Faith That Works...When Life Is Hard

Verde Valley Christian Church

Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2023

Series: Faith That Works
Sermon Title: ...When Life Is Hard
Speaker: Andrew Webb

"He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace. The greatest good suffering can do for me is to increase my capacity for God. Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God's motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well." (Joni Eareckson Tada)

God wants to use the hard stuff in your life!

Text James to (928) 228-4301

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

1. See the Big Picture

James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

James 1:3-4
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2. Talk with God

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:6-8
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

"James is not, then, here claiming that prayers will never be answered where any degree of doubt exists - for some degree of doubt on at least some occasions is probably inevitable in our present state of weakness. Rather, he wants us to understand that God responds to us only when our lives reflect a basic consistency of purpose and intent: a spiritual integrity." (Douglas Moo)

3. Keep going with the finish line in mind

James 1:9-12
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

1. See the Big Picture
2. Talk with God
3. Keep Going with the Finish Line in Mind

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