troubles – herbcotton.org

Seeing Beyond Our Weaknesses

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

When trouble, trials, difficulties, and disappointments come in our life, we should cry out to God. However, we should not lose hope when God does not give us everything we ask.

We should allow what happened in Paul’s life to inform our lives when we pray for deliverance from our thorn in the flesh. Could it be that what we are going through is for God’s glory, and for our good?

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NLT)

27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

There is something about thorns in the flesh that bends us toward humility. Additionally, the recognition of the weaknesses in our humanity turns us toward bowing the knee, looking up, and recognizing the greatness of God.

The recognition of the sovereignty and greatness of God and the goodness and grace of God gives us peace and contentment in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, it is such a blessing to know that our weaknesses, even when they are painful, are working to bring about a higher goal and that Your amazing grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Father, we love You, and can’t get enough of You. Father, thank You for always being present, and on time. Father, I am so glad that the things that matter are things that are eternal. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

—

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How to Live With Joy In Times Like These

Text:

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Observation:

The lyrics of this Mahalia Jackson song speaks into my heart as I ponder this topic.

“Soon I will be done

With the troubles of the world

Troubles of the world

Soon I will be done

Troubles of the world

I’m going home to live with God.”

There are more than enough worries and cares in our lives. They begin in our own lives, and we take them everywhere we go. I read something recently that said, “Our churches would be great except for the people.”

The lyrics from the above song says, “Soon I will be done with the troubles of the world, I’m going home to live with God.”

What do we do in the meantime? I read a post on Social Media recently that said, “We need to respond to hate with love; not more hate.” The Saint Francis Prayer just popped into my head.

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life”.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, your Son, told us, that in the world we would have troubles and that He had overcome the world. Father, we give our cares to You and receive Your peace.

Father, help us to get through these trying time by showing love, and not hate. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

—

1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

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Seeing Beyond Our Weaknesses#

Text:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Observation:

When trouble, trials, difficulties, and disappointments come in our life we should cry out to God. However, we should not lose hope when God does not give us everything we ask.

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NLT)

27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.

There is something about thorns in the flesh that bends us toward humility. Additionally, the recognition of the weaknesses in our humanity bends us toward bowing the knee, looking up, and recognizing the greatness of God.

The recognition of the sovereignty and greatness of God, and the goodness and grace of God gives us peace, and contentment in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, it is such a blessing to know that our weaknesses, even when they are painful, are working to bring about a higher goal, and that Your amazing grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

—

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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In Whom Is Your Faith?

Text:

Psalm 31:19-20 (HCSB)

19 How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You.

20 You hide them in the protection of Your presence; You conceal them in a shelter from the schemes of men, from quarrelsome tongues.

Observation:

Have you ever been in a hard place, and knew in the depths of your heart that it will take a miracle for you to get out of the hole that you found yourself in. That is the case of David. In his distress David took the upward look, and called out to the God of his salvation.

Psalm 31:3-5 (KJV)

3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

One of the things that we know about David is that he was a man who had faith in God. It is the only way that we can please God, and receive anything from Him.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is not the quantity of our faith that makes the difference. Rather, it is the object of our faith. Who or what do you have faith in? This is the testimony of David.

Psalm 31:14 (KJV)

14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

David’s faith in God was rewarded because God heard, and answered David’s plea for protection and deliverance. What he did for David, God will do for you. When He does, don’t forget to thank Him for His kindness, and tender mercies.

Let’s agree in prayer with David by joining him in his prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Prayer:

Psalm 31:21-24 (HCSB)

21 May the LORD be praised, for He has wonderfully shown His faithful love to me in a city under siege.

22 In my alarm I had said, “I am cut off from Your sight.” But You heard the sound of my pleading when I cried to You for help.

23 Love the LORD, all His faithful ones. The LORD protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.

24 Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD.

Let all who agree say, “Amen”.

—

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How Are You Doing Today?

