Certainties For Confident Living In Uncertain Times

Jun 3, 2020 | by Mike Prah

Certainties For Confident Living In Uncertain Times

Bible Study

Mike Prah

There is what is called the "cushion of the sea." Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years. The power and peace of God for believers is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partaker of that undisturbable calm.

1. I am Not Alone

“You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. So you do not belong to yourselves, 20 because you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NCV

What does God want you to know about who you are?
How does this spiritual reality encourage you?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 NIV

“God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” Hebrews 135 NIV

What is the central message that God is telling us from these passages?
Why do you think God said the same thing 4 times to 3 different people and to us?

2. God’s Power Is Mighty to Rescue Me

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 NKJV

What does this passage tell us about God?
How can I relate this knowledge of God to my difficult situations?

“To keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment … Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked Him to take it away. But His answer was: “My grace is all you need, for My power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (GN)

Paul was stricken was a painful physical ailment and he prayed to God 3 times to take it away. What was God’s answer?
In what ways did Paul experience God’s grace and power in the midst of his painful sickness?
Share a time in your life when you experienced God’s grace in midst of a major problem.

“Hard times and trouble are God's way of getting our attention! AND AT THAT VERY MOMENT, God deeply desires to lead you from trouble and to spread your table with your favorite food...” Job 36:15-16 (CEV)

According to Job 36:15&16, at the very moment we are facing hard times and trouble, what 3 things is God doing in the life of His children?
What does this Scripture mean to you personally?

3. I have Access to God’s Wisdom for Every Decision.

If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us in our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed.

Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, “I wonder why I shouldn’t do this?” God instructs us in what we should choose; that is, He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit, but cooperate with Him.

“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose” Psalm 25:12 NIV

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5 NIV

“True wisdom and real power belong to God; from Him we learn how to live, and also what to live for.” Job 12:13 (Mes)

What message are you getting from the above scripture?

4. There is a Redemptive Purpose in/for Your Life.

God has a reason for taking you through the valleys. Whether it's doubt, depression, despair, discouragement, defeat -- He's got a reason behind it.

The valleys are where God grows us, builds our faith, and prepares us for the transformational life.

“We know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son” Romans 8:28-29 NLT

"... even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident - it happens to prove your faith ..." I Peter 1:6b-7 (Ph)

The BEATITUDES. Matthew 5:3-10 NKJV

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5. I can Live My Life Knowing That God Loves Me Unconditionally

“Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? 37 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:35, 37-39 CEV