Facing Difficulties, Trials, & Tribulations February 21, 2009

Wow!!! Tonight’s service was awesome. It really hit the spot. God’s timing is always perfect. I love how the Lord speaks to Pastor Ken and how he obeys Him. The message was based on Acts 27. There is a very good message in that chapter. The following are some headlines of the message, but if you get a chance to go and listen to the message sometime next week, you won’t be disappointed. Just click on Capital Christian Center on the side bar; then click on watch and listen, or just listen which ever your prefer and click on the date for this weekend.

The message was about Paul facing a lot of difficulties. Many of us face them as well, but probably will never face all that he had. We should learn to face our storms head on and not fear them. God is always there with us through it all. He will never fail us. Our storms are for a reason. Four ways the storm comes is through ourselves, others, Satan, and God.

Scriptures good for how to deal with difficult times: John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the
world.“

How good is that message!!! And 2 Cor. 6:4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God; in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses.

There are three steps to dealing with difficult times.
1. Determine the reason. Is it brought on by yourself, from others, Satan or God. Then you will know what to do. Of course pray. That is the first thing you should always do. Every time you come into the house of the Lord, you will find answers. Ps 73:16-17

When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for
me–17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I
understood their end. It is important to show up in the temple.

2. Determine the result. 2 Cor. 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Remember, the problems are only temporary.
3. Determine my response. How should I handle it?

There are three mistakes we make when in difficult times.
1. We listen to bad advice. Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.
2. We follow the crowd. Acts 27:12

And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised
to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor
of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there

.
3. We rely on circumstances. Acts 27:13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.

We should not always go through every door that is open to us that comes our way.

The one thing that really had an impact on me: We show what type of Christian we are by how we respond to our difficulties, not by how we respond to the good times.
Then; Impatience heads us into a storm. I so needed to hear this one, and thought of others that are struggling right now.

This is not part of the message, just a note I’m inserting here. I’ve been feeling heavy lately. I couldn’t put a finger on it until tonight on the way home. I told my hubby that I have got to shake this heavy feeling. I don’t remember just what he asked, but basically if I was struggling with my faith. I told him no, that it is the heaviness I’m feeling for the concern of others struggling and many feeling like giving up. That’s when I realized the reason for the heaviness myself. Then I knew I needed to talk about tonight’s message. It’s powerful in a time of need.
Part of what brought me to this other than Pastor Ken’s great message was talking with a dear friend at church. Thank you Cindy. You always take time to listen. I love you for that.

Any way, back to the message. Sorry, I know I have a tendency to be long winded, but when thoughts hit, I have to get them down.

You know, God’s purpose is much greater than our pain and problems. Rom. 5:3 And not only that, but we also Glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. Every storm has a school. There is two more parts to this, but didn’t write fast enough. So make sure to catch it when you listen to the message. Are you having problems right now? Don’t give up, but instead, grow up! Drifting is coasting down hill. Believe, trust.

There are three things you should not do:
1. Don’t drift. Acts 27:3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.
2. Don’t discard. Acts 27:18 And because we were exceeding tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. Dismiss your problems. Don’t throw away things you shouldn’t. Stay with the ship. Acts 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Have you cut away the life boat. Learn, grow, & develop.
3. Don’t despair. Acts Acts 27:20 Now when neither sun not stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. God is in control. God is testing us.

We should confess our part Pv 28:13: He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Acts 27:34, 25, & 41-44 is other Scriptures talked about.
Acts 27:34 “Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.”
Acts 27:25 “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.”
Acts 27:41-44:

But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the
prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill
the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43
But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and
commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to
land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the
ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

James 4:1-13:18 (I’ll leave this one for everyone to read themselves). Envy and self seeking can bring demonic forces into the house. We all need to be peace makers. Difficulty brings the real person out in you.
1. Confront the problem. Face the storm head on. Isaiah 43:2-3:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God. The Holy
One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in
your place.

2. God will pull us through the storm.
3. Claim the promises.

All Scriptures came from the NJKV. I so want to go and hear this message again tomorrow! Or should I say, receive the counseling again. Loved it. Hope you all are having a great weekend.