Last Sundays sermon

Trials we all have them.. no one likes them and no one wants them but.. what do we get out of the trials we all get from time to time. Short term trials are here today and gone tomorrow and for most of us just part of every day living, but what about the long term trials. Do you know someone who seems to always have a real long term trial that they are dealing with for days, months, years??? Maybe its you, but I bet you know someone who has been dealing with major trials for a long time, be it health issues, family dynamics, financial worries, no job, to many bills, gambling, drinking or addiction of some kind or other??? A thorn in the flesh so to speak.



Paul had some kind of thorn in his flesh and asked the Lord to take it away three times but we know it wasn't. I'm guessing most of us would ask way more than three times.



II Corinthians 12:8 concerning this I entreated the Lord, three times that it might depart from me.


Gods answer to Paul was not exactly what he wanted I'm sure.

II Corinthians 12:9 "my grace is sufficient for you, for power is preferred in weakness."


Long term trials can break us~~~so as not to exalt self, but to humble us and send us directly into the arms of the Father. Where we find strength to deal with the trial.


Long term trials can draw us~~~Pray more for help, depend more on God, pour over the word for answers, comfort, direction. Something we may not do without the trial. When were drawn to the word were told in Hebrews 4:12 that it is living and active and sharper than a two edged sword, piercing and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (paraphrased)


Long term trials correct us~~~God knows better what is best for us, He sees the big picture, He knows how much we can take and where it will take us. His grace is sufficient, power is perfected in weakness. Acts 1:8 tells us we will have power from the Holy Spirit, and we will be His witness. (paraphrased) Maybe the trial will bring someone into the fold of believers who may have stood on the side lines for a long time or reach a wayward child or parent there is no end to what God can do in a trial.


Long term trials empty us~~~we become empty of self-so the power of Christ can rest on us.


II Corinthians 12:9 tells us "that the power of Christ may dwell in me" He can change an attitude of the heart and allow us to endure the trial with grace.


Long term trials can transform us~~~We can have contentment, be a changed person with a greater and deeper relationship with God.


II Corinthians 12:10 tells us, "Therefore. "I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ sake for when I am weak then I am strong".
If your interested in end times there is a blog you need to visit, Nike musings, writes about some very important concerns and is an amazing teacher. Check out Kristen's