John 14:27 NIV84 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:28 NIV)
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:114 NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Three reasons to have hope in the midst of hardship:
I. God is
Jeremiah 32:17 ESV Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
A. There is nothing
Genesis 18:14a NIV84 …Is anything too difficult for the LORD?
Psalm 19:1-4; Psalm 33:6-9 NLT The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. … Let everyone in the world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV84 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
How
Additional Notes:
II. God is
A. God offers
Psalm 46:1-2 NIV84 God is our REFUGE and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…
Where do you find
Additional Notes:
B. God offers
John 16:33 NIV84 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.
Do you believe that God is
Additional Notes:
III. God is in
Job 42:2 NIV “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
A. We need an
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV84 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Additional Notes:
Which life are you
Discussion Questions:
1. What causes you to lose hope in life? How does this affect your daily living?
2. What would you say frightens/concerns you most about the world we live in today? What frightens you about the future?
3. We learned in this message that God is all-powerful, good, and in control. Which of these attributes are most comforting to you? Why?
4. Why is it important for God to have all three attributes (listed in question #2)? What would happen if you removed one or more of these qualities?
5. How does having an eternal perspective (having a real and vibrant hope of heaven) practically affect your daily living? Give examples from your life.
Next Week’s Message: The Clarity of Scripture