1. Prayer & Difficulty

2. The series  Easter in 3 weeks time – we have been looking at Lent and a series about: – Fasting – Giving – Prayer – Difficulty  In the context of who is in control?

3. What can difficulty teach us?  Like fasting and giving, life's difficulties can help us find who is really in control in our lives.  It has been suggested that we are defined as much by our re-actions as our actions and difficulty will sometimes reveal our hearts.

4. What is God’s view of difficulty?  In this world you will have trouble  “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.” Jn 16: 32-33  Do not be surprised “ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Pet 4:12 “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” 1 Jn 3:12  Avoid it if you can  “and lead us not into testing but deliver us from evil”. Mt 6:13  Peace if you can’t  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jn 14:27 “A strong tower”

5. The positive aspects of difficulty  A refining work  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, Mal 3:3  Develops character  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Ro 5 3-5

6. Prayer and fasting can change things and prepare us for the unexpected  Prayer and fasting can have a direct effect by changing the circumstances  It can also have an indirect effect by changing us  It can prepare us  Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mk 14:38