Text:

Hebrews 10:36 (ESV)

36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Observation:

Are you tired of life in this world? I read this CS Lewis quote on Twitter yesterday, and I thought of it when pondering the question I just asked.

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is…we were made for another world.”

Our world is filled with trials and temptations; they are the common lot to all of humanity. Let’s look at some of them, and then look to a Word from the Lord that speaks to them.

pain
sickness
separation
cheating
lying
stealing
immorality
disease
divorce
emptiness
poverty
death

James 1:2-4 (ESV)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

In the midst of our trials and temptations those who know the Lord, and have put their trust in Him have within them the power and patience to overcome the troubles we face living in the world.

James 1:12 (NLT)

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Yesterday I attended a monthly meeting of senior adults at our church, and we had a time of testimony and prayer. Our leader started calling on different members asking them to sing a song. This morning I woke up with this song on my mind prompted by something I read recently.

The song said in part, “I believe I’ll run on, see what the end will be. At the end there is something waiting for me”. Then, it said, ” I will toil on, pray on, and sing on”. My, my how those old songs of the church feed your soul, and encourage you to endure.

Hallelujah! All my troubles will be over. My soul is singing, “Soon and very soon I’m going to see the King”.

Romans 12:12 (NLT)

12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful that You are always near to Your people.

Father, I pray that we would learn to lean on the power of God that is alive within the hearts of all of Your dearly beloved children.

Father, I pray for transformation and renewal in the lives of Your people. Father, I pray for patience and endurance. I believe and declare that You are able to get us through all of the trials, temptations, and troubles we are facing living in the world. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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What Is Your Greatest Need?

Text:

Psalm 40:16-17 (HCSB)

16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, “The LORD is great!”

17 I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me. You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.

Observation:

This morning I turned to one of the Psalms to speak encouragement into my heart, and I pray that it will speak into your heart.

David said, “I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me”. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the Lord thinks about you. The world will think about you when you are on top, but the Lord thinks of you when you are at your lows.

Psalm 34:18 (HCSB)

18 The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.

David realized that the way out of his broken heart and crushed spirit was to humble himself, and to look up to the Lord.

Psalm 51:17 (HCSB)

17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.

David always took the time to worship the Lord no matter what he was going through. He knew that God cared, and that God was always available to listen to his plea.

Why not follow the example of David, who the Bible says was a man after God’s own heart.

He magnified the Lord.
He sung praises to the Lord.
He told God his needs.
He trusted in God with his whole heart.

Remember, God is for you, and not against you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)

11 For I know the plans I have for you”—{this is} the LORD’s declaration—”plans for {your} welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

My soul sings, “My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name”.

Prayer:

Father, I delight to lift up, and magnify You. Father, you are great, glorious, and gracious to all who humbly seek your face.

Father, I am so grateful for all of the love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy that I have received from You. Father, I am so blessed to be able to say with David, and the Saints of the ages these words.

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Father, help us to remember that the way out of our lows is to look up, and to give You praise and thanks for who you are, and for your mighty works. Let the people of God say, Amen.

—

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How to Live In A Fallen World

Text:

1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,

7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Observation:

Are your circumstances, and the cares that you have weighing you down, and causing you to have anxiety in your mind and soul?

Do you have trials and temptations in your life that are wearing you down? Are the trouble within you, and the circumstances surrounding you robbing you of your peace and security?

Are there things, and people that are robbing you of your peace and joy? There is song that is ringing in my heart, and it provides the answer to all of our cares and circumstances.

“There is a place of full release,

near to the heart of God,

a place where all is joy and peace,

near to the heart of God”,

Author: Cleland Boyd McAfee, Near to the Heart of God

The place that I go, and the person who I turn to when troubles vex my mind and soul is to my God; the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When doubts, discouragement, disappointment, and the devil knocks on my door, I go to God. I open my Bible, and begin to pray. Do you realize that you have in your hands TNT (The New Testament), and that TNT is dynamite?

