When trouble comes

This is kind of a book review as well as what I've been working on for my girls SS lesson tomorrow. Jim Berg is one of my favorite authors. This book is less than 100 pages but is packed with truth and encouragement. I think all of us are or know someone facing a crisis in our life (and if you are not you can be sure they will come). However if we prepare for them and look for God's purpose in it we can seize tremendous blessing. Here are the 4 truths to remember for times of trouble:

The Greatest Danger is Always the Flesh.
The flesh is the sinful part of every one of us that tries to make life work on our own, without God. The result of this self-centeredness is always destructive. In an operating room you have sterile tools. Why? (you don’t want to further infect the wound). The same is true in our dealing with crisis – a fleshy-selfish response complicates the situation and “infects” the wound! James 4:8 says “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Stubbornness is the greatest hindrance to Christian growth. The only person we can control is our self. We to often allowed our self-centeredness to rule and contaminate our hearts.

The Gospel is always the Answer
Have you been saved from your biggest crisis? Eternal separation from God? Do you have a Bible reason why God should let you into heaven? If your answer is yes then your greatest crisis is over, you may lose the whole world, but not your soul. Then Col 2:6 tells us We are to live the Christian life the same way we got it – by faith, one step at a time.
The Gospel reveals man’s condition – we are sinners
The Gospel reveals God’s provision – we can have a relationship through Christ with God. Lasting and satisfying answers to life’s problems will always be increased as we have intimacy with Jesus Christ.
The Gospel reveals man’s responsibilities
By Confess/ask forgiveness and Trusting in God’s provisions – (I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee – Heb 13:5)
A Life focused on Christ will not crumble in crisis.

God’s Glory is Always the Goal
The crises of life are designed to help put the components of life back into proper perspective. Let’s go back to the illustration of the EMT they will think nothing of cutting an expensive pair of pants off a victim to save a leg. Crises remind us of our purpose in life – GOD. (I Cor 10:31) However your goals will determine which direction your life is going to head.

God Himself is Always Enough
An awareness of his resources will put our fears to rest. If you have a hard time trusting God it is most likely because you haven’t “proved” Him. – Rom 1:17 (The just shall live by faith.) There is not a decision we make in which we do not believe somebody. Who do you believe? – God or your own heart? Increase your knowledge of the One controlling all factors of our life in His Sovereignty. We may not be able to see what He is doing but our hearts can rest knowing He is in control.
Increase you Biblical meditation.
My High Tower – Ps 18:2; 61:1-3; 144:1-2
He has unlimited power – Eph 1:19-20; 3:20; Lk 1:37; Jer. 32:17
He has unlimited wisdom – Ps 18:30; Rom 11:33; Col 2:3; I Cor 1:25
He has unlimited love – Jer 31:3; Rom 5:8; 8:35-39
God knew that this is just what I've needed this week in my life and to encourage others around me _ GOD IS MORE THAN ENOUGH!

Here's an old song that reminds us through trials we learn to trust Him more.
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
And I know that thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.



Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”