PULLING DOWN SATANIC STRONGHOLDS

‘’ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's’’ (2 Corinthians 10:3-7).

The concept of pulling down satanic strongholds is indeed a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare, aimed at breaking the power of demonic influence and oppression in the lives of believers and within the body of Christ. It's essential to recognize that the devil is not a benign figure but a malevolent entity whose ultimate aim is the destruction and ruin of mankind. Even his seemingly benevolent intentions are ultimately ruinous, as his sole purpose is to thwart God's plans and lead humanity astray.

In various aspects of life, we witness the manifestations of Satan's influence: families torn apart by strife and distrust, husbands neglecting their responsibilities to their wives and children, political leaders disregarding the sanctity of human life, and false prophets leading many astray. These are all areas where Satan seeks to exert his influence and sow chaos.

However, as children of God, we have been given authority over Satan and his cohorts through the victory won by Christ on the cross of Calvary. In Jeremiah 1:10, God declares to Jeremiah, "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." This signifies our authority to uproot and destroy every plant that God has not planted in our lives.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to actively engage in pulling down satanic strongholds in our lives, our churches, and our communities. Through prayer, fasting, and standing firmly on the promises of God's Word, we can dismantle the works of the enemy and establish God's kingdom rule in every area of our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we declare victory over every scheme of the enemy and proclaim freedom, healing, and restoration in every sphere of influence.

MANIFESTATIONS OF DEMONIC INFLUENCE

The realities of satanic strongholds are indeed profound and impactful, affecting individuals, communities, and even the contemporary church. These strongholds, akin to fortified fortresses, serve both protective and offensive purposes in spiritual warfare.

Protective strongholds are constructed around those already in Satan's bondage, ensuring they remain under his perpetual domination. Meanwhile, offensive strongholds are deployed to attack and oppose those who have not yet come under his control, aiming to wound or intimidate them into captivity.In examining the lives of many individuals and observing Satan's activities in communities and churches, we encounter various manifestations of these satanic strongholds:

1. A pervasive spirit of suspicion, confusion, and discouragement in local churches, hindering the salvation of sinners, the edification of saints, and the overall progress of the church despite pastoral efforts.

2. Stagnation and lack of progress in life, regardless of efforts made to rectify the situation, as illustrated in the account of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

3. Regular and unexplainable occurrences, such as mysterious deaths of family members, which can instill fear and uncertainty in individuals and communities, as seen in the story of Job in Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7.

4. Unreasonable and overpowering compulsive habits that defy reason and willpower, leading individuals into destructive behaviors, as exemplified in the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:1-20.

These examples underscore the tangible and detrimental effects of satanic strongholds in the lives of individuals and communities. However, as believers empowered by the authority of Christ, we have the ability to identify, confront, and dismantle these strongholds through prayer, fasting, and the proclamation of God's Word. By standing firm in faith and relying on the strength of the Lord, we can overcome every scheme of the enemy and experience freedom, healing, and victory in Christ.

TOOLS FOR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

In the spiritual battle against the devil, we rely not on carnal or physical weapons, but on the spiritual resources and armor provided by God Himself. These include:

1. The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17): Our spiritual armor comprises six essential elements: (i) The belt of truth, (ii) The breastplate of righteousness, (iii) The sandals of the gospel of peace, (iv) The shield of faith, (v) The helmet of salvation, (vi) The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

2. The Name of Jesus (1 Samuel 17:45-51): The authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus enable us to confront and overcome the enemy's schemes.

3. The Blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11): It is through the blood of Jesus that we are redeemed and protected from the accusations of the enemy. The blood has cleansing and purifying power, and it serves as a testimony to our victory over sin and death.

4. Effectual, Fervent Prayer (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; James 5:16-18): Prayer is a potent weapon in spiritual warfare. It aligns us with God's will, activates His power, and releases His authority into the spiritual realm.

5. The Believer's Confession of Faith (Revelation 12:11): Our testimony and confession of faith in Jesus Christ serve as powerful weapons against the enemy. By declaring the truth of God's Word and our victory in Christ, we thwart the enemy's attacks and advance God's kingdom.