When troubles come knocking at the door of your heart, use dynamite to knock the devil, and his devices out of your life.

You don’t have to live under the circumstances in the world. You can rise up, look up, speak up to God, and watch the Lord as He fight the battle against all of your foes and cares.

Don’t forfeit your peace or your joy. Cast all your cares on the one who is able to help you, strengthen you, and keep you.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. Father, help us to remember to always take all of our cares to You in prayer. Why try to fight the battle in our strength when we can hold in our hands TNT to destroy the enemy of our minds, body, and soul. Jesus used prayer and the Word, and so should we. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

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What Is Your Response to Chaos?

Text:

Isaiah 26:8-9 (ESV)

8 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.

9 My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Observation:

Have you experienced an unusual amount of chaos recently? The Bible tells us that there would be days, and seasons similar to what you are experiencing.

2 Timothy 3:1 (AMP)

1 BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

What should be the response of believers in times like these? I find in the reading of our text, and life experiences some guidance. It involves taking the upward look.

In verse eight of our text Isaiah says, “Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul”.

In verse nine Isaiah says, “My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you”.

The Lord’s heart and hands are not far from His people. He longs to have His people draw near to Him.

1 Peter 3:12 (ESV)

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

There is nothing that comforts the soul during times of great stress, and trouble than singing praise to God. One of the songs I love to sing is this one by Valerie Boyd.

“My soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus;

Bless His name.

He’s a wonder in my soul,

He’s a wonder in my soul;

Bless His name.”

Prayer:

Father, I unite my voice with the Psalmist, and all of Your people who agree, in lifting up my voice in praise and adoration of Your most holy, and righteous name.

Father, if Your people ever needed the nearness of Your presence, the time is now. Father, you are the desire of our soul; Lord, we seek Your face, and long for Your tender heart, and strong hands to give us Your peace in exchange for the stress and chaos we are facing. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

How Huge Are Your Burdens?

Introduction:

Does God ever allow us to experience burdens that are too heavy for us to bear? If so, how do you handle them?

Text:

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (ESV)

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Observation:

The Apostle Paul had an experience of having an affliction that was beyond his ability to handle.

2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Paul did not give-up or worry about his affliction. Notice that Paul did not trust his feelings. Rather, he trusted in His God.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (ESV)

9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

Additionally, Paul had friends who knew his God, and they prayed for him. God works for His children when we pray for one another.

2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)

11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful that in this dark and dangerous world that even though we are sometimes faced with burdens too large for us to bear; we have a God who loves and cares for His children.

Father, I pray that all who know You will not hesitate to cast our burdens upon You because there is no one who cares for us more than You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

—

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How Do You Keep Your Joy?

Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (HCSB)

16 Rejoice always!

17 Pray constantly.

18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

In times like these how can you stay joyful all the time? Our pastor said in our prayer time yesterday that the word he had on his heart was the word burdens.

The truth is that we all have burdens; your burdens are different from my burdens, but they are just as real.

How do you rejoice always, and give thanks in everything as this passages says in verses sixteen and eighteen?

Pray constantly (verse 17).
This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (Verse 18b).

When you hear people discount the value of prayer, don’t listen to them. Turn Your eyes to the Word of God, and listen to what Jesus says about prayer.

Luke 18:1 (HCSB)

1 He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged:

When I have burdens I love to sing, and one of my favorites is this one.

“What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer! ”

Again, turn your eyes to the Word of God, and listen to what Jesus says about the burdens you feel in your life. Why not take them to the Lord in prayer?

Matthew 11:28-29 (HCSB)

28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful for the privilege we have to spend time continually in Your presence.

Father, the awareness that we are never alone in our walk through this world should give us joy and peace for today, and a bright and shining hope for the future.

Father God, I pray this prayer for all of the readers and the hearers of the Word that You have poured into my heart today.

Romans 15:13 (HCSB)

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe ?in Him? so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

—

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