Introduction

Hey there, family! So glad you could join us today. We're about to get into something that I reckon a lot of us have been wrestling with lately. It's this idea of trouble in the world, worry in our hearts, and God's control over all.

You know, it's funny, I was reading a book by Max Lucado the other day, and he said something that just jumped off the page at me. He wrote, "The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional." Isn't that something? It's like he's saying, we can't escape the fact that worry will show up, but we sure can decide whether we're going to let it lock us up or not.

Understanding the Trouble in the World

When we look around, we see a world that's filled with trouble. It's in the news every day, in the stories we hear from friends and family, and sometimes, it's right in our own lives. Trouble is a part of the human experience. It's as common as the air we breathe. But why is that? Why is there so much trouble in the world?

The Bible gives us some insight into this.

A. In the book of Genesis, we see the first instance of trouble entering the world. Adam and Eve, living in the Garden of Eden, had everything they needed. But they were tempted by the serpent, they ate the forbidden fruit, and trouble came into the world. This was the first sin, and it set the stage for all the trouble that would follow.

B. This trouble, this sin, it's a part of our human nature. It's a part of who we are. But it's not the whole story. The Bible also tells us about God's love, His grace, and His plan for redemption. Even in the midst of trouble, God is at work.

Now, let's think about that pool in John 5:4. The water was troubled, stirred up. But it was in this troubled water that healing took place. This tells us something important about trouble. It's not just a problem to be avoided. It's also an opportunity for God to work in our lives.

C. When we face trouble, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. It's easy to feel like we're alone. But the Bible tells us that we're not alone. God is with us in the midst of our trouble. He's there to comfort us, to guide us, and to help us find a way through.

But there's more to it than that.

D. When we face trouble, we also have an opportunity to grow. We can learn from our experiences, we can develop resilience, and we can become stronger. Trouble can be a teacher, if we're willing to learn.

E. And finally, let's not forget about the healing that comes after the trouble. The first person to step into the troubled water was healed. This is a powerful reminder that God can bring healing and wholeness out of our trouble. He can take our pain, our struggle, and our hardship, and He can use it for good.

The Role of Worry in Our Lives

In the midst of life's storms, worry often becomes our unwelcome companion ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO