Finding Strength in God During Life's Trials
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we delve into the principle that trouble is inevitable, but when it comes, we must look to God as our source of strength and hope. Life is full of seasons—ups and downs, good and bad—but through it all, God remains constant. He never leaves us alone for too long, ensuring we don't get into too much trouble. The key message today is that when trouble comes, we should look to God. Jesus Christ assured us that He would never leave us nor forsake us, and His presence is our anchor in times of hardship.
Psalm 91 reminds us that God has given His angels charge over us, promising to be with us in trouble and deliver us. The Apostle Paul also emphasized that if God is for us, who can be against us? Even though people may rise against us, in the end, we will win because we are backed by the best—God Himself. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, did not ask for us to be taken out of the world but prayed for our protection from the evil one. This means that while we will face persecution and hardship, God will be with us, preparing us for something better.
Our faith must be demonstrated through our lives, especially during tough times. Paul said in Philippians 3:13 that knowing Christ involves both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. We are in the world but not of it, chosen by Jesus for His purpose. This separation from the world means we will face challenges, but we are assured of eternal victories in Christ.
When we face trials, we must remember that our real enemy is Satan, not the people around us. The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God for pulling down strongholds. The tests we face are not preventable, but they are purposeful and passable. God is with us, and His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. By staying deep in God's Word, we grow stronger in faith and trust in His promises.
Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This promise is for believers who have accepted Jesus Christ. Our suffering in this world is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Ultimately, our troubles prepare us for an eternal life with Christ, where we will experience God's ultimate good.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unchanging Presence: In times of trouble, remember that God is constant and never leaves us alone for too long. His presence is our anchor, and He has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. Trust in His promise to be with us and deliver us in times of trouble. [01:03]
2. Victory Through Christ: Despite the challenges and opposition we face, we are assured of victory because God is for us. Jesus' prayer in John 17 emphasizes that while we are in the world, we are not of it, and God will protect us from the evil one. Our faith must be demonstrated through our lives, especially during tough times. [04:55]
3. Purposeful Trials: The trials we face are not preventable, but they are purposeful and passable. God uses these trials to prepare us for greater tasks and to build our character. By staying deep in God's Word, we grow stronger in faith and trust in His promises. [10:35]
4. Romans 8:28: This verse assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Our suffering in this world is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. This promise is for believers who have accepted Jesus Christ. [18:06]
5. Eternal Perspective: Our ultimate good is to glorify God in eternity. While we may suffer in this world, our reward is out of this world. The confidence in Romans 8:28 reminds us that nothing in this life of waiting and suffering is wasted. We will be rewarded beyond our imagination or hope. [25:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - God's Unchanging Presence
[01:42] - Principle for Today: Look to God
[02:31] - Assurance of God's Presence
[03:39] - Victory Through Christ
[04:55] - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer
[05:57] - Purposeful Trials
[07:06] - Demonstrating Faith
[07:48] - Modern Day Disciples
[09:00] - Eternal Victories
[09:23] - Real Enemy: Satan
[10:35] - Purposeful and Passable Tests
[11:19] - God's Deliverance
[12:28] - Strength in God's Word
[13:40] - God's Saving Power
[15:02] - Romans 8:28 Explained
[18:06] - Comfort in Hard Times
[21:00] - Loving God and Being Called
[25:23] - Eternal Perspective
[27:26] - Jesus Walks With Us
[29:03] - Prayer of Salvation
[29:57] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:11-15: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'"
2. John 17:14-15: "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
3. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 91:11-15, what promises does God make to those who love Him and call upon His name?
2. In John 17:14-15, what does Jesus pray for regarding His followers, and why does He not ask for them to be taken out of the world?
3. How does Romans 8:28 describe the relationship between God's purpose and the experiences of believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to give His angels charge over us, as mentioned in Psalm 91:11-15? How does this provide comfort during times of trouble? [02:31]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus prays for protection from the evil one rather than removal from the world in John 17:14-15? How does this shape our understanding of facing trials as Christians? [04:55]
3. How can Romans 8:28 be a source of hope and assurance for believers during difficult times? What does it imply about the nature of suffering and God's ultimate plan? [18:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time of trouble in your life. How did you experience God's presence and protection during that period? What specific actions did you take to seek His help? [01:42]
2. Jesus prayed for our protection from the evil one rather than removal from the world. How can you apply this understanding to your daily life, especially when facing opposition or hardship? [04:55]
3. The sermon emphasized that our real enemy is Satan, not the people around us. How can you shift your perspective to see spiritual battles rather than personal conflicts in your interactions? [09:23]
4. Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. How can you remind yourself of this promise when you are in the midst of suffering or uncertainty? [18:06]
5. The sermon mentioned that our trials are purposeful and passable. Can you identify a current challenge you are facing and consider how it might be preparing you for something greater? How can you stay focused on God's promises during this time? [10:35]
6. How can you deepen your engagement with God's Word to strengthen your faith and trust in His promises? What specific steps will you take this week to immerse yourself in Scripture? [12:28]
7. The ultimate good is to glorify God in eternity. How does this eternal perspective change the way you view your current struggles and successes? What practical changes can you make to align your life more closely with this eternal perspective? [25:23]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unchanging Presence
In times of trouble, it is crucial to remember that God is constant and never leaves us alone for too long. His presence serves as our anchor, providing us with the strength and hope we need to navigate through life's ups and downs. Psalm 91 assures us that God has given His angels charge over us, promising to be with us in trouble and deliver us. This divine assurance should encourage us to trust in His promise and lean on Him during difficult times. [01:03]
Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you remind yourself of His constant presence in future trials?
