“Responding Properly When Trouble Comes”

Testing of your faith

James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Introduction

“How can we be sure that we will be genuinely Christian when trouble crosses our pathway?” “The Christian has no immunity from catastrophe. Believers experience disappointments in their careers. Some believers experience great heartbreak because of differences of opinion with their spouses. Sometimes children are the occasion for great distress of mind and heart. Conditions and circumstances in the community often contribute to an unhappy state of affairs. Disease can strike down the best among us.

To cope with trouble, many secure health insurance. Still others secure liability insurance. Many people purchase life insurance. These are forms of coping with financial difficulty.

Have you developed a technique for handling trouble when it comes?”

“I. Avoid faulty ways of dealing with trouble.”

“A. Do not hold God responsible for any trouble that might come into your life. God is not a mean God who takes delight in our trouble.

B. Do not resort to resentment and hatred toward people.

C. Do not surrender to self-pity and despair. This can be destructive, and it never provides the pathway to healing and happiness.

D. Do not seek escape through the anesthesia of alcohol or drugs.”

“II. Face trouble with faith in God (Ps. 121:1–2).”

“A. Trust in the goodness and power of God for help (Phil. 4:13). Paul affirmed that God works in all things to bring out good for those who love and trust him (Rom. 8:28). Paul also affirmed that God will not permit any trouble to come to us that we cannot endure with his help (1 Cor. 10:13).

B. Discover and depend on the promises of God. The psalmist repeatedly encourages us to “wait upon the LORD.”

C. Accept God’s forgiveness and be forgiving toward others. If your trouble comes because of some fault of your own, accept God’s forgiveness. If trouble has come because of someone else’s fault, practice forgiveness toward that person.

D. Live life one day at a time.

E. Search for the good at all times. Something good can be found even in the darkest of days.”

“III. Develop a plan for enduring the pain of trouble.”

“A. Listen to God in Bible study.

B. Let God speak to you through beautiful sacred music.

C. Praise God and be thankful for his blessings upon you.

D. Recognize God’s angels who come to you in the form of helpers.

E. Grow your faith daily by trusting God.

F. Let a friend be a friend to you in a time of trouble.

G. Follow the light that Jesus Christ gives (John 8:12).”

Conclusion

All of us would like to avoid trouble. Unfortunately, trouble will follow them that believe…John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” It’s important to keep you eyes stayed on Him and listen to His words when calamity comes your way. He will deliver those that call on Him in their time of trouble.