These spiritual weapons are not to be underestimated. They are divinely appointed and empowered to dismantle the strongholds of the enemy, demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As we wield these weapons in faith and obedience, we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil and emerge victorious in every spiritual battle.

PATH TO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

‘’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you … put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified’’ (James 4:7; Isaiah 43:26). From the verses of the scripture above however, our spiritual resources are not mere ornaments for display; they are essential tools to be wielded in the ongoing spiritual conflict and warfare in which we are engaged (2 Corinthians 10:3-7). The fight of faith demands that we confront the adversary, the devil, the arch enemy of our souls, with all available resources, skill, and strength.

We are called to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:12-18). By doing so, we resist the devil, and he must flee from us (James 4:7). We have been given authority to bind evil spirits using the powerful name and the precious blood of Jesus (Matthew 16:19; 18:18).

In prayer, we approach the throne of grace with confidence and fervency, declare the word “it is written” with faith and earnestness (Isaiah 43:26). We hold fast to our confession of faith, declaring victory over Satan and his devices, knowing that our words have power to shape reality (Revelation 12:11; Numbers 14:28; Hebrews 10:23).

In this ongoing spiritual warfare, let us not be passive spectators but active participants, wielding our spiritual weapons with boldness and determination. By standing firm in faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit, and maintaining our confession of faith, we can overcome every obstacle and emerge victorious in Christ, and victory is our portion in Jesus name!

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, AND PROPHECY

‘’For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues’’ (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). The word of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy are spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of Corinthians.

1. Prophecy:

Prophecy in the Bible is often associated with the foretelling of future events, but it also includes speaking the words of God under divine inspiration. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:1, where Apostle Paul lists it among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to " Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." Prophecy is meant to edify, exhort, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not only about predicting future events but also about delivering God's message to people. Prophecy is the ability to receive and communicate a message from God. This message can be about future events, but it can also be a word of encouragement, rebuke, or instruction.

Again, the purpose of prophecy is to build up, encourage, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not meant to be used for personal gain or to promote oneself, but to glorify God and edify His people. One of the most well-known prophets in the Bible is Isaiah. God gave Isaiah many prophecies about the coming Messiah, the future of Israel, and the end times. For example, in Isaiah 53, the prophet foretells the suffering and death of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before it happened. This prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus was crucified and rose again. Another example of prophecy in the Bible is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel was given a vision of future kingdoms and events, including the coming of the Messiah and the end times. These prophecies have been partially fulfilled and some are still awaiting fulfillment. These examples show that prophecy is a powerful gift that God uses to reveal His plans and purposes. Like all spiritual gifts, it should be used with humility and love, always pointing others to Christ.

2. Word of Knowledge:

The word of knowledge is another spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It is a supernatural revelation, given by the Holy Spirit, of facts past, present, or future which were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. It is a gift that allows a believer to understand the deep things of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. This gift is often used to affirm faith, reveal the condition of someone's heart, or to help in decision making according to God's will. It is described in 1 Corinthians 12:8, where Apostle Paul lists the spiritual gifts given by God for the edification of the church. The word of knowledge is a supernatural revelation, given by the Holy Spirit, of certain facts in the mind of God.

The word of knowledge is not a natural knowledge or a learned knowledge. It is a special revelation that God gives to certain individuals to reveal His purposes, plans, and mysteries. This gift is often used to bring about healing, deliverance, or prophecy. An example of the word of knowledge in the Bible can be found in the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. In this story, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and lied about the amount of money they received from the sale. They kept back part of the money for themselves but told the apostles that they were giving all of it to the church. Peter, through the word of knowledge given by the Holy Spirit, knew that Ananias and Sapphira were lying. He confronted them about their sin, and they both fell down and died. This story illustrates the power and seriousness of the word of knowledge. It is not a gift to be taken lightly, but one to be used with wisdom and discernment for the glory of God.