Day 2: Victory Through Christ
Despite the challenges and opposition we face, we are assured of victory because God is for us. Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 emphasizes that while we are in the world, we are not of it, and God will protect us from the evil one. Our faith must be demonstrated through our lives, especially during tough times. This assurance of victory through Christ should embolden us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that we are backed by the best—God Himself. [04:55]
John 17:15-16 (ESV): "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel opposition. How can you demonstrate your faith in Christ in that situation, trusting in His victory?
Day 3: Purposeful Trials
The trials we face are not preventable, but they are purposeful and passable. God uses these trials to prepare us for greater tasks and to build our character. By staying deep in God's Word, we grow stronger in faith and trust in His promises. Understanding that our trials have a purpose can help us endure them with a hopeful perspective, knowing that God is using them for our good and His glory. [10:35]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think about a current trial you are facing. How can you see this trial as an opportunity for growth and trust in God's purpose for it?
Day 4: Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This promise is for believers who have accepted Jesus Christ. Our suffering in this world is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. This verse provides comfort and hope, reminding us that God is orchestrating everything for our ultimate good and His glory. [18:06]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on a difficult situation in your past. How did God use that situation for your good, and how can this perspective help you trust Him in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Our ultimate good is to glorify God in eternity. While we may suffer in this world, our reward is out of this world. The confidence in Romans 8:28 reminds us that nothing in this life of waiting and suffering is wasted. We will be rewarded beyond our imagination or hope. This eternal perspective helps us endure present sufferings with the hope of future glory, encouraging us to live faithfully for God's eternal purposes. [25:23]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal reward influence the way you handle current sufferings? What steps can you take to keep an eternal perspective in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "The principle for today is trouble comes. But when it comes, look to God. He's our source. He's our strength. He's our hope. He's our everything. When trouble comes, look to God. When we know Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, we can be certain of one thing. And that is when trouble and trying times come, the Lord is going to be with us. Because He said He would never leave us nor forsake us." [01:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth is that many people can and will rise up against you as instruments of Savior. They can cheat, harass, persecute, insult, mock, even physically abuse you. But here's the point. In the end, you will win and they will lose. If you can hold on to that thought that at the end of the day, no matter how bad it may seem, you will win because you are a winner who has been backed by the best." [03:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nobody ever said we wouldn't go through things. Jesus never promised us we wouldn't have difficult days and hard times. But he did promise. That God would keep us and protect us during these difficult times. If we turn to him, if we look to him and rely on him, he will be there with you. And he will protect you." [04:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What you're going through right now is not designed to kill you, but to build you and to establish you in a place where God can use you at will. Because he knows he has brought you through the fire. You have withstood the test. And you chose not to give up and give in when it got real hard. And you stayed steadfast, unmovable. You were dependent upon God, and God came through for you." [05:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you belong to Jesus. Let me tell you something. He gives you eternal victories in all things. And no one can take away from you what he has so freely given you. Let him come. Let him fight. Let him give the best shot. They cannot take away what Christ has given you. And that is peace. Joy. And an eternal life with him. That's yours. Guaranteed. Can't change it." [09:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Quit fighting people you're looking at. Quit getting mad with people who don't see things your way. Your real enemy is Satan. That's who you're fighting. But you have weapons that are mighty through God. For the pulling down of strongholds. This thing that you're going through right now. That you're dealing with right now. That you're fighting night and day. It's just a test." [09:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The more you read and study God's word, the stronger your faith will grow. The more you trust God, the more you will grow in your understanding that he is trustworthy in all things. At all times. He will not leave you. The more you take courage in the Lord's presence with you, you need to feel God's presence as he walks with you day in and day out." [14:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Everything happening for the good. Does not necessarily mean. Happy. Or painless. Or financially successful in our ideas. The best possible outcome can be on any given day. Does not necessarily mean it. God's ultimate good is to glorify us. In eternity. That's the good. If I suffer through this world. And end up. Living with Christ forever. Then that's good. And that's going to work out on my behalf." [25:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When trouble comes. Go to Romans 8 and 28. Nothing in this life of waiting and suffering. Is going to be wasted. You will be rewarded. Over and above. Anything you could have imagined or hoped. All these things are wrapped up in your savior. Jesus Christ. And yes he wants us to experience. A lot of it right here on earth. But ultimately. The ultimate goal. Of all my troubles. Is to spend eternity with Christ." [26:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When you consider that. That you have Jesus. To walk you through. Life's troubles. Life's problems. Life's people. He is there. And you don't know that. Unless you accept him as your Lord and Savior. Give your life to Christ. If you have not done so. I encourage you to do it today. Because tomorrow is not promised. But if tomorrow comes. And you have given your life to Christ. Whatever happens tomorrow. Falls on him first." [27:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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