Crying Out in the Middle of Adversity

Adversity isn’t something any of us would sign up for. If we could, we’d gladly give our share to someone else or leave it on the side of the road. But the reality is, “you haven’t lived long until you’ve encountered some of it.” Life is filled with challenges, and sometimes, it feels like you’re that boxer in the ring—getting hit from every side, barely making it to the next round.

Adversity clouds our view. It changes how we think, how we see life, and if we’re not careful, it can even shake our faith. But the Bible gives us a clear strategy for handling these moments. “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The question is, how do we resist? How do we stand firm when it feels like life is beating us down? The answer is simple but powerful: we cry out to God.

Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress, I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.” The Bible repeatedly shows us that there is power in crying out—not in silence, not in passivity, but in calling upon the name of the Lord with boldness.

Four Ways to Cry Out in Adversity

1. Speak the Name of Jesus – “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow… in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10) There is no greater name. In every crisis, the first thing out of Becky’s mouth is “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” When we were taken hostage in the Philippines, I couldn’t see her, but I could hear her calling on the name of Jesus. The enemy trembles at that name—so use it!
2. Declare the Word of God – Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, and what did He do? He didn’t argue with Satan—He declared, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4) When the enemy comes against you, he wants you to be ruled by your feelings. But feelings shift. The Word of God is unshakable. "If you live by feelings, your faith will fall. But if you stand on the unmovable foundation of God's Word, no adversity can defeat you."
3. Pray in the Holy Spirit – “Build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20) There is a strength that comes when we move beyond what we know and into the realm of the Spirit. The enemy wants you to ignore this gift, but God has given us this powerful weapon—use it!
4. Raise the Banner of the Cross – The enemy is called the accuser because he wants to condemn you. He whispers lies, trying to silence your prayers. But "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) At the cross, “He disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them.” (Colossians 2:15) When you stand under the victory of the cross, the enemy has no power over you.

So what do you do when adversity surrounds you? You cry out. Not passively. Not timidly. But with boldness, because "God never wastes a battle. He uses it to position you for the victory that is already yours."

No matter what you’re facing today, call on Jesus, declare His Word, pray with power, and stand firm in His victory. Heaven is listening.