MOVING FORWARD: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES OF LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS JOHN 16:29-33
Being A Message Prepared and Delivered By Okunadewale, Olusegun Isaac on Women Focus Week Sunday Worship of Agape Baptist Church, Ita-Elepa, Ilorin on 19th February, 2017John 16:29-33 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But
take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
INTRODUCTION :Naturally or ordinarily speaking what seems impossible to do is to sail against the tides. The possibility to forge ahead is zero. Likewise the spiritual and other aspects of our life. Is it ever possible to move forward while going through challenges or when all things seem to be working against one. You will be with me that it is difficult to move forward when faced with challenges. However, our Lord Jesus has promised that it is ever possible to move forward during challenges. He said even though we are going to face challenges of life in diverse ways, we can move forward. I pray that no matter what we may be going through, we shall receive strengths and grace to move forward in Jesus name! (Amen).Meaning of Challenge The Cambridge English Dictionary defines “Challenge” as “the situation of being faced with something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability.” A challenge is situation that may not be invited, palatable, conducive, encouraging or comfortable. The truth of the matter is that there is virtually none that does not have a situation that needs great mental and physical effort or stress to overcome. So, some of these situations rae to test our abilities, especially in faith. Another Word for Challenges Tough times Troubles Trials of faith Tribulations Persecutions Hard times Difficulties Suffering Distress Afflictions Oppressions
DIVERSE OF CHALLENGES
Major Challenges in Life:
- Financial challenges
- Spiritual challenges
- Marital challenges
- Physical/Medical challenges
- Academic challenges
- Challenges in Marriage
- Political challenge
- Socio-Economic Challenge
- Ministerial challenge
- Challenge in Career So, we all have diverse challenges in life.
PEACE DIVINE At the face of any challenge, only in Christ Jesus we can find peace, rest of mind for our lives. Jesus told his disciples that they should be well informed. They were informed that a time will come when they will be faced with challenges because of him. That time it will not be a new thing. John 16vs33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. So many things.. but what are the many things? They differ in nature! Therefore, when going through these things, our heart will be at rest in Christ. In him lies peace that surpasses all human understanding. He is the prince of peace.
WHY FACING CHALLENGES?
Why does God allow us to be faced with challenges?1.It help our perseverance. James 1:12; Gal. 6:9; Heb. 10:35-36
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him(NIV)."
Gal 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up(NIV) "
2.Our own mistakes. Hosea 4:6;
Prov. 19:2-3"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord. (NIV )"
3.To humble us the more. IICor. 12:7; Pro. 18:12; 1 Pet. 5:6-8 IICor 12:7-8 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me(NIV )"
4.God’s Discipline Heb. 12:5-11
5.To depend more on God.2 Cor. 12:9-10
6 To protect us from bigger problem Psalm 121:5-8
7. To share the suffering of Christ 1 Pet. 4:12-16
8.To grow and become like Christ Rom. 8:28-28
9 Character Development Rom. 5:3-6
10.Builds up our faith in God James 1:2-6
11. Manifesting the glory of God Psalm 40:4-5; John 9
12.To help someone in that shoe after you have gone through it and overcome 2 Cor. 1:3-4
13.For greater rewards in heaven 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Mark 10:28-30
14.To know that only God is in control Luke 8:22-25
15.Challenges increase our knowledge of God and helps to learn God’s word Psalm 119:71-77
16.To be more thankful and grateful to God 1 Thess. 5:16-18
17.Challenges usually take our minds off the things of the world Col. 3:1-4
FORCES THAT THREATEN OUR STAND WITH GOD
- Trouble
- Hardship
- Persecution
- Famine
- Nakedness
- Danger
- Sword
- Death or life Angel or Demons
- The present or the future Powers,
- Height or depths
- Anything else in creation
THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR DEALING WITH CHALLENGES OF LIFE
- Be calm, God is in control. There is never any problem above God’s power. Nothing is too hard for him to do Jer. 32:27
- Do away with all sinful characters Heb. 12:1
- Acknowledge God, trust in him for strengths and wisdom to deal with the challenges Isaiah 12:2
- Attack intentionally spiritual forces that may be behind the problems 2 Cor. 10:4-6
- God can use challenges for his purpose Gen. 50:20
- Pray more and complain less 1 Thess. 5:17; John 16:24
- Seek godly counsel Pro. 15:22
- Learn to praise God 1 Thess. 5:18
- Look up to God not mountains Psalm 121:1
- Read the bible and learn from people who have gone through trials and overcome Heb. 12:1
- Be watchful, vigilant 1 Pet. 5:8
FINALLY, Jesus said that, “…cheer up for I have overcome the world for you”. This is the greatest assurance that no matter what we are going through we will surely overcome through Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment