In A World Of Trouble

Good morning, beloved family of God. I stand before you today, not as one who has all the answers, but as a fellow traveler, walking with you on this winding road of faith. We are gathered here, not because we are perfect or because we have it all figured out, but because we need the grace that only our Lord Jesus Christ can provide. So, let's take a moment, right here, right now, to pause and to rest in the presence of our Savior.

"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.”

John 16:33

In this single verse, we find a promise, a warning, and an assurance. Life will indeed bring trials, yet peace is possible, and victory is certain. Not because of our own strength or wisdom, but because of the One who has overcome the world. For the most part, it is not through our own will that we make it the troubles of this world, but by the strength of Jesus Christ.

This reminds me of a quote by the esteemed Christian author, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The peace of God is first and foremost peace with God; it is the state of affairs where God, instead of being against us, is for us. No account of God's peace which does not start here can do other than mislead."

So, let's start here, with the understanding that the peace of God is not an absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. And with that in mind, let's move forward together, leaning into the promise of peace, heeding the warning of trials, and holding onto the assurance of victory in Christ.

So, let's begin, not with fear or apprehension, but with faith and anticipation, as we consider the trials of life, the promise of peace, and the victory in Christ.

Facing Life's Trials

In the world we live in, it's no secret that trials and tribulations are a part of this life. They come in many forms and from many directions. Some are small, like a flat tire on the way to work or a disagreement with a friend. Others are much larger, like the loss of a job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. These trials can shake us to our core, causing us to question our faith, our purpose, and even the goodness of God.

My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

James 5:10-11

But let's remember what our opening Scripture tells us. Jesus himself said, "In this world you will have trouble." He didn't say we might have trouble or that we could possibly have trouble. He said we will have trouble. It's a guarantee. But it's not a cause for despair. Instead, it's a call to lean into our faith, to trust in God's promises, and to find peace during our trials.

Now, let's look at the first aspect of facing life's trials. It's about understanding that trials are a part of life. They are not anomalies or aberrations. They are not punishments from God or signs of His displeasure. They are simply a part of the human experience. And while they are often painful and difficult, they are also opportunities for growth, for learning, and for deepening our faith.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

The second aspect of facing life's trials is about perspective. How we view our trials can significantly impact how we experience them. If we see them as insurmountable obstacles, we can easily become overwhelmed and discouraged. But if we see them as opportunities for growth and learning, we can face them with courage and hope.

The third aspect of facing life's trials is about having a resilience. Resilience is not about avoiding trials or pretending they don't exist. It's about facing them head-on, with courage and determination. It's about drawing on our inner strength and our faith in God to help us navigate through the storm.