THE TSUNAMIS ARE COMING! --- THE PURPOSE OF THE THORN? IT IS ALWAYS TOO SOON TO QUIT!
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) Several part lesson.
Do you know who Thomas Edison was? You know him because he did not quit!
Do you know who Henry Ford was? You know him because he did not quit?
Do you know who Steve Jobs was? You know him because he did not quit.
Do you know ISADORE McDUFF? Of course not, ISADORE GOT MAD AND QUIT!
WILL THIS THORN DETER ME? CAN HARD, DIFFICULT SEASONS DRIVE US TO A QUITTING ATTITUDE? LET US NOT FAINT. COULD WE FACE DISCOURAGEMENT? ARE WE FACING STRESS, DISAPPOINTMENT AND EXHAUSTION? THERE ARE PROMISES IF WE FAINT NOT… WE MUST DISCIPLINE OURSELVES TO NOT ALLOW HARD TIMES OFFEND US OR MAKE US LIVE IN FEAR AND WORRY.
*Faint: to lose blood flow to the brain, black-out, lose consciousness, light-headed.
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
ARE THORNS OFFENSIVE? ARE YOU LEAVING TO? THIS OFFENDS ME…HAVE YOU EVER HEARD: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GETS GOING! THERE GOES THE CROWD.
John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
JOHN 6: 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
HAS THE GAME EVER KNOCKED YOU DOWN? HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO QUIT? HAVE YOU EVER FELT BEAT DOWN? DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE LARGEST BLOWOUT IN COLLEGE HISTORY? WHAT IS LISTED AS THE WORSE LOSS IN A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME EVER RECORDED?
On October 7, 1916 Georgia Tech played Cumberland College. Cumberland College’s team traveled to Grant Field in Atlanta, Georgia. Cumberland College was a small school with a few students. The Georgia Tech team was known as the ENGINEERS. Cumberland’s school was known as the BULLDOGS. Cumberland College’s team never made 1 first down the whole game. The whole game Cumberland College made 28 yards. CUMBERLAND COLLEGE THREW 6 INTERCEPTIONS, WITH AND FUMBLED THE BALL 15 TIMES.
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT ONCE THE QUARTERBACK FUMBLED THE BALL, HE SCREAMED TO HIS TEAM MEMBER: PICK UP THE BALL AND RUN. THE YOUNG PLAYER SCREAMED BACK: YOU DROPPED IT! YOU PICK IT UP!
GEORGIA TECH SCORED 32 TOUCHDOWNS AND 18 EXTRA POINTS. THE FINAL SCORE WAS GEORGIA TECH WAS --- 222 TO CUMBERLAND ---0. THE GAME WAS SO BAD THE OFFICIALS SHORTENED THE GAME TIME.
I have often pondered: what did the coaches and the players think? Did they consider a big come back? Cumberland Collage was OBLIGATED TO PLAY THE GAME. The teams could not quit. OFTEN, LOOSING THE GAME WILL REVEAL MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER THAN WINNING CAN.
IS LIFE WORTH LIVING? WHEN WE FOCUS ON THE HARD CHALLENGES, THE HURTS AND THE OPPOSITION EVERYTHING SEEMS DARK AND BLEAK. DO WE ALLOW YESTERDAY’S PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES TO DEFINE OUR OUTLOOK ON TODAY? DO WE REALIZE FAITH IS SEEING WHAT WE CAN’T SEE? MY FRIEND WE MUST NOT ALLOW WHAT WE CAN’T SEE TO DEFINE WHAT WE BELIEVE. I WILL TRUST THE UNSEEN HANDS OF A MIGHTY GOD?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Life is not fair. We don’t always understand where this piece of the puzzle belongs. It will make sense when we see the bigger picture. Seems you always have a heavy load? Others have been mean and cruel. Has everyone DUMPED their load on you? Seems we like to SPEND OUR TIME IN THE PAST LICKING OUR WOUNDS… GET UP!
DEAN SMITH SAID: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A MISTAKE? RECOGNIZE IT, ADMIT IT, LEARN FROM IT, THEN FORGET IT.
