know what I want to do with my life, but God knows what to do, and that's why He will always remain the all-knowing.

In a world surrounded by people fixing their identity from the kind of job they do or to their ability to earn a certain sum of figures of money, one with less will tend to shy away. 

But God wants to be the one who gives meaning to our lives. Not based on our crises or rejection but because of the love he has for us. 

As we go through today, be reminded that we are pressed but not crushed. We may face challenges, but with God's strength and our resilience, we can overcome them. We press on, trusting in God to take care of us. 

I KEVWE AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. I... (YOUR NAME) AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

The Kindness Paradox: Why kindness matters.

The Power of Kindness: A Reflection on God's Love and Our Actions

Not long ago, during a conversation with some colleagues, one person mentioned that she could only do something for someone if that person had done the same for her before. It got me thinking: has friendship become conditional? It seems that true kindness in relationships is becoming increasingly rare.

In today’s world, many people tie their kindness to expectations, hoping for something in return. Others may seem indifferent, focused only on themselves. This raises an intriguing question: what if God had applied the same logic? What if He had chosen not to send His only Son to die for us, expecting something in return? How different would life have been?

The kindness God showed by sending His Son to die for us is unparalleled. It is a love that cannot replaced. Kindness, at its core, is genuine care, consideration, and love for those around us. It is love in action. I often wonder where people have learned the type of kindness they claim to offer in friendships, relationships, and with family.

There’s a saying that "kindness is free," but true kindness—given without any expectation of reward—is both rare and precious. Kindness manifests through actions of care, patience, attention, and help, all aimed at ensuring others' comfort. Wherever kindness exists, love follows.

The birth of Christ is the greatest form of kindness, a lovestruck moment that changed the course of history. It is the reason we celebrate His birth and the reason we strive to emulate His example. Just as "Acts of Service" is considered one of the love languages, kindness is often displayed through our actions and reactions. It is a choice we make daily, and it’s not just about tolerance—it’s about embodying moral excellence.

For many, kindness doesn’t come easily. Past hurts and negative experiences can make it difficult to show compassion. However, God’s word reminds us in Luke 6:35 (NKJV), "But love your enemies..." As children of God, we must consciously choose to be kind and to radiate God's love in all we do. Our true identity can only be found in the Lord and in His Word.

I am reminded of a moment from my teenage years. One evening, I was walking home from a wedding when a young boy, around 5 or 6 years old, approached me. Although I couldn’t understand him, I assumed he was asking for money. As I tried to walk past him, he began following me. It wasn’t until I stopped that I realized he was ringing a bell. He handed me the bell that had fallen off my shoe, showing kindness when I least expected it.

I was struck by the boy’s act of kindness. Despite my initial indifference, he responded with love, not because of what he could gain, but because of the genuine care in his heart.

Another instance that comes to mind is a neighbor who, upon my arrival at a new home, consistently checked in on me. She never asked for anything in return; she simply showed kindness.

There are, of course, situations where people’s kindness has been taken for granted, and that can be disheartening. But this should never be a reason to stop being kind. True kindness is about giving to others, even when we know they cannot repay us. It’s about reflecting the love of Jesus, especially when we’ve been hurt.

When we choose kindness, we not only honor God but also create an environment that draws others to Him. Our actions build trust, strengthen relationships, and serve as a testimony to His love.

As Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." Let us make a conscious effort to choose kindness, to show love and compassion to those around us, and to reflect God’s love in all that we do.