God is not absent. He’s not left us. His promise still stands to this day…
“And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” —Matthew 28:20
“Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear My voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with Me.” —Revelation 3:20
Some of what God is doing in the midst of this pandemic is knocking on the door of our hearts, desiring our relationship with Him to be stronger.
Trouble and Sorrow
Becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus does not give us a pass from trouble and sorrow.
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows…” —John 16:33
“You can expect betrayal even by your parents, your brothers, your relatives and friends—and yes, some of you will die as martyrs. You will be hated by all because of My life in you.” —Luke 21:16,17
“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich…Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days.” —Revelation 2:9,10
WHERE IS GOD IN OUR TROUBLE?
We must anchor our faith not in the idea that trouble won’t harm us, but rather in the assurance that God will be with us no matter what.
“But don’t worry. My grace will never desert you or depart from your life.” —Luke 21:18,19
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. —2 Corinthians 1:3
Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope! —Romans 15:13
PAUL’S THORN OF TROUBLE (2 Cor. 12:7-9)
1. God allowed the trouble.
2. Paul pleaded for deliverance.
3. God instead gave grace to endure.
4. There was purpose in the trouble.
…when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul became more aware of the sweetness of God’s Spirit living in him. (Galatians 5:22,23)
1. Joy that overflows
2. Peace that overcomes fear
3. Patience that endures
4. Kindness in action
5. A life full of virtue
6. Faith that prevails
7. Gentleness of heart
8. Strength of spirit
Trouble led Paul closer to God not further away.
Watch and Pray
“Keep a constant watch over your soul, and pray for the courage and grace to prevail over these things that are destined to occur and that you will stand before the presence of the Son of Man with a clear conscience.” —Luke 21:36
“Watch and pray that you’ll be spared from this time of testing.” —Matthew 26:41
When we pray we’re spared from confusion and offense that often comes in troubling times.
1. Pray with us. (3x a week)
2. Get in a Bible study group. (Online groups)
3. Read the Bible plan with us. (Bible Reading Plan)
Get God’s Word in your heart!
1. Write it out.
2. Repeat it out loud.
3. Send it to 3 friends.