AM I FOREVER TRAPPED IN DEFEAT AND GLOOM? ARE MY EYES SO FOCUSED ON THE CAGE THAT IS HOLDING ME BACK? THIS CAGE IS OFFENSIVE TO ME! HERE I SIT IN THIS CAGE OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER AND WATCH THE BIRDS OUTSIDE FREELY FLY. GOD REFRESH US AND RENEW OUR DREAMING ABILITY.
When I taught school we spent several art classes cutting eyes out of magazines. I had each student bring a can. I painted every can inside. I wrote Phil. 4:13 in the bottom of each can. We glued the eyes on to each can. The cans were covered with eyes. Then I placed acetate around the cans. THIS MADE EACH STUDENT AN “EYE CAN.” I CAN!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
I read the story of a bird that had lived in a cage so many years. The owner accidentally left the cage door opened. The bird was so comfortable in the cage he never thought about flying away?
COME, LET US REASON THE DIFFERENCES IN BEING A BIRD IN THE CAGE OR BEING A FREE FLYING BIRD? LISTEN CLOSELY: DOES A CAGED BIRD SING THE SAME SONG AS A FREE BIRD?
DOES SEEM LIKE EVERYTHING IS AGAINST YOU? IS THIS TEST TO HOLD YOU BACK AND LIMIT YOUR PROGRESS? DID DAVID EVER ASK: WHY GOLIATH? ENDURANCE IS A HARD TEST TO PASS. IS THIS GIANT MY OPPORTUNITY TO HANG ON WITH HOPE? AM I WILLING TO OVERCOME THE NEGATIVE AND STAY POSITIVE?
Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
NO MATTER WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH DAILY WE MUST CONTINUE ON WITH PERSEVERANCE AND ENDURANCE. Will we listen to the cry of humanity saying the words: “WE CAN’T,” “I CAN’T!” “YOU CAN’T.” We must learn to persist
with our heads up and our eyes clearly focused on the eastern skies.
IS GOD BIGGER THAN ANY MOUNTAIN THAT I CAN SEE? OR THAT I CAN’T SEE? Could we release God’s plan to be bigger than all of our doubts and fears?
I AM VERY HURT AND IRRITATED BECAUSE THIS THORN IS SHARP AND RIGID. THREE TIMES I PRAYED… I PRAYED IN FAITH BELIEVING AND GOD’S ANSWER WAS NOT WHAT I WAS EXPECTING… LORD, REMOVE THIS PROBLEM! GOD THIS THORN IS HURTING ME…
*THORN: to annoy, pester-fester, bothersome, something we don’t like, thorns hurt, perhaps pain, disappointments.
Jesus knew about thorns. He had a crown of thorns. We see thorns have a torture and torment element. While thorns appear negative often God allows thorns to teach us valuable lessons. THORNS MAY BE A SIGN JESUS LOVES US. THORNS CAN MAKE BETTER PEOPLE. These thorns speak of the curse in the Garden of Eden --- NEVER FORGET THORNS CAN PRODUCE GOOD THINGS. Quit crying over the thorns in daily life.
Paul never clearly understood “THE THORN.” Paul prayed for his thorn to be removed. God’s wisdom allowed the thorn to continue. Paul’s thorn had a plan and a purpose. “THE THORN” WAS NOT TO GET PAUL TO THROW UP HIS HANDS AND QUIT. THE THORN IN THE FLESH WAS THE TEACHER WITH A LESSON: WHEN I AM WEAK HE IS STRONG.
2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.
Today there are many false doctrines and statements. One such lesson that I have heard Preachers on the TV come to invalid conclusions about Paul and his thorn that speaks in a negative light. I heard several say: PAUL DID NOT KNOW HOW TO CLAIM AUTHORITY OVER THE THORN THAT ANNOYED AND PESTERED HIM. This is far from the truth. If ever a man knew the power and authority in the name of Jesus it was PAUL. He wrote a major part of the New Testament. Paul could see beyond the annoyance of the thorn. The thorn was not negative to hinder Paul’s work. The thorn was a good teaching tool that kept Paul humble and pliable before the throne of a mighty God. PAUL DID NOT ALLOW THE THORN
TO MAKE HIM WANT TO QUIT. The thorn kept PAUL’S ATTITUDES, WORDS AND DEEDS RIGHT BEFORE GOD! THORNS SHOULD NEVER MAKE US DESIRE TO QUIT. WHEN I AM WEAK, GOD IS STRONG!
