Faith in the Trial

1. Quote by Max Lucado:

He’s talking to the world and testing the church

World - Come to me. Life is fragile

World - Come to me. Life is fragile

Church - Will we believe him? ()

Church - Will we believe him? ()

Will we be people of faith and generosity?

Will we be people of faith and generosity?

When many are hoarding will we be a giving and sharing people?

When many are hoarding will we be a giving and sharing people?

A. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

I haven’t met a Christian yet who has never went through trials or valley experiences.

I know you have faith NOT because you didn’t go through anything but because you did and you’re:

Still loving God

Still lifting your sacrifice of praise

Still having your family devotions

You’re still enduring!!!

B. - “looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.

ENDURE: to face and withstand with courage

ENDURE: to face and withstand with courage

We’re just passing through. Our real home is in heaven if...

We’re just passing through. Our real home is in heaven if...

In just over a month I’m going to be doing a 4 week series on Heaven on Wed PM

In just over a month I’m going to be doing a 4 week series on Heaven on Wed PM’s

Just because you have faith, not exempt from temptation, tragedy or trial.

American Standard Version. (1995). (). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Just because you have faith, not exempt from temptation, tragedy or trial.

Just because you have faith, not exempt from temptation, tragedy or trial.

You don’t know how much faith you have until you’re in a good fight.

You don’t know how much faith you have until you’re in a good fight.

C. - “For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory”

How can Paul call it light affliction?

Inprisioned

Beaten

Shipwrecked

It’s but for a moment

Put all afflictions on 1 side of the scale; put thumb down

Let me place the weigh of His glory on other side and you’ll see

Even if suffered for 75 years… in comparison to the glory of eternity...

Not making light of job loss, health, 401-K, whatever

Paul isn’t saying that all suffering auto. produces glory

Possible to allow suffering to destroy you, make you bitter, miserable

Vs 18 look at things unseen - Jesus - newsletter

For every affliction (trial) there is glory on the other side.

If you’re walking through it right now… just know His strength is perfect.

This too shall pass...

Others are watching you and as a follower of Christ you’re preaching a message just how you walk this out.

How does he do that?

How can they stay so positive?

If that was me I’d...

You have Jesus interceeding for you today.

That time nervous breakdown?

Those bad nights

Many times you couldn’t even pray for yourself

God made sure you were on momma, daddys, pastor’s wife, gradmas heart

Pleading your case - petitioning heaven for you.

You are here by the MERCY of God.

Yes, you (we) going through something but we are going through it.

You don’t even know the times God’s mercy kept you from something, accident, your kids from death, you from fainting.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

- Which of you can add one day to your life?

Choose thankfulness:

For the supernatural power of God that is being manifest in the earth

for circumstances that are causing us to grow

for circumstances that are causing us to grow

Whatever you’re facing today, know this… we all go through times when what you’ve heard, taught your children, MUST be tested (proven).

You’re proving you’re more than talk,

push comes to shove,

challenged by the devil … You still do the will of your Father.

Closing: Flying home Thursday - ask Lord - getting ready to land - saw a rainbow in the clouds.

Looking out the window I couldn’t see anything but clouds. Those pilots have learned to rely on (trust) their instruments and control tower.

Lord spoke two things:

My promise still stands (healer, deliverer, more than enough, peace, hope

Rely (trust) on your instruments (God’s Word) and Control Tower (Holy Spirit)

I’ll land your aircraft safe and sound. Trust me.