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
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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)
4. When you say: "I can’t figure things out since I am confused." - Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Jesus also says, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not rely on your own insights. In all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your paths."(Pv. 3:5,6)
5. When you say: "I’m not able to carry this heavy burden." - Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt 11:28,29) "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psa. 55:22)
Illustration: The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. --Proverbs 15:29
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Sportswriter Waddy Spoelstra and his wife Jean are both octogenarians who demonstrate each day the importance of a life of faith in Jesus Christ.
Jean has suffered from congestive heart failure for 3 years. After she had a medical checkup last fall, her doctor announced, "Your heart is good and your lungs are clear. It seems that both are in the process of healing." When Waddy responded with "Praise the Lord," the physician replied, "That’s it. You two have positive attitudes. You believe in answered prayer. As I’ve said before, prayer is a big part of medical care."
It’s exciting to hear a doctor acknowledging the connection between prayer and patient care. It’s not a new idea, though. Studies have shown that prayer can accelerate the healing process, whether it’s the patient or others who do the praying.
But we don’t really need studies to prove that prayer works. God’s Word tells us it does.
Have you spent time talking to the Lord about your trials? He knows how to meet your needs--whether through His direct intervention (Ps. 34:17) or through the comfort of His presence (v.18). Trust Him today with your heart. --JDB
Prayer brings us peace and gives us power
To walk the Christian way;
Prayer links us with the living God--
Therefore we need to pray. --Anon.
Daily prayers are the best remedy
for daily cares. (our Daily Bread)
6. When you say: "The pressures from the world, the flesh, and the devil are too strong for me." - Jesus say, "In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) "Love not the world or the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the boastful pride of life are not from the Father, but are from the world - Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself and you will have the empowerment to overcome anything or anyone." (I John 2:15,16)
7. When you say: "I am not able to solve this problem." - Jesus says, "You can do everything God asks you to do with the help of Christ who gives you the strength and power." (Phil. 4:13)"Not that you are adequate to consider anything as coming from yourself but your adequacy is from God." (2 Cor 3:5,6)
8. When you say: "I do not have sufficient strength, resources or wisdom to handle this problem." - Jesus says, "My grace is sufficient for you for My power is perfected in your weakness. For my power shows up best in weak people. For when you are weak, then I am strong. The less you have the more you depend on Me." (2 Cor. 12:9,10)
9. When you say: "It’s not worth it." - Jesus says, "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) "If you continue in my word, then truly you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth will set your free." (John 8:31,32)
10. When you say: "I cannot forgive that person." - Jesus says, "Unless you forgive your brother from your heart, neither will I forgive you - forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever." (Matt. 18:35; Matt. 6:9-15)
11. When you say: "I cannot manage with what I have." - Jesus says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own." (Matt 6:33,34) "I will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." (Phil. 4:19)
12. When you say: "I am afraid and fear the worst." - Jesus says, "I have not give you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7)"Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa 41:10)
13. When you say: "I am always worried and frustrated." - Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1,2) "Cast all your care upon Me and I will care for you." (I Pet. 5:7)
14. When you say: "I don’t have enough faith." - Jesus says, "Stop doubting and believe." (Jn 20:27 )"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed you can say to this mountain, be removed and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you."
15. When you say: "I don’t have any peace in my heart and mind." - Jesus says, "Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
16. When you say: "I’m not smart enough for what lies ahead of me." Jesus says, "All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Me." (Col. 2:3)
17. When you say: "I feel all alone and nobody wants to be my friend." - Jesus says, "You are my friends, if you do what I command... I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends." (John 15:14,15)"In me you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother."
18. When you say: "I do not sense I am accomplishing anything." - Jesus says, "Every branch in me that bears no fruit I prune it so that it will be even more fruitful. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:2,7)
19. When you say: "I feel like quitting." - Jesus says, "When He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. You shall receive power when the Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (John 16:13; Acts 1:8)
Conclusion: He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. --Isaiah 53:4
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1982. In the first 15 years, 54,000 items were left at the Wall. It still takes almost an hour every night, and much longer on Memorial Day, to collect the mementos--a teddy bear, a photo of a soldier’s grandchild, a letter from a daughter who never knew her dad.
