Christian Trials
Mat. 14:22-23
Notice that Jesus sent them away. Most think that he sent them away because he wanted to be alone for a while and to pray. However, don’t you think that Christ knew that they were going to be in a storm. He may have brought up the storm just for the very purpose of their growth and increase their faith. He certainly knew it was there. It certainly was not an accident or just happened.
There certainly was a lesson learned by all here. They had not considered much about the feeding with fish and bread but in this, adversity, Christ got their attention.
Mr 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
The disciples’ faith grew stronger. Peter certainly leaned a lot about him self and his faith.
When everything is going good, we do not learn as we could and do grow in faith like we should. Far too often, when everything is going good we think we achieved it all and do not rely on God. But adversity, teaches us we can not do it all ourselves. It brings us to our knees. It teaches us to pray. It is in our adversities, we learn to trust God.
Jg 7:2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Often God puts us in adversity so that we can grow, learn, or prove our faith to us.
1Pe 4:12 ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Adversity must come and will come to all, eventually. What is important is how we respond. We need to pray, that we learn whatever it is that God wants us to learn.
Also, we need to pray that we will have the correct frame of mind, patience, and faith to see us through it. Realize God is in control!
Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Poem:
Blessings come in many guises
That God alone devises
And sickness which we dread so much
Can bring a healing touch
For often on the wings of pain
The peace that we sought before in vain
Will come to us in sweet surprise
For God is merciful and wise
And through long hours of tribulation
God gives us time for medication
And no sickness can be counted loss
That teaches us to bear our cross
We do not know what kind of faith we have until we are tested. We may say we will not deny him or we will not do this or that but we are not sure before we are tested. Remember Peter when he denied the Lord. We are no different from Peter or Thomas, for that matter.
Wonder why others did not call unto the Lord, as Peter did, when they saw him walking on the water. The same reason, it was Peter who said “not I Lord”. Peter was bold and not fearful; He so wanted to please the Lord. But he was human and he denied under extreme pressure, just like he began to sink in the water.
The Lord knows us. He knows how strong our faith is. He does not lead us into adversity for us to fall, but rather that we become prepared for a work, or increase faith that is weak.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
There is a way through the adversity, if you will keep the faith and search for it. God is able, and he will see us through. We need to trust in his ways and in him for all things.
Pr 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Some times our adversity is not for us only, but also for others.
John 9:1-38
Adversities give others the opportunity to do good. It gives the Christian the opportunity to do the works God has called us to do. If we will do them, and give beyond reason and measure, it can have the same type of effect on the world.
Ga 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Ga 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Col 3:12 ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
However, our adversities are ours to bear. We are not to push them off on someone else. Whether others come and help or not, this is not what we should be concerned about. Nor are we to judge them by what they do or not do. To God they shall answer.
What we need to be concerned with is how we endure, and that we learn and grow from what God has in store for us.
A hardship that we bring on ourselves is not from God. Let me explain, there are some in our society today who do not work or want to work. They want others to provide for them. Sometimes people create hardships or so it seems expecting others to take care of them. They are want attention for the sake of attention. This adversity is not from God.
2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
So, let us bear our adversities with faith in God, that we will learn the lessons that God has in store for us.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Remember what Paul said.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
When we are weak, then we are strong toward God, for we then must trust in him.
So let us endure our adversity, trusting in God, so shall we be saved.
Mt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Remember the Parable of the sower?
Mr 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
What kind of Ground are you today? Do you need the prayers of the Church to help you.
James 5:13-16
Is God on your side. Are you a Christian?
GOSPEL---8/32/2002 TH
