Friday Fight 249: Pathway to Praise
Every Friday morning, during my quiet time with the Lord, He faithfully places something on my heart that speaks to the subtle, internal battles many of us face. This is Friday Fight 249.
Pathway to Praise
Most of us have experienced moments when frustration, fear, or disappointment rise unexpectedly, leaving us unsure how to respond. Sometimes we speak too quickly, withdraw in silence, or react on instinct. We are all a work in progress, and thankfully, the Holy Spirit patiently corrects and guides us into truth.
Our response to adversity can shape not only our circumstances but also our spiritual growth. Growth always requires intention, and endurance emerges when we respond wisely. James reminds us: “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:3
Imagine your walk with God as a sailing ship. The Holy Spirit is at the helm, and your destination is God’s purpose: to love Him, love others, and serve those in need. As you journey forward, the waters may seem calm until an iceberg appears ahead. Only a portion of an iceberg is visible above the surface, and what we see is often not the full picture. If we acknowledge the obstacle and lean on God’s guidance, we can navigate safely. But how we respond in that moment determines the course of our journey.
Four Responses to Adversity (The Iceberg)
1. Criticism (Emotional Reaction) - We lash out or shut down, consumed by anger or disappointment. In doing so, we collide with the obstacle, damaging our spiritual stability and distancing ourselves from God’s peace.
2. Complacency (Avoidance) - We recognize the problem but choose inaction. This passive response quietly weakens our faith and slows our spiritual momentum.
3. Contentment (False Security) - We appear steady, yet carry burdens we were never meant to hold alone. Small leaks of fear, doubt, and frustration deplete our strength over time.
4. Celebration (God-Directed Response) - We acknowledge the iceberg and invite God to lead us around it. Even in difficulty, we choose trust over fear, confident that God sees what we cannot and guides us with wisdom and care.
God’s Word is our thruster, our spiritual engine. When we surrender our response to the Holy Spirit, endurance grows, faith is refined, and trials become opportunities for growth.
This week, take time to reflect on your most recent response to adversity. How might it be affecting your spiritual growth? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify one “iceberg” you are currently facing. Ask Him to guide your response and help you move toward a God-directed celebration. Pray or journal about how God may be using this trial to strengthen your faith and improve your spiritual endurance. Your response to adversity shapes your journey. When God leads, even trials can become pathways to praise.
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In His Grace,
Pastor Shannon
River Church