First Christian Church Colorado City, TX 79512 Sam Campbell, Pastor’s grandson Guest speaker Sep 14, 2014 Overcoming Adversity Joke: What do they call pastors in Germany? – German Shepherds Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? – Noah: he was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? – Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once. Overcoming – to defeat, to prevail over, and to overpower Adversity – a stage of hardship or affliction When I started writing my sermon a few weeks ago, I had no idea what passage I wanted to start with. So I started reading in Genesis, when I finished in Revelation I found the passage I was looking for. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Anxious - uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter, the act of being worried 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Care – feeling and exhibiting concern and empathy for others James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Trials – a state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance or belief Steadfastness – fixed or unchanging Faith – Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith is taking the first step, even if you can’t see the whole staircase. God will carry us through anything we face. He will not give us anything we can’t handle. It took me just under two years to realize this. That’s a long time to see the truth. Footprints in the Sand: One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD Overcoming Adversity, Sam Capbell, p 2 When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, youd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I dont understand why when I needed you most you would leave me. The LORD replied: My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you. How do we overcome adversity? Give yourself to God. Give Him everything you are, everything you hope to be, all your dreams, visions, hopes and desires. Make everything His, and He will demonstrate His power through your life. Everyone says that love hurts, but that’s not true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Loosing someone hurts. Everyone confuse these things with love, but in reality, God’s love is the only thing in this world that covers up all the pain and makes us feel wonderful again. God always has something for you, A key for every problem A light for every shadow, A relief for every sorrow, And a plan for every tomorrow. Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plan, but God is not helpless among the ruins. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares The Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Isaiah 40:31 - but they who wait for The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Why Eagles? Because, when a storm is coming, all other birds seek shelter. The Eagle alone, avoids the storm by flying above it. So, in the storms of life, may your heart soar like an Eagle. Overcoming Adversity, Sam Capbell, p 3 God can calm the Storms in your life. Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Psalm 42: 5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul, why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God; for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 32: 7-8 – you are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Even when things seem hopeless, life has a way of defying the odds, overcoming the obstacles and coming back strong. So never give up hope, regardless of how hopeless things may seem. There is always a way. Matthew 19:26 - But with God, all things are possible. (Original Poem by Sam Campbell) Never Give Up Never give up, Never lose hope. Always have faith, It allows you to cope. Trying times will pass, As they always do. Just have patience, Your dreams will come true. So put on a smile, You’ll live through your pain, Know it will pass, And strength you will gain.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 01:22:27 +0000
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