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Explore the common experience of feeling abandoned by God and discover principles that encourage and strengthen us during difficult times. Find hope and learn how trials can deepen our faith and lead to praise and honor before the appearing of Jesus Christ.
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I Peter 1:3-7 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
(4) To an inheritance incorruptible, & undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:”
(7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Where Is God When I Need Him? When Is A Time When I Don’t?
Ever Feel Abandoned? • At the worst possible time? • Why does God seem so distant when I need Him the most? • You are troubled, puzzled, facing difficulties, so you do what?
You Pray! Been there? Would it be wrong to hope that you do? • Increase the intensity! • You’re distressed, end of your rope, so you cry out for relief! • All you get is silence, so deafening that it drowns out every thought except that God isn’t paying attention.
Principles To Encourage Us • Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger! • Common experience. • Psalm 6:1-10; Psalm 77:7-9 • Psalm 83:1 “Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.” • Psalm 22:1 – Matthew 27:46
Principles To Encourage Us • I Peter 1:3-7 – The times of our distress is good for God’s children! • Rejoicing in salvation also means experiencing distress due to various trials.
Principles To Encourage Us • I Peter 1:3-7 – living hope, incorruptible inheritance, undefiled, reserved! • God has not utterly abandoned us even though it may feel that way! • I Corinthians 10:13
Principles To Encourage Us • Trials produce grief, grief is a common experience! • How long is this experience? v.6 “for a season” temporary experience • A weakened believer is crushed! • This too will pass! My time table?
Principles To Encourage Us • Why we have to experience this? • v.7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” • To test the genuine nature of our faith & prove it real!
Principles To Encourage Us • Why we have to experience this? • Psalm 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” • Patience developed! • Make our joy less dependent on circumstances – Matthew 5:1-12 • Where is God?
God’s Simple Plan HEAR (Romans 10:17) BELIEVE (John 8:24) REPENT (Luke 13:3) CONFESS (Rom.10:9-10) BAPTIZED (Gal. 3:27) ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)
Are You Wayward? “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” (Acts 8:22) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)