THE TSUNAMIS ARE COMING… ARE WE OFFENDED? ARE WE HURT? THIS THORN OFFENDS ME… OFFENDED, HURT AND DYING IS A SIGN OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST JESUS… HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE… WE HAVE TO GET UP AND TRY AGAIN. WHEN WE HEAR TSUNAMI WE RUN TO HIGHER GROUND. CAN WE AFFORD TO QUIT? PUSH THROUGH THESE OBSTACLES AND PROBLEMS.
Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.
*TSUNAMI: a giant wave, tidal waves, a long wave caused by an earthquake, occurrence of something that is OVERWHELMING, damage, waves up to 100 feet high… SPIRITUAL TSUNAMIS…
Isaiah 51:15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
WHINE? IS WHINING A HABITUAL BEHAVIOR? IS LIFE HARSH? DO FEELINGS RULE OUR SPIRITS? DOES LIFE OFFEND YOU? ARE THORNS OFFENSIVE? ARE YOU LEAVING TO? THIS OFFENDS ME…HAVE YOU EVER HEARD: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GETS GOING! THERE GOES THE CROWD.
John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
JOHN 6: 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
DON’T QUIT (Unknown)
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, AS THEY SOMETIMES WILL, WHEN THE ROAD YOU’RE TRAVLING SEEMS ALL UPHILL,
WHEN THE FUNDS ARE LOW, AND THE DEBTS ARE HIGH, AND YOU WANT TO SMILE,
BUT IT SEEMS YOU WANT TO CRY, WHEN CARE IS PRESSING YOU DOWN A BIT,
MY FRIEND, REST IF YOU MUST, BUT DON’T YOU QUIT!
WHEN LIFE SEEMS STRANGE WITH ITS TWIST AND TURNS, AS EVERYONE OF US SOMETIMES LEARNS,
AND MANY A FAILURE TURNS ABOUT, WHEN WE MIGHT HAVE WON HAD WE HAD STUCK IT OUT;
DON’T GIVE UP THOUGH THE PACE SEEMS SLOW, YOU MAY SUCCEED WITH ONE MORE BLOW.
SUCCESS IS FAILURE TURNED INSIDE OUT, THE DARK CLOUDS OF SELF DOUBT,
AND YOU NEVER CAN TELL HOW CLOSE YOU ARE, IT MAY BE NEAR WHEN IT SEEMS SO FAR;
SO STICK TO THE FIGHT WHEN YOU ARE HARDEST HIT, IT’S WHEN THINGS SEEM THE WORSE,
THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT.
CONCLUSION: WE HAVE TO LEARN WE OVERCOME BY FAITH NOT BY EMOTIONS, MOODS OR FEELINGS. OUR JOURNEY MAY SEEM HARD, LONG AND UPHILL. THE TSUNAMIS ARE COMING… SPIRITUAL TSUNAMIS THAT WILL STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY OUR HOPES AND DREAMS. ALL WE CAN DO IS TO RUN FOR HIGHER GROUND… THE REFUGE. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYERS: PLANT OUR FEET ON HIGHER GROUND… Are we seeking spiritual progress? We must learn personal peace and real joy must never be built on circumstances. Lord plant my feet on higher ground! Come let us rise above the obstacles and problems and trust God to OPEN THE RIGHT DOORS and close the wrong doors.
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
My friends come and go with me to THE HIGHER GROUND ABOVE BEING HURT AND OFFENDED. LET US FIND THAT SWEET SPOT NEAR THE HEART OF GOD WHERE THERE IS JOY, HOPE AND PEACE. RUN AWAY FROM THE TSUNAMI’S POWER.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) Several part lesson…
