Come Holy Spirit…
Where do you find help and support when you most need it? True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers his disciples the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also translated Paraclete or Helper).

Jesus warned his disciples that they could expect persecution just as Jesus was opposed and treated with hostility. We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Spirit gives us courage and perseverance when we meet adversities and challenges. Do you pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in faith, hope and love and to give you courage and perseverance with hope when you meet adversities and challenges? If not, here’s a short prayer for you;

“O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; …In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109)
~ rc.net

Even when you do not feel like it because of life’s many problems, go ahead and smile anyway because things will turn around for you. After all if people can tell funny stories at funerals and cry at weddings why not just smile all the time with anticipation that today may be the day that God decides to turn things around for you? Smiles are reciprocal in their attraction as well as being motivational and alluring. Smiles also make you look better and younger. Approach each day with eager anticipation of what God will do each day to turn things around for you. Wear genuine smiles on your face and after awhile you will begin to realize that you begin to feel good simply because you are smiling! 🙂

Decide to use your faith to defeat adversity and turn the tables on your problems and smile instead of frowning. Enjoy the magic that will seem to begin to happen for you as you walk in the joy of each day with God with eager anticipation of Him turning your mourning to joy, your empty pockets to full pockets and any sickness to health! Every day can be magical when you smile and expect God’s best to show up in your life! Where you are is not all there is. Where you are is not the end. What has happened is not and ending, it is simply a new beginning. Get ready, God is getting ready to turn things around!

T. Coimin & The WIN International Ministries Team

Pastor Pat shares on the stages of spiritual growth and maturity that come as a result of focusing on God through our adversity.