3. Word of Wisdom:

The word of wisdom is also listed as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It is often seen as the ability to apply knowledge in a practical and beneficial way, particularly in guiding others towards Godly living. It involves discernment, discretion, and the ability to make good judgments. It is not simply human wisdom, but a wisdom that comes from God and is centered on Him. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10: ‘’For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues’’. It is a supernatural revelation, or insight, into the divine will and purpose, often applying scriptural wisdom to a specific situation. The word of wisdom is not about having natural wisdom or being wise in the world's eyes. Instead, it is a specific message from God that applies His wisdom to a particular situation, often providing direction, understanding, or a solution that could not have been known otherwise.

A biblical illustration of the word of wisdom can be seen in the life of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women came to King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon asked for a sword and proposed to cut the baby in two, giving half to each woman. The real mother immediately offered to give up her claim to save the child's life, revealing herself as the true mother. Solomon's solution was a demonstration of the word of wisdom, as it provided a divine solution to a humanly impossible situation.

Another example is found in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council. The early church was wrestling with whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish customs to be saved. James, guided by the Holy Spirit, used the word of wisdom to show that salvation is by grace through faith, not works, and proposed a solution that was accepted by the council. The word of wisdom is a powerful gift that can bring clarity in confusing situations, resolve conflicts, and provide divine direction. It is given by the Holy Spirit and is meant to be used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

The prophecy, word of knowledge, and wisdom are given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church and for the glory of God. They are not meant for personal gain or to draw attention to oneself, but to serve others and to point them to God. In summary:

A word of knowledge is a divine revelation imparted by the Holy Spirit. A word of prophecy reflects Jesus' profound love and concern for His followers. A word of knowledge provides insight into the present condition of an individual or circumstance. A word of wisdom provides guidance on how to effect positive changes that lead to blessings. While a prophecy may foretell future events, a word of wisdom provides the understanding needed to navigate towards that future.

Guidelines to possess the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom. Jesus said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:12-13). This pertains to the Holy Spirit, whose role is to "lead us into all truth." The Holy Spirit embodies collaboration and serves as a means through which God communicates with the us. The Holy Spirit persuades the world regarding righteousness, affirming that Jesus of Nazareth is the only begotten son of God, the righteous one, and communicates the righteousness of Christ, which is bestowed upon us for justification and salvation. The Spirit will reveal the path to obtain this righteousness and guide individuals on how to be acknowledged as righteous in the sight of God.

In like manner, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the gifts of word of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy. These spiritual gifts are given by God through the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church and to fulfill God's purposes. In all these gifts (wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, and interpretation), the Holy Spirit is the source and the enabler. He reveals the knowledge, gives the wisdom, inspires the prophecy, and other gifts. The believer is simply the vessel through which the Holy Spirit works. These gifts are given not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Possessing the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The holy Bible provides several guidelines for those who desire to possess and operate in the gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge, and wisdom, and commanded to "… covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way"(1 Corinthians 12:31). Here are some steps to possess the gifts of the holy Spirit:

1. Seek God First: Matthew 6:33 says, " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The first step to possessing any spiritual gift is to seek God and His righteousness. This means, the gift of Holy Spirit is not for sinners but for the born-again Christians. This means, you need to confess and repent of every sin. Confess any known sin in your life and repent now. The Holy Spirit cannot fill an unclean vessel. Ask God to cleanse you and make you a suitable dwelling place for His Spirit. Sinners must be genuinely saved from their sins through the attorney blood of Jesus Christ and walk in holiness before the possession of the Spirit-power.

2. Desire Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 14:1 instructs believers to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy." God gives spiritual gifts to those who desire them for the right reasons - to edify the church and glorify God.

3. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:38 says, " Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the one who gives spiritual gifts, so being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential.

4. Ask in Faith: Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Believe that He will do it because He has promised to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? " (Luke 11:13).

5. Use the Gifts in Love: 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes that spiritual gifts should be used in love. Without love, the use of spiritual gifts is meaningless.

6. Submit to Authority: Those who operate in spiritual gifts should do so under the authority and guidance of their local church leadership (Hebrews 13:17). This provides accountability and helps prevent misuse of the gifts.

7. Be Open to Instruction and Correction: Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Those who desire to operate in spiritual gifts should be open to instruction and correction from mature believers and leaders.

