August 18, 2014
The Right Focus for Tough Times
Paul did not picture himself as a victim. Despite tremendous physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under God's sovereign hand. So instead of growing resentful and walking away from the faith, the apostle turned to the Lord and continued to mature spiritually.
We can learn much from Paul - He was determined to focus on God's sovereignty rather than his own will. It's easy to be bitter over the mayhem that another person has caused in our lives. However, the minute we start thinking that our enemies are in control, we're defeated. The Bible says that God "has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all" (Psalm 103:19). He is in absolute control. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory (Jeremiah 29:11).
Moreover, believers can learn from Paul's commitment to focus on positive results rather than on personal agony. Pain, whether in the body or the heart, often absorbs all of a person's attention. But there is no victory to be had in dwelling on our hurts. God has a plan for that anguish, and Paul is a good example. He rejoiced when the gospel spread to the Praetorian Guard - his jailers.
Difficult circumstances are crossroads in the believer's life. If we take the path of blaming God for our strife, we'll be dealing with resentment and negativity. But if we focus on our heavenly Father's love and provision, we will find trust and hope as we seek to go His way.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Current Sermon Series:
As we continue our study in Ephesians, we will look into some of the things that God calls us to. We will see in Ephesians 1:15-23 that we have The Call To Understanding. In Ephesians 2:1-10 we will see that God has given us The Call To Salvation. Then in Ephesians 2:11-22 we will see The Call To Unity.
Last Week: We learned that salvation is from sin, by love, to life, with a purpose, through faith, and unto good works. Salvation is so much more than most of us realize. God has been amazing by providing not only salvation, but the faith as well. God is so good!
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week: We will conclude this part of our continued study of Ephesians. The Call of God. We will finish up our topic of The Call to Salvation.
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August 19 - Trustee's Meeting at 7PM
August 24 - Promotion Sunday - This is the Sunday set aside for those who will be moving up to the next Sunday School class.
August 31 - Lord's Supper following AM Worship Service.
September 7 - Carry-In Fellowship Dinner following AM Worship Service.
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