SERMON - IN TIMES OF TRAVAIL...REJOICE

In Times of Travail

Rejoice

 

 

Throughout each of our lives we either see or experience illnesses, pain, and suffering and often, near despair. We hear, “How can this happen to me?” We also hear, “Why me?” All too often it is us that voice these questions and I want to let you know some answers to these types of questions.

 

Illnesses such as diabetes, polio, asthma, cancer, plague our lives. Heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s are a plague to us. We see automobile accidents, plane crashes and other crippling accidents daily. There are casualties of war that result in amputation, brain trauma, burns and other injuries. There are insect bites, snake bites, animal attacks and a host of natural dangers that result in injuries and even death. I could go on and on naming dangers that plague our lives day in and day out. I could name the many criminal actions that result in physical and mental harm but in a nutshell, our lives are fraught with danger.

 

All this is foretold in God’s Word. We have read of lepers, cripples, victims of crime and other trials and woes. That is life and the sooner we ‘come to grips’ with it, the better. The cries of, “How could God allow this to happen,” are only the cries of people that refuse to realize that man, through sin, loosed Satan to the world thereby unleashing sickness, hardships, pain and suffering in mankind.

 

I have told you of my having sustained four (4) strokes. Additionally I have Type 2 Diabetes and other malaise I don’t wish to burden you with. I refuse to sit around and sob, “Why me Lord? I look at the bright side and I rejoice in the things I have experienced, both good and bad.

 

Romans 5:3 We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know they are good for us as they help us to learn and endure.

 

Instead of crying out and expressing woe, I realize that God has His plan for us and it is by His will that everything comes to pass. He knows of our many sorrows and He sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, as our way of salvation.

 

John 16:33 …Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart for I have overcome the world.

 

 You too must be strong in the face of the many trials and sorrows and be the representatives of Jesus Christ that you have chosen to name yourselves as. In naming yourself as ‘Christian’ you have elected to be seen as a follower of Our Lord and Savior and live according to His dictates. It is by faith in His Words that we can attain the true understanding to live a life of strength in the face of adversity.

 

1 Peter 1:7  These trials are only to test your faith, ton show that it is strong and pure…So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

 

Jesus Christ was subjected to many trials. He was hounded by those who wished Him harm, spat upon, spoken of in words of derision and hatred, tortured, whipped, crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross and hung to that cross until an earthly death resulted. If we, as Christians, were to really dwell on all that Jesus went through the question is, ‘Would anything we went through worthy of the question…Why Me” ‘

 

That answer…in all truth can only be answered NO…unequivocally…NO.

 

1 Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through…Instead, be very glad for these trails will make you partners with Christ…

 

I realize, just as you must as well, that unexpected events often surprise us with the absolute horror of their happening. Sudden death of a family member or a friend, a stroke or heart attack, events such as 9/11, all too often catch us off guard and all but numb our senses. In such times there are those amongst us that take a while ‘come to grips’ with. With God’s grace He allows some to remain composed and calm and to be realized as His emissaries and be the ‘rock’ that others rely on. I always pray to God that I am one to remain in possession of my faculties and follow His wishes in times of disaster. I know that there are those amongst you that are ‘in control’ and rely on God to see you through all tribulations. For that I am truly grateful.

 

When you realize that all the possible trials and sorrows we experience here on earth are temporary then you also realize that you have a duty, as a Christian, to remain strong at such times. These things are earthly and temporary and they will pass.

 

1 Peter 1:6 So be truly glad! There is a wonderful day ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.   

 

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed for they will rest from all their trials, for their good deeds will follow them.”

 

I am here to tell you that God is in control and there is nothing to fear. In a sermon I delivered a few weeks ago I told you of the many things that would not exist in heaven. Well, trials, sorrows, adversity, crime and all of these things will cease to be. Gone…poof…simply gone!

 

HALLELUJAH!

 

(Closing prayer)

 

Father, Almighty God please hear our prayer. Hear us as we praise You and thank You for all You have given us and will give us in the days ahead. It is by Your strength and mercies that we are able to face the many trials in our lives. Please continue to strengthen us O Lord and allow us to be seen as Your people and ones to remain strong in times of trial. May we be strong examples for those seeking to learn of You and Your mighty powers.

 

Lord we ask You again and thank you for the opportunity to ask for protection of our military. Keep them strong and be with them in their times of need. Allow us to be the true peacemakers and representatives of Your Way of life. Keep our elected officials from harm and guide them in their offices of responsibility. Be with our Allies and bless them for their support of this nation You have blessed time and time again.

 

Father, we ask that You send Your angels to watch over and protect those people of nations in need of freedom and a life worthy of You. Please. O Lord, be with them.

 

We ask all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who is One with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever,

 

Amen, amen and amen.