8. Practice and Use the Gifts: Like any other gift or skill, spiritual gifts are developed through use. The more you use them, the more you grow in them. 1 Timothy 4:14 says, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy..." Remember, the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. You cannot earn Him through good works or religious rituals. You simply receive Him by faith as you would receive any other gift. Hence, the purpose of these gifts is to edify the church and glorify God, not to draw attention to oneself or gain personal advantage.

OPERATING WITH GOD FROM THE REALM OF POWER

The Kingdom of God is a spiritual realm over which God reigns as king. It is also known as the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of Light. The Kingdom of God is mentioned more than 80 times in the New Testament, and the teachings of Jesus Christ center on it. It is the everlasting realm of power and authority where God is sovereign and Jesus Christ rules forever. Walking in the supernatural realm of God’s power soaks believers in the promises of Christ. In such a realm, believers are able to partner with the Holy Spirit to perform miracles. Have you ever asked yourself why Jesus Christ told his Apostles that they were not ready even after spending three full years studying under Him? Asking this question opens your eyes to the realities of God’s Kingdom. This was obviously because they had not yet received the supernatural power of God in their lives. They needed God’s power which comes with the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be complete and ready for the task that awaited them.

Gospel Realm: Steps to salvation

1. Admit that you are a sinner. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23).

2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9).

3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)

4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."(Romans 10:9-10). And Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

Jesus asked His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations in Luke 24:47, but to first wait to be endued with the promised Pentecostal power (Acts 1:8). It was after this experience that the disciples began to see real results in their ministries.

This power is essential for preaching the gospel of Christ globally with deep conviction, unquestionable wisdom, boldness and conversion of sinners. Ours is to preach, the Holy Spirit does the conviction and conversion. To receive this Power, you must be saved and purified; then pray in faith (Luke 11:9-13). Stephen, the martyr who preached with great boldness and Evangelist Philip who took the gospel to Samaria with wonderful results, all had the Holy Ghost power.

Purity in the realm before power:

It is popular saying that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is why power can be a dangerous thing if it is in wrong hands. God is Omnipotent, that is, “All powerful” and you cannot separate His power from purity. Isaiah 6:1-3. Purity is freedom from anything that contaminates. It is the quality of being faultless, uncompromised, or unadulterated. Purity is often used in Scripture to communicate holiness or perfection (1Peter 1:15-16; Matt. 5:8, 48). Like in electricity, power can only flow through a pure conductor. It is therefore reasonable that purity must precede power.

God wishes His children to be above always and be powerful (Deut. 28:13). This is why God is very strict about the purity of His children in total obedience to His will (Deut. 28:1). This is because the more powerful a Christian is, the more severe will be the attacks from forces of darkness on him or her (Dan. 6:3-5). It will, therefore, require the purity, as of light, to constantly frustrate the enemy (John 1:5). In any case, power of the divine type is the holy thing and holy things are the not for dogs (Matthew 7:6; Acts 19:13-17). Purity must precede power because God will only anoint (for divine Exploit) those the love righteousness and hate iniquity (Psalm 45:7; Acts 10:38; Mark 16:15-18). Demons will only submit to the authority of Christ through a believer that is pure (Acts 19:13-17). Hence, to be a vessel unto honour, a Christian must purify himself (2Tim. 2:20-21).

The goal of every Christian should be making it to heaven at last. It will be unfortunate to have used divine power to heal, deliver and bless other and still fail to make it to heaven. Hence, purity is crucial at all costs (1Corinthians 9:24-27). The Lord Jesus Christ warned of the possibility of a miracle workers being excluding from Heaven because of lack of holiness (Matthew 7:22-23). The bible did not say, “Without power no man shall see God” but “Without holiness no man shall see God” (Hebrews 12:14). Purity should define our thought-life, words and actions. Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

Walking with God in the realm of power:

It is not possible for us to work successfully for God on earth without walking in holiness of life because He that calls us is holy and commanded us to be holy as well. Walking with God in the realm of power means to live a life that is guided by the power of God. Moreover, our working for Him on earth involves seeking His face continually, obedience to His word, relying on His strength, drench in God's power and presence, and wisdom in every aspect of life, rather than relying solely on one's own abilities. This includes seeking God's guidance in decision-making, trusting in His provision, and relying on His strength in times of difficulty. Meanwhile, walking with God in the realm of power can also involve operating in spiritual gifts, such as healing, faith, prophecy, or discernment, which are believed to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It can also involve engaging in spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), using the authority given by God to confront and overcome spiritual forces of evil.

