Adversity and Diamonds:  Secrets to Overcoming

Surge Conference 2024

 Understanding Overcoming:

•   Define the issues you need to overcome:  anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, injury, and more.

•   Acknowledge that everyone faces pressing troubles in a sin-affected world.

•   Understand common sources of anxiety: unmet expectations, heavy responsibilities, relationships, and unrealistic goals.

•   High prevalence of anxiety among college students and teenagers.

•   Biblical example of anxiety: David’s grief in 1 Samuel 30.

Inherited Trauma:

•   Trauma can be inherited as generational trauma.

•   Historical example: Deliberate starvation of the Netherlands in war and its long-term effects on Dutch descendants.

Spiritual Perspective:

•   Diamonds are formed deep within the earth, through intense heat and pressure.

•   Adversity is a stepping stone to greatness and brilliance, similar to the formation of diamonds.

•   Your life story may be filled with heat and pressure.  Yet, the Messiah Yeshua redeems your story and gives you a new ending.

•   Overcoming depends on the power of Yeshua, not on personal abilities.

•   Isaiah 4:6 promises divine protection and shelter through adversity.

Biblical Examples of Adversity from Personal Attack:

•   Hannah suffers “Mean Girl” abuse in 1 Samuel 1:6-7, but turns to God.

•   Rhoda suffers ridicule in Acts 12:15, but chooses to proclaim God’s goodness.

Tips to Help You Overcome Senseless Attacks:

•   Refuse to engage with harmful words, Proverbs 18:21.

•   Allow Yeshua to motivate your kindness in return, Romans 12:20.

•   Find your tribe (supportive people), Galatians 6:2.

•   Never take attacks personally, 1 Samuel 2:9.

Physical Impact of Trauma:

•   Trauma affects you emotionally, psychologically, and physically.

•   Anxiety and trauma can lead to physical health issues.

•   Migraines, fear, tiredness, digestive problems, combativeness, depression, and substance abuse can stem from trauma.

Neuroscience of Trauma:

•   A natural disaster, injury, war, or an accident can lead to trauma and form neural pathways in the brain.

•   Neural pathways exist through the creative power of God.

•   Neural pathways create chemical reactions which cause automatic responses in the body.

•   Neuroscience studies brain-to-body communication.

•   Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change, form new pathways, and heal.

Transforming Trauma:

•   Trauma isn’t entirely gone until it’s transformed.

•   Partner with the Creator for your healing.

•   Seek true shalom (wholeness), not just stress management.

•   Hebrew word Yakol means to overcome, endure, and prevail.

•   First occurrences in Genesis 13:16 and Genesis 15:5 illustrate God’s promise that Abram’s descendants will overcome. 

•   Believers overcome as Abraham’s seed in Galatians 3:29, and as followers of Yeshua in John 16:33.

Four Tools for Overcoming Adversity:

•   Scripture, Psalm 19:8 and Isaiah 55:11.

•   Prayer, Genesis 21:17-19, and Hidden Treasures of Kingdom Prayer by Valerie Moody.

•   Community, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Peter 2:5, and Psalm 84:7.

•   Laughter, Proverbs 17:22.

Conclusion:

•   Adversity molds you into resilient, brilliant diamonds for the Kingdom of God.

•   Embrace His strength and biblical insight to overcome the affects of adversity.

Resource: Hidden Treasures of Kingdom Prayer