Responding in tough situations

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
- Acts 5:17-18

What a tough situation!

The apostles were staying on track with the mission Jesus gave them: “Be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” But that mission faced opposition and the apostles found themselves dropped into unfortunate and uncomfortable situations.

We who follow Jesus seem to find ourselves in unfortunate and uncomfortable situations. The pressure from these contexts does something to our character.

For some, these situations cause seeds of bitterness to sprout. They resent God for not sheltering them. They turn inward, closing themselves out to other people and to God.

Other folks who face the same situations find themselves filled with boldness, patience and love. They’re surprised by how well they’re holding up. They’re able to show compassion even to the toughest people.

What makes the difference? Why do the same circumstances harden some and polish others?

A great deal of the difference has to do with our heart-posture. Those who blossom and grow in the face of adversity are the ones who open their hearts to the Lord in the midst of their trials. They pray for boldness (as the apostles did) and find themselves filled with boldness when the situation arises where boldness will be needed. They turn toward – and not away – from God in the midst of their troubles. And that makes a tremendous difference.

How do you respond in tough situations? How can you keep your heart open to the Lord in the midst of difficulty?

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