WHAT TO DO WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH?

As delivered by Steve Stroope on 1/13/2010 at Man Church in Rockwall, TX.

Notes from Greg Beauchamp

TRUST GOD - Romans 8:28-32

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

3 REASONS YOU CAN TRUST GOD

1. God is in Control

Romans 8 - "God works..."

Psalm 147: 8-9, He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

Lamentations 3:37-38, We can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

To say, “God is kind of in control” will wreck you.

Joseph was sold to slavery by his own brothers, accused of rape, in jail 13 years. To his brothers, he said (Gen 45:8) 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

2. God knows what we do not know

Sometimes benefit does not come this side of heaven. “In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer (Philippians).

Jeremiah 29:11, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Isaiah 55:8-9, 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We define “GOOD” differently than God. God defines “GOOD” as “conforming to the image of His Son.” We usually define “GOOD” as “comfort.”

What tough times do for us:
1. Clarify our faith. Job says, “Tough he slay me, yet will I praise Him.”
2. Increase our compassion
3. Humble us. If we are not humbled, we begin to think we can exist without God.
4. Gives us opportunities to witness
5. Increases our longing for heaven. This world is not our home.
6. Makes us stronger.

3. God Loves us

Romans 8:31, 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Abraham – God told him he was going to have children – waited 25 years
Moses – God told him he would deliver people from slavery – waited 40 years
Paul – Thorn in the flesh was never removed
Jesus on the cross – Asked God for help – God was silent, hidden and unfair, while also pulling off the most brilliant, loving, merciful act in all of history.

1 Corinthians 10:13, 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.