TROUBLES to TRIUMPH

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 (MSG)

Pastor closed things out yesterday with a reference to this passage from Peterson’s paraphrase.

Made me think of this one I have often shared in the OFH.

...we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (MSG)

None of us like the “troubles”.

You know the "troubles"...

Sickness.

Financial woes.

Betrayals.

Hardships.

Not a one of us wakes up on a Monday and says, “Lord I am looking forward to ALL of the adversity that has been conjured up for me this week.  I am looking forward to my trove of trouble!”

At least I wouldn’t think so.

But Paul on these occasions was QUICK to remind us that trouble is, well, inevitable. 

Jesus reminded us of it too. (John 16:33). 

But with these mentions of trouble is the PROMISE of triumph!

And here are some truths about the troubles.

The troubles make us fitter!

The troubles are not bigger than us!

For every dose of trouble there is a heaping helping of grace to counter!

I pray that encourages your spirit today.

For James said this of trouble and triumph.

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. James 1:12 (MSG)

Friends, I am almost certain that each of you have some measure of trouble you are facing.  Maybe it is a season of intense chaos or perhaps there is a nagging conflict that won’t seem to dissipate or resolve.

Don’t let it overwhelm you!

Meet the challenge head on!

Remember that hope, justice, and grace are ON YOUR SIDE!

“Really, there was only one sensible thing to do. 

Stay the course. Pray it through, day by day, minute by minute. 

The Lord has an answer and it WILL surely come.” - Hanna

And that answer is TRIUMPH!

Have a blessed day!

I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE