A Smooth Sea Never Made A Skilled Sailor.

Sermon Title: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Scripture Text: John 16:33

As we consider all these trials or test, this virus, and these riots that are taking a toll on us. Let us push God to the forefront of our lives.

John 16:33 (NLT)

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

We know the story of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into the fiery furnace. It was so hot that it killed the ones that threw them in. King Nebuchadnezzar looked in and saw 4 men in there. He ask them to come out and they were alive and nothing was burned on them. The fourth man in the furnace was the Son of Man.

What about the Apostle Paul when he described his dangers, test, and trials in II Corinthians 11:24-30 (NLT) He starts off with the 49 lashes he received 5 times and goes on to list others.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

*There may be a way provided by God but sometimes we are so caught up in what is happening that we don't see it or even want to see it or can't see it because of our own circumstances and desires.

*Praise God for Romans 8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God--and He is interceding for us.

The arrival of difficult circumstances should be no surprise to the Christian. The fact of the matter is that hardship is an unfortunate, yet unavoidable reality that every Christian must face in this life. Jesus spoke to his disciples about expecting trouble (John 16:33). Just take a look at our culture; the farther it moves away from biblical values, the more difficult the Christian experience will be, as we seek to follow Christ in devotion and obedience with all of our heart, mind and will.

So where do we find help to follow Christ when it’s simply not easy to do so? How do we remain faithful when challenges come our way, and our devotion to Christ is tested? Thankfully the Bible speaks clearly to this question. In Daniel chapter three, we meet/met Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego who make it in the face of extreme difficulty. They endure! And they do so because they know and believe the truths about God. The third person in the fiery furnace is a part of who they are.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Our Response to difficulties - Makes All the Difference.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. (We United Methodist calls this “prevenient Grace”.)

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)

14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

The Medical/Psychiatrist tell us its taking a toll on us; Mentally and physically. They tell us that there are so many ways to deal with this situation. Walking, exercising, getting out and meeting others. Keeping our minds active by reading, working on favorite projects, going back to school and keeping in touch with family and friends.

All of that sounds like great advise. But they left God out of the equation. We as Christians can never do that. We need to keep our nose to the grindstone reading the Bible, doing Bible Studies, Praising God, Telling others about Jesus and his mercy's and strength that he gives us because he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Have you heard the saying “This too will pass.” All we have to do is look in our Bible and see this phase is true in the Bible with the men and women there. All we have to do is hold on to Christ! Sometimes we ask and we beg for answers and they don't come. One things is for sure. I feel Him in my soul. I trust Him and believe in Him even in my own doubts. I just know it will work out for His good which is my good also (Romans 8:28). I have seen Him work out all kinds of things that I couldn't see happening. He is my God and I will serve Him the best I can until I go to be with Him or he comes to get me.

Do you Believe?