John 16:33--In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
2 Corinthians 6:4[GN]--In everything we do we show that we are God’s servants,
by enduring troubles, hardships and difficulties with great patience.
How to Deal with Difficulty
1. Determine the reason.
Psalm 73:16[GN]--I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me until I went into your Temple.
Three Common mistakes in dealing with difficulty
1. We listen to bad advice.
vs. 11--…they followed the advice of the pilot…
2. We follow the crowd.
vs. 12--The majority decided that we should sail…
3. We rely on circumstances.
vs. 13--When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted...
2. Determine the result.
2 Corinthians 4:17[Ph]--These little troubles… (which are temporary) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward all out of proportion to our pain.
Romans 5:3-4[LB]--We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know…they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time…
3. Determine my response.
WRONG RESPONSES
1. Storms and difficulties can cause us to drift.
vs. 15--so we gave way to it and were driven along.
2. Storms and difficulties can cause us to discard.
• The Discard Principle
vs. 18--…they began to throw the cargo overboard…
• The Safeguard Principle
vs. 31-32--Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.
3. Storms and difficulties can cause us to despair.
vs. 20--…we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
The Right Response
1. Confess my part.
Proverbs 28:13[LB]--A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.
2. Confront the problem.
see vs. 34-40.
Don’t fear the storm, face it.
3. Claim a promise.
see vs. 22-25.
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. How have difficulties strengthened your faith in the past?
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson.
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching?
3. What Faith Factor is God working in you right now, and how?
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.
*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless
otherwise noted.
www.bca-online.com
BCA-Online
Homepage | Back to
BCA page for AvantGo | Previous message