By Steve A. Hamilton

Hebrew 11:32-40

Introduction: All of us face troubles in life (Job. 14:1).  Along with the troubles come hardships and sufferings.  We would like to avoid troubles in life but God has never given any such assurance.  Actually, He has promised the opposite (1 Thes. 3:2-4; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12).  Since we know we were appointed to suffer, how does God help us with our troubles?

I. He makes us face our troubles.

          A. God would do us a disservice if he sheltered us from troubles.  God commends those who suffer righteously (1 Pet. 2:19-23).

          B. We learn valuable lessons from our troubles (Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 1:2-4).

          C. Even the Lord faced sufferings for the better (Heb. 12:1-4).  

II. He equips us for trouble.

          A. He gives us the kind of armor that will defeat any evil (Eph. 6:10-18).  We have the truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith and salvation that will protect us.  But if we don’t use the armor God supplies when we are in trouble, whose fault is that?

          B. The avenue of prayer is always open (Phil. 4:6-7).  “Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray” (Jas. 5:13).

          C. God wants us to humbly cast our cares on Him (1 Pet. 5:6-11).      

          D. When Job was suffering, what did he do (Job 1:20)?  Unfortunately, it seems we would rather suffer alone than with our Savior and brethren in worship.

              1. Our brethren can comfort us when we are hurting (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

              2. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).  

III. He monitors our ability to endure troubles.

          A. God will not allow us to face temptation that is beyond our ability to endure (1 Cor. 10:13).

          B. No amount of hardship can separate us from God unless we let it (Rom. 8:35-39).        

IV. He makes our troubles work out for good (Rom. 8:28).

Conclusion: God generously rewards our suffering in this life (Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 8:16-18; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 2 Tim. 1:11-12; 2:12; Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 4:13).  Isn’t heaven worth the troubles we bear?  Are you troubled?  Can the Lord help?  Can we pray for you?

Last modified: 05/02/08