Series: Grace For Times Of Trouble (Part II)

Read: Philippians 3:7-9 – (7 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. 9) And be found in Him, not having my own Righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ, the Righteousness which is of God by Faith:

     You probably have a childhood memory of being sick and having to take some awful medicine. It was a disgusting color and smelled horrible, and you just know it would taste worse than it looked. Still, your mother said, “It’s good for you – really. You’ll feel better.” It was hard to imagine how something that seemed so bad could actually be for your good.

     Paul endured beating after beating, rejection, mockery, shipwreck. Yet with rejoicing and confidence, he made this statement of conquering faith while in a Roman prison: “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. . .” (vv. 8).

     The events that many people would consider a curse or a punishment, Paul considered trivialities, unimportant when compared to the outcome of following Christ. As a result, Paul not only found deep and abiding fellowship with Jesus, but he was God’s key instrument for reaching much of the world with the gospel.

     Do you view your problems in light of God’s purpose? Even when it’s difficult to see what lies ahead, you can rely on His grace to make every trouble a channel of His blessing. The flow of His grace is swiftest when the need is greatest.

Series: Grace For Times Of Trouble

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – (7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8) For this thing I be sought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. 9) And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakens. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rests upon me. (10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

     True or false: If you have enough faith, pray regularly, and obey God, He will change or remove the negative circumstances in your life?

     Anyone who tells you the answer to this statement is “true” isn’t being honest. The message of Jesus Christ is not a “name it and claim it” gospel that says if you want a certain blessing badly enough God will give it to you on your conditions.

     As your loving Father, He has your best interest at heart. If something you ask for doesn’t fit His perfect plan for your work and wellbeing, He may say no. His care goes beyond the pleasure of the moment. He is always at work preparing you for the future, sometimes at the expense of temporary pain.

     Paul learned this lesson well, after petitioning God three times to remove a problem, he began to understand why God didn’t taken his trouble away. “And He has said to me, My Grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakens. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rests upon me.”(vs.9).

Stay tuned for another installment shortly of:  “Grace For Times Of Trouble”

SECRETS

     Secrets – whether a grandmother’s special recipe or a company’s unique product formula are rarely revealed. In his letter to the Philippians church, the Apostle Paul provided all who would read the Scriptures with the secret of contented living (Philippians 4:11-13).

     Paul announced to them and us that he was content in life – whether he had scraps for dinner or a feast, whether his purse was bulging or flat. His secret is shared in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

     The Greek word for contentment is translated “self-sufficiency” or “self-satisfaction.” That may surprise you. At first glance, Paul appears to say that the secret to contentment lies in his own resilient self.

     But what he was expressing was this: “My self-sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy because through Him I am equipped and sustained.”

     Paul’s secret is yours. Despite the circumstances you may be experiencing, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need – in good times and bad.