Does Doc Oliver Understand Personal Adversity?
Some people after looking at my website might think that I have always had it easy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Following is “The Real Story”. Abraham Lincoln overcame massive adversity in his own personal and business life prior to becoming one of the most famous and respected Presidents of the United States. Like many great leaders, Mr. Lincoln had a living faith in God that helped him achieve great victories, endure almost unbelievable hardship and criticism, especially when all hope seemed lost, and then stand up with mighty courage, wisdom and understanding. In the Book of Revelation Jesus Christ The Author and Finisher of Life, is recorded as saying that only those who overcome and are victorious over adversities will inherit His Kingdom. In another place Jesus says that without His power and love relationship we cannot and will not overcome, in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable to God. Therefore, if we believe that by our own prideful human effort and will-power we can overcome through sheer determination, intelligence, good luck, cheating, lying, networking, or riches, then we have failed even before we start. Maybe you are like me? Maybe by His Mighty Power you also have overcome? We can however – if we are not abiding in Him - in the midst of our battles, feel alone, disenfranchised, battered, bewildered and befallen. This often occurs right in the midst of turmoil as we fight the massive fight for our existence and wage the battle of good vs. evil whether at work or in our own personal lives. Following are a few adversities that God has helped me overcome during my lifetime. Maybe in sharing these very personal challenges and attacks, you will be able to see yourself also and in doing so will not succumb to the onslaught of darkness but will overcome your own adversity and be victorious in the truest sense of the word. By God’s Grace I Overcame: Hardship Poverty Fear Persecution Ridicule Rejection Depression Discouragement Injury Prejudice Sickness Unemployment Home Foreclosure Misunderstanding Hatred Bad Genetics Disillusionment Despondency Sadness Big Ears & Nose Poor Grades Father Died: Age 12 Raised by a single parent 13 Failed Romances 1 Divorce 1 Vietnam War 1 Stolen Inheritance 1 Estranged Son Moved 44 Times Almost Died 7 Times 10,000+ Temptations Tried in the Fire Teen Life Weariness Rejection by Family Rejection by Friends Fired/Laid Off 12 Jobs Cancer Twice Crippling Arthritis Bankrupt Twice In Homeless Shelter Lived in a Car 3000 Bad Hair Days 6000+ Job Rejections Lied About Laughed At Scorned, Not Believed Aging Pain |
