What The Year of Our Lord Looks Like, So Far
What The Year of Our Lord Looks Like, So Far
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Rev. Niyi Adams
In 2026, many believers are facing great challenges, some new, some the same old challenges that only seem to be getting worse.
1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
At a time when we expect to be encouraged, the Lord sometimes chooses to challenge us. This is one of such times.
Jeremiah 12:1-5 ESV Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? [2] You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. [3] But you, O LORD, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. [4] How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, "He will not see our latter end." [5] "If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?
By the leading of the Lord, today I bring you not a soothing balm to comfort you, but the belt of truth to strengthen you.
1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Many believers fail in times of adversity because they rejected the bitterness of the truth, but preferred warmth and comfort anywhere they can get it.
Matthew 7:24-29 ESV "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26] And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. [27] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." [28] And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, [29] for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Build your life on the truth. It is costly upfront, but the rewards will last for eternity. If you build your life on lies, it is cheaper upfront but later, it will cost you everything you build.
1 Timothy 4:6 ESV If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
Acts 20:20 NIV You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
Acts 20:20 NLT I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.
Acts 20:26-27 ESV Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, [27] for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
Being a faithful minister is not a popularity contest. A minister must tell the flock the truth, in season and out of season; when it is palatable and when it is distasteful; when they like it so much that they want to crown him king, and when they so hate his words, they cry for his crucifixion.
Jesus did not mind growing from 5000 to 12.
His congregation grew, not in numerical strength, but in depth of truth. While it shrunk in width, the church grew in depth, so deeply rooted nothing could shake it, not even the gates of hell could prevail.
Like Jesus, I’d rather pastor 12 fishers of men, than 5000 eaters of fish.
