Always Picking On Me

1. The Root of Trials The Fall "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 situations we are in; decisions we make; values we hold Trials are not a mark of God’s disfavor but of His interest in our development The Test What happens to your faith during a trial Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego "Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship."He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! "In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job 1:20–22 2. The Result of Trials Attitude of Joy We are to consider it a joy to be involved in a trial "So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” Acts 5:41 Joy comes when we realize that God is in control & is sovereign Attitude of Patience We need to know that patience comes from testing When we are patient we are waiting on God Let patience do its job- make you mature & complete 3. The Reward of Trials Guided by the Father Trials alert us the fact that we need the Lord A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps Proverbs. 16:9 Gaining Wisdom Wisdom helps us understand God’s plan in the trial Growing in Faith As we work through the trial we understand the sovereignty of God in all areas of our life "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