Jesus' Positive Answer For Every Negative Problem

Jesus’ Positive Answer for Every Negative Problem by Paul Fritz

Luke 18:27-18:27

Jesus’ Positive Answer for Every Negative Problem (Luke 18:27)

Chuck Swindoll listened to a piece of advice from a wise friend one day that greatly affected his outlook on life. The friend said, "If you know how to do things you will usually find work, but if you can explain to people why things work, you will probably end up leading people.

Illustration: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. —Psalm 103:2

Although forgetfulness sometimes increases with age, it’s really common to us all. Even children have lapses of memory and excuse themselves by saying, "I forgot!" But there’s one kind of forgetfulness that is inexcusable at any age—forgetting to be grateful to God. The psalmist David was determined not to fail the Lord in this way, so he exhorted his soul: "Forget not all His benefits" (Psalm 103:2).

David didn’t keep his thanksgiving to God a secret. In Psalm 34:2 he wrote, "The humble shall hear of it and be glad." And who were the humble? They were those who, like David, were going through tough times. Why would they be glad to hear his praises? Because their own faith was strengthened when he testified about God’s help to him in times of fear (v.4), trouble (v.6), need (v.10), sorrow (v.18), or affliction (v.19).

When was the last time you openly and unashamedly praised God for helping you in your difficulties? Someone has said, "If Christians praised God more, the world would doubt Him less." Not only is it appropriate, therefore, to express your gratitude for all His benefits, but your example may also encourage others to move from doubt to faith as you praise Him. —JEY

Thank the Lord when trouble comes,

His love and grace expressing;

Grateful praise will strengthen faith,

Turn trials into blessing. —DCE

An attitude of gratitude can make your life a beatitude. (Our Daily Bread)

Too many times we just allow things to happen to us without understanding how the Lord Jesus wants us to learn lessons through our circumstances. When we really analyze our life’s lessons we can see that the Lord is taking us through valleys of difficulties for specific reasons. The following is a sample of the kinds of answers Jesus offers us when we are going through trials:

1. When you say: "It’s impossible!" - Jesus says, "What is impossible with men is possible with God. All things are possible for him who believes." (Luke 18:27; Mark 9:23)

Illustration: The testing of your faith produces patience. —James 1:3

Bible In One Year: 1 Chronicles 24-26

The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from pulpits but from sickbeds. The deepest truths of God’s Word have often been taught by those humble souls who have gone through the seminary of affliction.

The most cheerful people I have met, with few exceptions, have been those who’ve had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in their lives. The most grateful people I have ever known were not those who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives, but those who were confined to their homes, some to their beds, and had learned to depend on God.

The gripers, on the other hand, are usually those who have the least to complain about. The men and women who are the most cheerful and the most grateful for the blessings of Almighty God are often those who have gone through the greatest trials.

The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we will develop patience and godly maturity (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:3-4). We must keep in mind that our present sufferings are "but for a moment" and that they are being used by God for our eternal good (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

So take heart, suffering one. Someday you too will realize that it was worth it all (1 Peter 1:7). —MRD

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ. — Esther Kerr Rusthoi

© Renewal 1969 Singspiration, Inc.

Some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in the school of affliction (Our Daily Bread)

2. When you say: "I’m too tired" - Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28,29)

3. When you say: "Nobody really cares about me." - Jesus says, A new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you. By this will all men know that you are my disciples because you have love for one another. (John 13:34,35) "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (I John 4:10)