And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me… Philippians 1:12 NLT
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 NLT
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
OUR PERCEPTION OF REALITY IS AFFECTED BY HOW SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED WE ARE
YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE
WHY DO STORMS HAPPEN?
1. SOMETIMES GOD IS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
2. SOMETIMES PEOPLE SIN AGAINST US
‘Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come… Luke 17:1 NKJV
‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ‘ Romans 8:28 NLT
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
EVERY STORM OF LIFE LEAVES YOU WITH A CHOICE. RUN FROM IT OR GROW FROM IT.
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12 NLT
THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IS BEING SPREAD AMONG THE ROMAN SOLDIERS
For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. Philippians 1:13 NLT
PAUL IS INSPIRING OTHER BELIEVERS
And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:14 NLT
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. Philippians 1:21-22 NLT
DEATH WOULD BE TO PAUL’S ADVANTAGE
I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. Philippians 1:23 NLT
TO LIVE IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. ‘Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Philippians 1:24-25 NLT
THE IRONY IS THAT OUR WEAKNESS IS POWER WHEN PLACED IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
1. BELIEVE THAT GOD IS HOLY & GOOD
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT
“Holy, holy, holy is the lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Isaiah 6:3 NLT
Taste and see that the lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8
For the lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalms 100:5
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27
2. Let Go of Control
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. Luke 22:42-43 NLT