harvest.org. THE PROBLEM OF PAIN. Acts 14. One of the biggest
misconceptions about being a Christian is that all of our problems and trials go
away when we ...
harvest.org
THE PROBLEM OF PAIN Acts 14 One of the biggest misconceptions about being a Christian is that all of our problems and trials go away when we give our lives to Christ. If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, though, you know that statement simply isn’t true. Believers will have good days, even great days, but they are not exempt from difficult days and adversity. But God will use those experiences to help us grow in our faith and draw closer to Him (Romans 5:1-5). PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES 1. Adversity levels us and keeps us humble. Prosperity has a tendency to make people proud and self-sufficient. Success makes us think we don’t need God because we have our salaries and homes and investments. But when things go south, hopefully we are turning to God and being reminded of what really matters. That’s why we shouldn’t be afraid of pain. Trials are sometimes God’s way of getting our attention. As the Psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have you’re your Word. 2. Adversity teaches us eternal lessons we would not otherwise learn. You’ve heard the saying, “No pain, no gain.” What’s true in working out is also true in our faith. Pain reminds us of a deeper need. In life, it is the need for God in our lives. And in those valleys of life, He teaches us things we would never learn on the mountaintops, the things we need to know and the things we need to share with others. 3. God lets us go through adversity so we will have a new compassion for others who are in pain. We live in a world that has plenty of pain and suffering. When we go through trials, we have a better understanding of what others go through when they are in pain and can better minister to them. As Paul wrote, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4). RELEVANT REMINDERS There are two ways that Satan will go after us as Christians, both equally dangerous. First, he will attack us upfront, throwing up barriers and roadblocks to your faith through opposition or persecution. The second way is more insidious, as Satan will reach you subtly through pride or complacency or compromise. APPLICABLE ACTIONS We read how Paul and the Church responded to their trials in verses 21-22, and they are a good lesson for us too. They understood that tribulation would come, and they continued in their faith. Press on, whether the sky is blue or filled with clouds. Continue in the faith, and you will realize on the final day that it was worth it all.
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A NEW BEGINNING TEACHING OUTLINES
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