Overcoming Adversity Encouragement Set

Overview

When challenges come, an overwhelming number of questions come with it:

1. Why did God let this happen?
2. Is God still there?
3. How will I get through this?
4. How can I stay Christ-focused in spite of this?

The scriptures have guidance for responding to challenges, insights into God’s heart, and promises that will help us persevere. Whether you’re in the middle of a challenge or you’re supporting someone who is, use these books to guide your studies on overcoming adversity.

Finish Line Faith

If the Christian life is a race, have you ever felt like quitting?

Timothy did.

This young minister was in trouble under fire and overwhelmed.

Paul, while being imprisoned and facing his own execution for the cause of Christ issues Timothy essentially one charge: DON’T QUIT! Be faithful. Persevere. Endure, Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep running. Stay on the track! Finish strong!

In his last known letter, Paul is forging in Timothy a finish-line faith.

We can use this letter to Timothy to shape that kind of resilient faith in our own lives. God doesn’t remove hardship from our lives, but in 2 Timothy, He provides the wisdom needed to overcome hardship. These words gave new strength to Timothy’s faltering faith, and they will shoot adrenaline through your weary soul.

In this readable study, Matt Proctor weaves Biblical teaching with practical principles. As we eavesdrop on Paul’s advice to his beloved son in faith, we too will develop finish-line faith. Like a track coach encouraging his athletes, Proctor urges his readers to remember the importance of our mission, and to rely on God’s strengthening grace to finish strong.

Buy this book individually.

About the Author

Matt Proctor has served as youth minister, preaching minister, Bible college professor and now is president of Ozark Christian College. His writing includes two books, Finish-Line Faith and Victorious, and he serves as contributing editor for Christian Standard magazine as well as president of the 2013 North American Christian Convention. He enjoys reading, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, and traveling widely to preach about Jesus.

Matt is especially grateful to God for his wife Katie and their six children -- Luke, Lydia, Clara, Carl, Conrad and Caroline.

Handbook for the Hurting

A Resource for Helpers and the Hurting

• What should we say and not say to help the hurting?
• How can I cope with chronic illness?
• How can I rejoice in my trials?
• How can music contribute to healing?
• How do sufferers respond to God and to doubt?
• What benefits can we find in pain and suffering?

Reading Handbook for the Hurting will give you practical help as you seek to answer these questions.

Buy this book individually.

About the Author

Lynn Gardner taught in Bible Colleges for 40 years, teaching primarily in the New Testament and Apologetics areas. He served as the Academic Dean of Ozark Christian College from 1981 through 1998. Dr. Gardner earned a BTh from Ozark Christian College, a BA from California State College, an MA from Wheaton Graduate School and earned his EdD from the University of Arkansas.

What the Bible Says About Suffering: Where is God When We Suffer?

This book provides a valuable overview of the biblical teaching on suffering, but it does much more. It is filled with practical counsel, drawn both from the teaching of Scripture and a lifetime of ministry.

Where is God When We Suffer? addresses the topic from various perspectives. It begins with Lynn Gardner's own personal story of loss and suffering. Dr. Gardner then guides us through a study of both Old and New Testament examples of people who suffered. Why did they? How did they deal with it? What can we learn from their experiences? The book also includes a philosophical discussion of evil and suffering for those who want an analysis of this difficult topic from a biblical perspective. How can an all-powerful, all-loving God permit such pain and tragedy in the world He created?

This book also lists scriptural principles that offer help and hope for those going through hard times and for the family and friends trying to help them.

Always the author points us back to what the Bible itself says about suffering. And in the end, that's the best place anyone can go. (Taken from the Foreword by Sam Stone.)

Buy this book individually.

About the Author

Lynn Gardner taught in Bible Colleges for 40 years, teaching primarily in the New Testament and Apologetics areas. He served as the Academic Dean of Ozark Christian College from 1981 through 1998. Dr. Gardner earned a BTh from Ozark Christian College, a BA from California State College, an MA from Wheaton Graduate School and earned his EdD from the University of Arkansas.