Facing Our Greatest Adversaries
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
What do we do when we have to face our greatest adversaries—our most difficult insecurities, the things that expose our weaknesses, the battles that threaten to destroy us inside and out?
When these times come—and they will—our first instinct is often to withdraw, to isolate ourselves from loved ones, to distance ourselves from friends, to retreat into self-pity or self-righteous anger. In those moments of pressure, we feel utterly out of control. It may be a hard situation at work, a painful legal dispute, financial trouble, IRS letters, or just plain injustice at the hands of the world.
How do we endure without being crushed? How do we keep these moments from turning us into “a puddle of mush” filled with depression and anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are not what God designed us for—they are manifestations of a deeper struggle happening inside us spiritually and emotionally. So how do we face these trials without letting them destroy us?
As Christians, there is only one way: through Christ.
Nik Ripken, in The Insanity of God, wrote: “I was always told that the safest place to be was in the center of God’s will. That is an absolute lie. The best place to be is in the center of God’s will, but it is not always safe.” Only one of the twelve disciples lived to old age. The others, along with countless more, were persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith.
Was the center of God’s will “safe” for them? Not by earthly standards. But it was best for them. And now they sit with Jesus in heaven.
So how do we face stress, injustice, and adversity? We do as the apostles did:
We sing with joy in trials. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2–3)
We praise Him in our prisons. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.” (Acts 16:25–26)
We bring our requests to Him daily. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
We must die to ourselves—our pride, our fear, our self-reliance—so that Christ can live in us. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
When adversity strikes, when injustices are thrust upon us, we remember: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
God never promised that life would be easy. In fact, Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So when the weight feels unbearable, when you want to self-destruct or isolate yourself, don’t. Lean on Him. Fill yourself with Scripture. Surround yourself with godly community. Drink deeply from His living water.
It won’t be easy—but you’ll never be alone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
When life feels overwhelming and adversaries surround me,
remind me that You have overcome the world.
Teach me to sing in my prisons,
to rejoice in my trials,
and to lay every anxiety at Your feet.
Crucify my fleshly reactions so that Your Spirit may rise in me.
Strengthen my faith so that, like the apostles,
I can face hardship with joy and hope.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
Takeaway
Hardship will come. Safety isn’t promised. But Christ’s presence is—and His presence is enough.