Overall, walking with God in the realm of power is about living a holy life that is fully surrendered to God, relying on His power and authority, and being used by Him to accomplish His purposes like Enoch, Joseph, Jeremiah, and Elijah etc.

In the book of Genesis 5:22-24, “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him”. This story of Enoch is one of the most interesting ones in the Bible. A man whose whole thoughts, words and actions in the day and night, outside and inside, pleased God. He was so close to God that God longed for his company from time to time. God then took him to heaven. His actions on earth qualified him to escape the power of death. Yet, the people who lived in his time were very bad and wicked in their thoughts and actions. There are many people who put the blame of their wicked actions on other people.

Some children put the fault of their ungodly lifestyle on their parents, and some people blame the society they are living in. But Enoch made a personal choice. So, it should be with you. We don’t go to heaven holding hands together. You must, by God’s grace and faith in Christ, ensure that your walk – your daily total activities in this evil world, pleases God always. You must choose to be a devoted reader and doer of the Word, a fervent prayer warrior, a lover of righteousness. You must be a cheerful giver, always telling others about the love of Jesus. You must have a heart that is thirsty for heaven. You too can walk with God in School, at home and everywhere. You will then experience heaven on earth and be qualified for the rapture. Prayer: I want to love You with all my heart wherever I go; therefore, help me, Lord.

TURNNING TO GOD IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY

The subject title "Looking to God When Faced with Adversity" is a biblical principle that encourages believers to look up and seek God's guidance, strength, and comfort during times of hardship, trials, and tribulations. This principle is found throughout the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is the author of confusion, the originator of all troubles that befall humanity. Adversity in the real term is described in the Bible as a time of hardship, suffering, or difficulty.

It is often portrayed as a test of faith, character, and endurance. Here are a few examples:

1. The case of Job’s Trials: The Book of Job is perhaps the most well-known biblical account of adversity. Job was a righteous man who lost his wealth, his children, and his health in quick succession. Despite his intense suffering, Job refused to curse God, instead choosing to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty (Job 1-2).

2. The persecution and suffering of Joseph: In the Book of Genesis, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of a crime, and imprisoned. Despite these adversities, Joseph remained faithful to God. Eventually, he rose to a position of power in Egypt and was able to save his family from famine (Genesis 37-50).

3. The childlessness situation of Hannah: Hannah is one of the most significant figures in the Bible who struggled with childlessness. Her story is found in the first book of Samuel, chapters 1 and 2. Hannah was one of the two wives of a man named Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, had children, but Hannah had none. Hannah's childlessness caused her great distress. In the culture of the time, barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor. Peninnah, the other wife, would provoke and irritate Hannah because of her barrenness, which would make Hannah weep and not eat.

Paul's Trials of faith in life and ministry: The Apostle Paul faced numerous adversities in his ministry, including imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and opposition from both Jews and Gentiles. Yet, he considered these sufferings as nothing compared to the glory of knowing Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-29, Philippians 3:7-11).

5. The suffering of Jesus without any sin: The ultimate example of adversity in the Bible is the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. He was betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified. Yet, through His suffering and death, Jesus accomplished the salvation of all who believe in Him (Isaiah 53, Matthew 27, John 19).

Certainty of trials and troubles in this world

The Bible says in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. The verse suggests that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. It is a certainty that everyone will face difficulties at some point in their lives. There are many lessons to learn in this verse as it provides hope that we can find peace in God and that He has already overcome the world. The Bible is clear that in this world, we will face trials and troubles. This is not a possibility, but a certainty. However, the verse assures us that while trouble is certain, so is Christ's victory over it. Brownlow North, a 19th-century preacher, said, “Every Christian may settle it as a truth in his own mind, that his whole life will be a life of conflict.” This quote emphasizes that Christians should expect to face trials and tribulations throughout their lives. Again, trials and troubles are a certainty in this world, but we can find peace and hope in God with assurance that God is with us in these trials and will provide a way through them.