Every item is labeled and taken to a warehouse. No one knows quite how to deal with it all. "No one ever expected this to happen," a park ranger says. "It’s so personal. It caught everyone by surprise."
Loss comes to us all, and we often carry our grief for many years. We struggle with our emotions. Is there a place where we can leave our sorrows and find healing for the wounds of life?
Isaiah 53 speaks of the Messiah as the One who "has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows . . . . By His stripes we are healed" (vv.4-5). When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin, we also come to know Him as the One who can lift the weight of sadness from our shoulders.
We can bring our grief to the Man of sorrows. There is help and healing and closure at the cross for the deepest pain of our hearts. --DCM
When trials come, and storms arise,
When tempests darken earth and skies
And everything my spirit tries,
I’ll hide myself in Jesus. --Anon.
Leave your sorrows with the "Man of Sorrows." (our Daily Bread)
The following is a devotional from Nancy Campbell that is outstanding in teaching how to learn from our desert experiences. All credit goes to her alone:
The desert is where God prepares us for His purposes for our lives.
J It was in the desert, the deepest part of the desert, that Moses had an encounter with the mighty God. He stood on holy ground in the desert. God kept him in that desert for forty long years, but he came out ready to deliver a nation from the tyranny of Egypt. (Acts 7:30-38)
J David was forced into the desert to hide from the wrath of King Saul, but while in that desert he raised an army of men. The wilderness is a training ground for the battle. (1 Samuel 22:2; 23:14-15, 24:1; 26:3; 1 Chronicles 12:1-15)
J John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of the Lord in the wilderness. (Mark 1:1-7; Luke 1:15-17, 80))
J After Paul’s conversion, he went into seclusion -- into the desert of Arabia, where he heard "unspeakable words" from God. I wonder if he went to Horeb, the Mountain of God, where Moses met God. (2 Corinthians 12:1-7; Galatians 1:17)
The desert is where we learn to overcome.
Jesus won the victory over Satan in the wilderness and came forth to minister in the power of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 4:1-11) Notice that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. He was not out of God’s will but in the very center of His will while in the desert.
The desert is where we lose the lure for the things of the world.
After being in the desert for 40 years, Moses went right back into the pride and wealth of Egypt, but it had no hold upon him. Hebrews 11:24-26)
The desert is where we learn to walk by faith.
Psalm 78:16-18 says, "And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, ’Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?’"
They did not believe God could provide for them. But God did not let them out of the desert until they had learned the walk of faith.
The desert is where we learn dependence upon God.
Oh what a beautiful picture we see of the bride of Christ in Song of Solomon 8:5, "Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?"
During the wilderness experience, God’s people found that it didn’t work to rely on their own strength. They learned in the desert to rely totally on God’s strength. There was no other way. Moses tried to help his people in his own strength when he killed the Egyptian, but it failed. God had to work on him for 40 years in the desert before he was ready to deliver his people from the power of Egypt.
It’s your attitude!
Are you going through a difficult wilderness experience right now? Don’t despair. You are going through your wilderness. Yes, you are going through! There is an end! But according to your attitude to your problems you will either die (spiritually) in your wilderness or come out victorious. Or you will either come out hurt and bitter, or with the sweet anointing of the presence of God upon you.
Because the children of Israel were full of unbelief, and grumbled and complained about their hardships the challenges they had to face, they all died in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb came through!
Joshua came forth to lead God’s people into battle and to take the Promised Land. (Joshua 1:6-7)
Caleb came forth ready to take mountains and tackle giants. (Joshua 14:6-15)
David came forth ready to reign over God’s people, Israel. (2 Samuel 5:3)
Paul came forth to be a mighty apostle.
How will you come through?
PRAYER:
"I thank you, Lord that you are bringing me through the wilderness. Please help me to have the right attitude. Help me to see that this is all part of your plan and that you are preparing me for your purposes. Amen."
AFFIRMATION:
I am walking through my wilderness, rejoicing that God is with me.
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