Between Sundays “Troubles from God”

“God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint.”  - Job 4:7-8
         There is a thinking among many Christians today that God never sends us anything but that which is easy and comfortable.  The dangers of that kind of reasoning are numerous; We will experience a lack of praise if we ignore the sovereignty of God, we will possess a lack of compassion for others as we misdiagnose their difficult situations, we will be putting God in a box He does not belong in (see Isa. 55:8-9), we will exhibit a fear of surrendering to God’s plans for our spiritual growth, to name a few.
         I would encourage you to read the following verses, and then perhaps write down some of the benefits you could find in difficult times (I believe there is something you can find in each verse).
         “You (God) caused me to experience many troubles and misfortunes, but You will revive me again.”  - Psalm 71:20
         “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”  - James 1:2-3
         Job declared, “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?"  - Job 2:10
         “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  - James 1:12
         “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  - John 16:33
         “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  - 2 Corinthians 12:9
         “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  - Romans 5:3-4
Pastor Mike Fast
“between Sundays”