In the book of James 1:2-4, it stated, " My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". This passage tells us that trials are not only certain, but they are also beneficial, as they produce perseverance and maturity in us.

Another encouragement word from (1 Peter 4:12-13), " Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." Here, Apostle Peter is telling us not to be surprised when trials come, implying their certainty, but to rejoice because they allow us to share in Christ's sufferings and glory.

Apostle the Paul added this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." Paul's words here reflect the certainty of trials and troubles in this world, but also the certainty of God's presence and help amid them. Through the spirit of God upon him Paul concluded that, "who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:35-37)." This passage acknowledges the certainty of various trials, but also the certainty of our victory in Christ. Therefore, nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This includes life, death, fears, worries, angels, demons, things present, things to come, powers of hell, height, depth, or any other creature.

Our attitude during the adversity

The Bible provides numerous examples of how we should maintain a positive and faithful attitude during adversity. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, a beacon of light guiding us on how to remain steadfast, positive, and faithful even in the face of adversity. Let's delve into some of the key scriptures and biblical narratives that inspire us. In other word, this is telling us to align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). This suggests that those who look up to God in their adversity, expressing their grief and seeking His comfort, will be blessed. Looking up to God When faced with adversity" is a call to trust in God's sovereignty, goodness, and love, even during suffering. It encourages believers to rely on God, seek His presence, and find hope and strength in their faith.

Here are some key scriptures and biblical examples when faced with adversities: The book of James declared; " My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4)." This scripture encourages us to have a joyful attitude during adversity because it strengthens our faith and character.

The story of Job is a prime example of maintaining faith during adversity. Despite losing his wealth, health, and children, Job did not curse God but remained faithful. Job 1:21 says, " And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." What happened to Hannah in the Bible is a great lesson to all Christians that are trusting God for the fruit of the womb. Every year, Hannah would go to the house of the Lord at Shiloh to pray for a child. In her deep anguish, Hannah did not give up but prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. She made a vow, saying, “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head 1 Samuel 1:11).” God remembered Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "God has heard". As she had vowed, once Samuel was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh and dedicated him to God's service, where he grew up to become one of the most important prophets in Israel's history.

Paul and Silas did not lose focus on God even though they both faced difficulty in the ministry. Instead, they used the opportunity to worship and pray to God inside the prison. " And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25)." Despite being beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas maintained a positive attitude, praying and singing hymns to God. This is a clear indication that ‘’the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:10)." This scripture encourages us to have a hopeful attitude, knowing that God will restore and strengthen us after our trials.

Another Bible character is Joseph that suffered adversity is Joseph. Through the Spirit of God upon Him, he focused on God to receive the promises of God upon him. He gladly forgave his brethren and said. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive (Genesis 50:20)". Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph maintained a positive attitude and saw God's purpose in his adversity.

In epistle of Paul to the Corinthian church, he described his ordeal in the ministry that God gave him. As a minister, we may ask ourselves as an individual sometime, why I mine faced with these challenges despite God called us into the ministry? Apostle Paul has this to encourage the church in Corinth and stated, " We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)." Paul's words here reflect the attitude of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Apostle Paul faced numerous adversities, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. Yet, he also wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." Paul looked up to God in his adversity, finding strength in his faith.

In all these examples, adversity is not seen as a punishment or a sign of God's disfavor. Instead, it is often used by God to refine and strengthen the faith of His people. The Bible encourages believers to persevere in times of adversity, trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5).

In the Old Testament, the story of Job is a prime example. Job was a man who faced immense adversity, including the loss of his wealth, his health, and his children. Despite his suffering, Job never cursed God but instead continued to praise Him (Job 1:21). He looked up to God in his adversity, showing his unwavering faith.

It's time to seek the Lord with our whole heart, repent of any sin committed, confront the challenging circumstances through prayer, and they will be turned around in the mighty name of Jesus Christ out Lord.