What Must We Do To Have Victory In The Midst of Adversity?
(Part II)

We Must Re-Establish Our Identity!

Psalms 139:14-16, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them."

I John 3:1-2, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

I. Notice --- The Loss of Your Identity:

A. Adversity can lead to a Deep Feeling of Incompleteness.

1. This vacancy can only be filled with a Deeper and more Meaningful Relationship With God.

2. Adversity can become the very basis for a Renewed Purpose In Life.

B. Death --- There is a sense of loss of identity after the Loss of A Husband / Wife.

1. The loss of a mate thrusts you into the position of a single person once again.

2. All your faculties were geared to a life shared with someone.

3. This sudden change in roles leaves you with a peculiar loss of identity.

C. Must of this loss of identity stems from a Deep Feeling of Incompleteness.

1. A union and oneness of spirit has taken place in varying degrees in each marriage.

2. The adjustment to the Physical Absence of the mate is, perhaps, Not the most difficult.

3. The absence of that Spiritual Part of us that has been united in marriage is more difficult to face.

D. The Various Elements Affecting The Speed And Degree of Your Recovery of Identity Are:

1. Your temperament and your independence,

2. Your activity outside the home,

3. Your health,

4. The closeness, oneness, and happiness of your marriage,

5. Your spiritual gift and how you employ it,

6. The extent of your formal education,

7. The type of family life from which you came,

8. Your degree of spiritual maturity,

9. The dept of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and your trust in His Word,

10. The extent of your involvement in a strong, spiritual church,

11. The number of mature, strong spiritual friends upon whom you can rely,

12. The number, ages, and abilities of your children,

13. Your fear of the future without your mate,

14. Your attitude towards seeking another "mate" or remaining single,

15. The degree of self-worth and the type of self-image you have.

(( Especially For Women ))

16. Whether or not she has held employment and is again able to enter the labor market.

17. Amount of financial security she has received from her husband's insurance or family assistance.

18. Whether her parents are still alive and if they are able to offer any spiritual, moral and financial aid.

E. The Adjustment To The Loss of The Spiritual Union can only be made through the Application of Spiritual Principles.

F. It is through these very circumstances that God is seeking to thrust you into:

1. A search for Deeper Spiritual Truths.

2. A very Unique Relationship With Himself.

3. A keener Awareness of Your True Identity.