Dear Friends,
Last weekend, Kay Warren offered the message “Finding Hope Again” to the congregation at Saddleback Church. This was a timely message, and we’d like to share some of the key points with you.
Kay first asked the congregation to place a check mark by any of the below that they had experienced in their life.
____Traumatic Event ____ Strained relationship
____ Serious Health Problem ___ Crushing Disappointment
____ Unchangeable Circumstance ____ Painful Loss
We couldn’t help but notice that everyone seated near us seemed to be check-marking one or more issues — as were we.
While the damage done by hurricanes, such as Harvey and Irma, that did so much damage in 2017, command the headlines, we should not lose sight of the fact that every day, many people, face personal storms that challenge their physical, psychological, or spiritual well-being.
Kay Warren then offered some suggestions on how each of us can weather our personal storms. Her theme verses remind us that, even in times of testing, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35,37-39 (NIV)
Next, Kay offered three truths that help us put our storms in perspective.
- Life is harder than you ever expected
Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. Job 5:7 (NIV)
“In this world you will have trouble.” John 16:33b (NIV)
- God gives you resources to cope with life
“I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 (NCV)
Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. Romans 12:2 (VOICE)
- I get to choose my responses in life
- Expand your connections (Seek positive people.)
- Believe you are capable in God’s strength of handling anything
- Avoid expecting the worst (Most things we worry about don’t happen.)
- Practice self-care (Rest and reflect)
- Seek self-discovery (See yourself as God sees you.)
- Practice gratitude (Focus on what you have rather than what you lack.)
- Decide today that nothing can destroy you
Weathering personal storms and finding hope again can be compared to surviving a hurricane. The following verses can be part of your survival guide.
IN PREPARATION … plans are made, resources are staged, and actions are taken to prepare for the storm. Set your mind on Jesus.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. Psalm 118:8
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
IN THE MIDST OF YOUR STORM … It’s OK to wonder where God is, but be assured, he is there.
I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. Job 30:20a
Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1 Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19 (TLB)
IN THE AFTERMATH … Know that God is with those who come to him.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27a
For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. Isaiah 30:18b
IN THE RECOVERY … Know you are not alone.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
IN THE END … There is hope.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthian 4:18
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (This is a good verse to memorize.)
AND ONE DAY . . .
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever. Revelation 21:4 (TLB)
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 