TRIALS TO TRIUMPH 2 Corinthians 4 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. We all desire for positive things to happen but then reality is that we are faced with Life Beaters such as problems, trials and challenges. At certain times these life beaters can certainly knock us down. How do we respond when we are faced with so many life beaters JOB 2:9-10 His wife said to him “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. In Life there will be UPS and DOWNS Life beaters are inevitable. We need TRIALS for us to TRIUMPH WHAT IS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR ALLOWING LIFE BEATERS IN OUR LIVES? 2CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not abandoned, We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2CORINTHIANS 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 1. TRIALS TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN US Did you ever experience a trial in life where in it helped bring out the best in you? “If we believe tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” – Thich Nhat Hanh 2CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not abandoned, we get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Just like the apostle Paul: 2Corinthians 11 I have been in prison more often. I have been hurt more in beatings. I have been in near death many times. Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I was almost stoned to death. Three times I was in ships that wrecked, and one of those times I spent a night and a day in the sea. 2. TRIALS STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH IN GOD 2CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are persecuted but God does not leave us. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Acts 8:3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison The Persecutor became the persecuted 3. TRIALS HELP US RELATE WITH PEOPLE We become compassionate, patient, gracious and loving 2CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are persecuted but God does not leave us. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 4. TRIALS TEACHES US TO BECOME HUMBLE Life is impossible apart from Christ 2CORINTHIANS 15 All this for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanks giving to overflow to the glory of God. 5. TRIALS ENABLES US TO APPRECIATE GOD Experience His Goodness, Feel His Love, Receive His Grace, Witness Miracles, Enjoy His Generosity. 2CORINTHIANS 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for when I am weak, I am strong.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 15:38:34 +0000
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