POPCORN:
any of several varieties of corn whose kernels
burst open and puff out when subjected to dry heat.
Popcorn is the ultimate movie snack, and who doesn't love how quick it is to heat up a batch? The only thing is, it's pretty easy to burn.
Popcorn must be heated with a strong—but not too strong—heat source.
INTRODUCTION:
v.12 Friends, when life gets really difficult,
don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.
v.13 Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1Peter4 (The Message)
v.12 Dear brothers, do not be surprised, as if it was something strange, if your faith is tested as by fire:
v.13 But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of His glory you may have great joy.
(1Peter 4 BBE)
stay positive under pressure…
Like the kernel of popcorn,
we can go through the fire and
come out pleasing to God.
How?
1. RECOGNIZE GOD’S PURPOSE:
When we face difficulties in life, God wants to accomplish 2 things:
1). He wants to make known His glory to others
2) He wants to teach us to trust Him completely.
Exo 14:4(BBE)
“And I will make Pharaoh's heart hard,
and he will come after them and I will be
honoured over Pharaoh and all his army,
so that the Egyptians, may see that
I am the Lord. And they did so.”
God had a purpose in bringing the children of Israel to the
Red Sea and He has a purpose for the Red Sea you are facing today....
In every situation or problem in life, we must first and foremost recognize why God allowed those things happened in us.
Then, assume that God had a purpose for such situations.
Just like popcorn, they are a variety of corn that can pop up when subjected to heat. Similarly, Christians to be mature... and to know the purpose of God in their life, they must be subjected to trials and persecutions and problems that Christlike character will pop up and bring the Glory back to God!
2- RETAIN GOD’S PERSPECTIVE:
Too often when we are confronted with an impossible situation, rather than meet it head on, we want to take the easy way out.
Just like a problematic situation, that would surely pass away,
the moisture inside a popcorn would also vaporize the kernel and turns to steam at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232.22 degrees Centigrade) before the kernel pops.
If the heat is much hotter than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the popcorn burns before it pops. If the temperature is below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the popcorn won't pop because the moisture inside the kernels has not yet evaporated. Your problems now just like the popcorn is at the right degree God allowed.... God had the right perspective of cooking your popcorn... you would turn out to be a popping out Christian! Edible in season and out of season...
Exodus 14:12(GNB) “Didn't we tell you before we left that this would happen? We told you to leave us alone and let us go on being slaves of the Egyptians. It would be better to be slaves there than to die here in the desert."
What was Moses’ advice?
Do not be afraid
Stand still…
See the salvation of the Lord
“…for the Egyptians whom you see today
you will never see again.”(v.13 BBE)
3. RELY ON GOD’S PROMISES:
Exodus 14:14(The Message)
“GOD will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!"
Yeah, Let us just remain quiet and let it just pop out for God’s Glory!
Keep popping Christians!
John 16:33
“I’ved told you all this so that trusting Me,
you will be unshakable and assured,
deeply at peace. In this godless world you will
continue to experience difficulties.
But takeheart! I've overcome the world!”
