Conquering Conflict and Adversity - Part 1 of many

We all have at least one thing in common and that is, we all face conflict and adversity on some level.  Before I give you some tips on resolving conflict and overcoming adversity, allow me to show you how valuable that your conflict can become.  Proverbs 17:3 speaks of the refiner's fire as the tool used to bring forth the pure gold and silver.  That tells me first of all, that we should not always run from conflict, but at times need to embrace it.  Now, we must distuinguish between us not living a life of character and integrity and we are are self imploding, sabotaging our own life, as our source of conflict, vs. being the individual that may be going through the conflict because of someone else's doing or because of situations beyond our control.  There can be several root reasons for conflict, but usually the root is found in "self".  So, with this in mind, make sure you are on the right side of conflict.  Solomon said this, "He who stiffens his neck after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy."  There can come a point in all of our lives, if we are not examining ourselves and open to correction, that we can find ourselves on the wrong side of conflict.  We must remain open for instruction and correction and we must never take on someone else's offense and take up their conflcit.  I believe that in this season God is exposing attitudes and motives - everything is not as it always appears and in this, I believe God is going to use the Just One's and the Righteous to bring about judgement on sin and to conquer some conflict.  In closing, Proverbs states, "They would not accept my counsel, they rejected all my reproof, so they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devises."  As we continue to look at this subject, always remember in conflict to do the right thing, act the right way, never repay evil for evil and always do your best to look at a situation from every angle.  Conflict handled the right way will produce patience, character and power and the will of God will come to pass.  Pastor Brenda Luckey from St Louis, MO reminded me of this simple truth and it is this, "God is the one who balances the scales."  He will right the wrongs as long as we remain on the side of righteousness, peace and justice - which of course is HIS side!