In our Christian walk, we go through different seasons. There are seasons where we are experiencing the good times: blessings one after another. During these times, we sing the songs of Zion with joy. Then there are seasons where it feels like we are going through a drought and famine. This is when the test and trials comes. The enemy tries also to steal our joy and song. Where do we get the strength to handle all the pressures of life? How do we navigate through life’s rocky paths in a fleshly tabernacle? We will experience tough times along the way.
God has thoughts of peace for us. Before the beginning of time, God was still king. God created the heavens and earth. God says we are more important than the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. How do we get a testimony when we go through a trial by fire, how do we keep our sanity in a depressed state?
To get from point A to Point B in our Christian walk, we have to go through troubled waters. In these waters, there are alligators, crocodiles, and piranhas that will take you under. It does not matter what your status is in society and how smart you are, you cannot travel from point A to point B on your own strength.
There has to be a solid foundation where we walk on to progress from one destination to the next in our spiritual life. Jesus Christ is the foundation on which we stand. He becomes our bridge when we encounter troubled waters.
MATTHEW 8:23-27=Jesus and His disciples entered a ship after a time of ministry.
After sermon on the Mount, before they entered the ship, the bible records 4 miracles that took place:Jewish leaper got healed with Christ present.Healing of the Centurion’s servant at a distance.Healing of Peter’s mother in-law, with Jesus there in the house.Healing of all the demon-possed and sick, with Jesus present.
They left from Capernaum to pass over the Sea of Galilee to the Eastern shore.Sea of Galilee was known to have storms.
WHY DO WE GO THROUGH TRIALS?
Trials are hardships that test our faith. There are different types of trials, but they are designed to strengthen our faith in God. This brings us into a better place with God (1Peter 4:12,13). Tribulation is a state or time of great affliction. Tribulation is connected with deliverance. Tribulations are viewed as entirely within the will of God, serving to promote moral purity and godly character (Romans 5:3,4). Through the testing of the believer’s faith, it leads to greater stability and maturity (James 1:2-4).
EXAMPLE:
1.The life of Job (how he endured without knowing what was going on, and got blessed at the end).
2.We are God’s workmanship in Christ Jesus. We are called to do something. Ex: ministry, parents, faithful, committed, employees, employers.First, the Lord has to have first place in our lives: Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and His train filled the temple. Moses went to Pharaoh after having a meeting with God. We cannot do anything until we see the Lord high and lifted up in our lives. We are also called to love one another (1John 4:7-9). Seek the Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING IN THE TROUBLED TIMES?
Put your trust in God, not other people. Trust means to place confidence. Trusting in God means to have faith (Psalm 119:50). Comfort comes from God’s promises. To claim God’s promises is called faith in action. Allows me to introduce the looking-towards principle.
Not looking at my trouble, but looking towards to my blessing.
Not looking at my desert storm, but looking towards to my sunny day.
Not looking at what Man says about me, but looking towards to God’s deliverance.
Not looking at my current situation, but looking towards to my breakthrough that’s coming.
Not looking at my present storm, but looking towards to when the storm blows over.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)
(Psalm 16:8)
You might be troubled on every side, yet not distressed
Perplexed, but not in despair.
Persecuted, but not forsaken.
Cast down, but not destroyed.
For this cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.When God’s supernatural power meets natural man, a transformation takes place. He then walks in a new nature.It’s an inside job.We are made in God’s image.Situations a gate, circumstances a door (Psalm 24: 7-10).People waiting for big name preacher to come to town for their healing. I’m not waiting for summer day camp meeting. I will seek and trust God for myself.While Evangelists sell miracle water at these meetings, I’m going to the mercy seat.Situations like a flood. The floods lift up their voice, but the Lord is mightier than many waters.
TRIUMPH STAGE
A.Praise Him in the midst of the pain(Psalm 150). B.Jesus is our Bridge of assurance (The story of Jesus life, death, and resurrection).
C.We have been Reconcilled to God.
D.He’s my Bridge over troubled waters.
E.Submit: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 91:3-7.
F.Across the horizon, a ray of light is breaking forth, weeping endures for a night, but joy is coming in the morning.
G.God is going to turn the tide. Don’t give up. Give up, miss the blessing,Quit now, won’t experience the breakthrough,Drop out of the race, won’t see the victory,Back down and surrender, miss your deliverance.
H.Through my situations, I knew Him as Jehovah (Psalm 33:18,19).
I.Acts 28:3-6: Build your fire.
CONCLUSION:
The journey through the Christian life is One of great joy and happiness. We have the assurance to know that we have eternal life. We sometimes go through the tough times. I am reminded of one of Apostle Paul’s last words to Timothy,"I have fought the good fight of faith".
