SURVIVING DIFFICULT TIMES
Text: Romans 8 : 28
How many times have we heard the first part of this text quoted?
It seems that this is the deep theological response to all calamity.
All things do not work for the good for all people.
This text clearly states that only God’s people will reap this benefit.
And even then we have great difficulty in finding the good in the midst of the trial.
James tells us to count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations. (1:2)
Yet when the difficulties of life come we mostly do the opposite.
One of the main reasons that we react in such a way is the lack of knowing the first and last part of this verse.
As we get into the Word today, we will see what it says about:
Surviving Difficult Times.
I. God is in control.
A. We must accept this reality before we can go on.
1. He is the creator of all things.
John 1 : 3 All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.
2. His Sovereignty cannot be doubted
B. We can then come to these realizations.
1. The God of the Universe is our Heavenly Father.
2. As His Children He will see us through.
II. God will limit our difficult times.
A. Just as God limited Satan’s attack on Job.
Job 1 : 12 The Lord said unto Satan, all that he has is in your power.
Only upon himself put not your hand.
Job 2 : 6 And the Lord said to Satan, behold he is in your hand, but save his life.
B. Jesus warned Peter that Satan would attack him.
Luke 22 : 31-32 And the Lord said Simon, Simon, behold Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith fail not and when you are converted strengthen your brothers.
C. God limits the attack on us.
1 Corinthians 10 : 13 There has no temptation taken you but such is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
III. God brings meaning to our difficult times.
A. When we are in the midst of difficult times.
1. We can learn from them.
2. We can grow in them.
Song “ Through it all”
B. We realize that our trials cannot compare to the Glory of God
Romans 8 : 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
C. When we come through a difficult time we can be stronger.
Jay Adams There is something worthwhile, something exciting, something adventurous, something holy in it, because there is a point to it… God is in it.
IV. God assures us of His Grace.
A. There is no problem in life beyond the grace of God.
B. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was dealt with this way.
2 Corinthians 12 : 9a And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
C. Paul was able to say
2 Corinthians 12 : 9b Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
D. When was the last time you gloried in your infirmities?
Conclusion: Everyone faces difficult times.
Who you are in Christ will determine how you face them.
It will also determine the ultimate outcome.
We have to know that God does care for us.
We also should understand that God is to wise to not know our limits.
And to loving to allow us to be pushed beyond them.
Are you facing a difficult time. If you love God and are part of the called
He will work it out.
