How to Triumph in Trouble

January 19, 2018

We triumph even in our troubles, knowing that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope — a hope which never disappoints us, since God’s love floods our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 Moffatt

1. REALIZE JESUS HAS TRIUMPHED. The Bible makes us aware of a couple things: (1) the inevitability of problems here on earth and (2) the certainty that God will work things out. Because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross, we are not only saved, but we have abiding victory. And we triumph even in our troubles!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

2. RUN TO GOD. God deeply loves you. He is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). When you encounter trials — don’t back off, don’t get melancholy, don’t feel condemned — instead consider it an opportunity to run to God. If you need wisdom for your finances, about your kids, about symptoms in your body, about a career change — God has that available for you.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

3. REJOICE EVERY DAY. We are called to be people who praise God instead of just articulating the problems of life. When the apostle Paul wrote “rejoice in the Lord always,” he wasn’t in denial about the problems he was facing, but he was plowing through and praising in the middle of it (Philippians 4:4). We can also rejoice in the middle of our trials because we have inside information from the Bible that breakthrough is ahead!

Press on!
Pastor Jeff

DAILY PRAISE CONFESSION:
I will bless You, Lord, at all times; Your praise will continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1). Thank You, Jesus, for what You did on the Cross. Because of You, I triumph even in trouble. I have the victory in every circumstance. I can do all things because You are strengthening me (Philippians 4:13). I hold up my shield of faith and know that God, You are working on my behalf.

en·dure, verb
To face and withstand with courage. To last and be usable. To persist for a specified period of time.

Copyright © 2018 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. “Endure.” Memidex Dictionary/Thesaurus.