How to Face the Challenges of Life

DT: Life’s Challenges cannot be faced without deliberate consideration

Aim: We will pray and consider others daily in our lives

I. Be Gentle

Philippians 4:5 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Define gentleness, it is refraining from the assertion of what we believe we are owed by expressing patience and kindness. Gentleness is intentional.

It means not to take advantage of others

Let it be known to everyone

Christ is near

Illus: When I was in the army, one of my Sergeants would handle situations with such calm and coolness that we asked him how it was that he just didn't seem to be bothered by anything. His response was, “I don’t sweat the small stuff”

Application: Be intentional about being gentle. Be patient with others. Learn how not to sweat the small stuff.

II. Be Prayerful

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Don’t worry

take your concerns to God

Thank God for it all

Illus:

Application: Prayer should not be a last resort for any of us. We must pray daily.

Luke 18:1 ESV

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

III. Trust God

Philippians 4:7 ESV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The peace found in God brings better comfort than what we could ever summate in our own thinking. It’s as if Paul has been reading

Proverbs 3:5–7 KJV 1900

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Illus:

Application: you will have trouble in life. But find peace in the Lord.

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”