Adversity and Challenges – 2

Memory Verse: …  ” Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all. – Psalm 34:19 (AMP).

Text: Psalm 13:1-6

Spiritual Emphasis: Being a believer doesn’t exempt us from disappointments, hardships, adversities, and challenges of life. There will be unfair things that we don’t understand, but this is where you have to trust that God is still in control. If you are patient and don’t get bitter or give up, God will give you beauty for the ashes.

      How should we respond in times like these?

• Keep Rejoicing: It is not what many Christians will advise and counsel one another, let alone believe themselves. Make no mistake, the Bible teaches the need for endurance during trials, but it does not let us stop there. The Lord calls us to approach adversity and suffering in a unique and wholly uncommon way. As Christians, we are exhorted to rejoice during suffering and in God’s salvation – Psalm 13:5b; Romans 5:3-5; Colossians 1:24; 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 1:7; 2 Cor.4:17; Phil. 4:4; Neh. 8:10c
• Keep Worshiping: Despite everything he has been through, David is able to see the goodness of God. God’s grace gives us the ability to praise and thank Him during our adversity and challenges – Psalm 13:6; Psalm 69:29-30; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 71:20-24.

Questions/Activities: What can we learn from Peter’s experience walking on water? (Matthew 14:22-32).

Conclusion. 

Father, thank you that no matter what hardship or trouble I face, I can stay in peace knowing that You will rescue me from them all. Thank You that You were with Job, David, Ruth, Joseph, Daniel, and Paul in their times of difficulties and troubles, and You are with me in mine. I may not be able to move mountains, or calm the storms of life, but I know who can, and He is always with me. His name is Jesus Christ, Jehovah Jireh (The Lord our provider), Jehovah Rapha (our Healer), Jehovah Nissi (our Peace), Elohim (Supreme God, Strong one, Creator God), El Shaddai (All-sufficient One), El Roi (God who sees me), and He said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Help me to be patient, trust and obey You in Jesus name – Amen!!!

Shalom! 

Self-Study: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Proverbs 3:4-6; Philippians 4:12-13; Proverbs 24:10; 1 Peter 5:10; James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28; Joshua 1”9-10; John 14:27-28; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 15:7-8; Romans 12:2; Psalm 34:19; Isaiah 26:3-4; Philippians 4:6-7; Job 13:15a; Job 14:7.