Kenya Well

Written in Red: Rediscovering the Words of Jesus In the World you will have trouble

JOH 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

ACT 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

EPH 3:13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Tribulation helps to make us stronger and grow up as Christians. ROM 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Picture of marathon runner

Picture of Bicycle seat

2. Tribulation refines us so that the image of Christ in reveled in us. 1PE 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

· Picture of sponge

How to make it through trouble.

Focus on Christ: Let it drive you to His feet. MAT 11:28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest 29 "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.30 "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

· Get the peace that only He can give. JOH 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Gather with your friends Mark 14:32-34 (TEV)“They came to a garden called Gethsemane and Jesus said to His disciples, ‘sit here while I pray’... Distress and anguish came over Him, and He said, “The sorrow in My heart is so great that it almost crushes Me.”

It’s OK to say to God, “God I don’t like this”, Mark 14:36 (NLT) “’Father’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.

Remember the reward. Look beyond today. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (MsgB) So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. [17] These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.

[18] There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

Main Point: God uses trouble to teach us to trust Him.