7 WAYS GOD USES TROUBLES
Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!" (1-3)Seven (7) Ways God Uses Troubles:
1. To Inspect Us....
Respond:
- An inspection by God (Holy Spirit) is one of the most frightening things a person must deal with as he lives his life on planet Earth.
- An inspection of self is critical in our walk with God.
2. To Correct Us.. Psalm 119:71 "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your ways/decrees"
Respond:
- Should we expect correction from God when we sin?
- "Be sure your sins will find you out." What is the purpose of this statement?
3. To Connect Us
Respond:
- How can troubles connect us with others?
- With God?
4. To Bring Us Close to Him
Respond:
- Think about troubles that have caused you to be brought closer to God. Did you think it was a God thing at the time?
5. To Draw People to His House (the Church)
Respond:
- Can you think about troubles in your life or others that have drawn you or someone else to the church?
6. To Protect Us
Respond:
- "I have been devastated with troubles in my life. How can troubles bring protection for me?" Can you give some examples of how troubles have brought you protection?
- Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
7. To Perfect Us
Respond:
- "We, as mere clay pots, cannot be perfected in this life. Why would we even try to be perfect when it is impossible?"
- Question: Does God expect perfection from His children?
Matthew 5:48, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Note: perfect-or complete. Manifestly, our Lord here speaks, not of degrees of excellence, but of the kind of excellence which was to distinguish His disciples and characterize His kingdom.
Philippians 3:12-15 , "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you."
James 1:4 , "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Psalm 71:20, 21 "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again."
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
