Transformed by Trouble

Thanks for sharing this with me, my dear P in Singapore =)

With your permission, I'm posting the exerpts of your sermon notes on my blog : -

Transformed by Trouble
learning points taken down by Princess Warrior


God has a purpose behind every problem: we are no stranger to circumstances. God uses them to mould us to be more like Jesus. 24/7. Not all circumstances are big but all are significant in God's growth process. Every problem is a chracter buidling opportunity and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for builidng spiritual muscle and moral fibre.

Bringing the good out of the bad: A lot of what happens in the world is bad and evil. God brings out the good in it. In the official fmaily tree of Jesus CHrist (Matthew 1:1-16), four women are listed: Tamar (seduced her father in law to get pregnant); Rahab (Prostitute); Ruth (not a Jew but married a Jewish man) and Bathsheba (committed adultery with David). These are not sterling reputations but God brought good out of bad and Jesus came through their lineage.

A test of faith: these troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold. 1 Peter 1:7. Jesus himself learnt obedience from suffering and was made perfect through suffering.

Stay focused on the plan and not the pain: We often get side-tracked by emotions and the pain. Remember Jeremiah 29:11. Jesus was willing to die a shameful death for us because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards. Corrie ten Boom who suffered in the Nazi camp said -- if you look at the world you will be distressed; if you look within you will be depressed but if you look at Christ, you will be at rest. Moses endured a lot of problems because he was looking ahead for his reward (Eternal life with God and the crown of glory)

Rejoice and give thanks: Rejoice not in our problems but in God's joy, provision, wisdom, power and faithfulness.

Character building is a slow process. You know you are maturing when you begin to see the hand of God in random, baffling and seemingly pointless circumstances in life. STICK IT OUT! STAY WITH GOD'S PLAN so you'll be there for the promised completion.