New Life Church An Oasis of Love
with Pastor Marti and Jessica McGrail
It Came To Pass (5/1/2011) It Came to Pass If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am (2 Corinthians 11:30) I realize sometimes life can feel heavy. Sometimes it feels like the wind has been taken out of our sails. But if we can just believe that God is in control, if we can believe that He’s got us in the palm of His hand, then no matter what comes against us, we’ll be able to say, “It’s just a light affliction. This adversity did not come to stay. It came to pass.” Paul had been through all kinds of adversities. He had been shipwrecked several times and spent the night on the open seas. He’d been bitten by snakes, beaten, thrown into prison, been without food and shelter, yet he said, “It’s only a light affliction.” In other words, he was focused on what was right rather than what was wrong. He knew in the grand scheme of his life that God was still in control. When we learn to downplay our adversities, it helps us to stay encouraged; it lifts our hopes and gives our faith something to work with. When you go around thinking, “Poor old me. Man, I can’t believe this is happening. It’s so hard. I’ll never get out of it,” all that’s doing is draining your strength, draining your energy. You need to start telling yourself every day, “This adversity is no match for me. It’s just a light affliction.” You’ve got to keep the right perspective. The Scripture goes on to say, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In other words, it’s only temporary. It’s not going to last forever. One of the most common lies that comes to our mind is, “Things are never going to change.” “You’re never going to get well.” “You’re never going to be happy.” “You’re never going to break that addiction.” No, don’t believe the “never” lies. When adversities and disappointments come, instead of getting upset, our first response should be, “This too shall pass. It didn’t come to stay. It’s only temporary.” David put it this way, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley.” He was saying, “We’re not going to stay there. We’re coming through it.” But if we’re going to have the right perspective, we can’t sit around thinking, “Oh, man. This is never going to change.” And, “I’ve been praying for three years about my child.” And, “ I don’t see how I could get out of debt.” No, change your view. It’s only temporary. God is working behind the scenes in your life right now. It’s only a matter of time before you see things change in your favor. |
