September 29, 2014
Wisdom for the Trials of Life
At first glance, today's passage on wisdom doesn't seem related to the subject of trials, but James is actually continuing His thoughts from the previous three verses (vs. 2-4). We need wisdom to know how to respond to suffering. This means we should see trials from the Lord's viewpoint and understand His purposes in allowing them in our lives.
If you want to profit from struggles, be sustained in them, and come through with joy and victory, you must be persuaded of the following truths:
- God is in full control of the timing and intensity of your trial and will not allow it to go beyond His boundaries.
- He has a specific purpose for your suffering which you may not understand until it is over.
- This trial will prove to be profitable if you submit to God and trust Him through it.
- Trying situations are opportunities for faith to prove genuine and grow stronger.
- When you endure extreme pressure with unexplainable peace and joy, the Lord will demonstrate His sustaining power to a watching world.
- Your difficulties are used by the Father to produce Christ-like character.
- God will walk with you through all trials.
- The Holy Spirit will enable you not only to survive but also to come out a conqueror.
If you believe all these principles, they will shape how you respond to difficulties in your life. This perspective eliminates the negative reactions normally elicited by trials and makes supernatural responses possible. Instead of feeling miserable and hopeless, you'll experience amazing peace and joy.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
|
Upcoming Sermon Series:
Many of us don't realize the importance of the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Our friends determine the quality and direction of our lives. In Friending, learn how good friends (and bad friends) can impact your feelings, your relationship with God, and your future. This series can help create a strong foundation for new, Godly friendships in our church and community.
Last Week: When seeking to please everyone, we fail because we are not seeking to please God, our Creator and Savior, who alone deserves our efforts. We must focus more on pleasing Him than anyone else. We need to live from the approval of God instead of for others.
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 start our new series Friending by looking into the Foundation of Friendship.
|
|
|
October 5 - Carry-In Fellowship Dinner following AM Worship Service.
October 15 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7:30 PM.
October 18 - Work Day at the church at 8 AM.
October 25 - Fall Festival at 5 PM. Location to be determined.
November 2 - No Carry-In Fellowship Dinner
|
|
