RESPONDING WELL TO TROUBLE
Keith O’Connor
Woodland Church
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
(James 1:2-5, NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
1. We will have troubles
(James 1:2, NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way”
(John 16:33. NLT) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(James 5:11, NLT) “We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy”
(Job 1:22, NLT) “In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT) “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
(James 1:2, NLT) “…consider it an opportunity for great joy”
(1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT) “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad, for these trials make you partners with Christ in HIs suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
(Acts 5:41, NLT) “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.”
2. Evaluate our troubles with a Biblical lens
(James 1:3, NLT) “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow”
(Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
(Psalm 46:1-2, NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
(John 6:69, NLT) “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”
(James 1:4, NLT) “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
(Hebrews 12:1, NLT) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
(Romans 8:28, NLT) “…and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”
(James 1:12, NLT) “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
(James 1:5. NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
(James 1:4) “And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
3. We are not alone in our sufferings and trials
(Hebrews 13:5) “I will never leave or forsake you”
See Deuteronomy 31:6,8
(Matthew 14:27, NLT) “Don’t be afraid, take courage I am here”
(Matthew 13:40, NLT) “Save me, Lord”
Growthwork
1. Stop
(Matthew 11:28, NLT) “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”
(Isaiah 30:15, NLT) “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
2. Look
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
3. Listen
(1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT) “Never stop praying”