8/14/11 “when life hurts most……” What a sermon topic for needy folks. What do you do when life throws you a curve? Where do you turn when bombarded with BIG troubles? How do you navigate life’s journey when the bumps in the road are minor compared to the pothole that has just pulled you under. Death of a child. Infidelity. Cancer diagnosis. Chronic illness.
Pastor Bob Cherry of Northeast Christian Church addressed these issues because he and his wife had just been delivered one of those “bombs.” Breast cancer. Surgery needed. Surgery completed. Prognosis unclear until week after surgery.
Throughout the last month he and his wife spent their annual time together and apart in FL seeking the Lord. This year there was a new development that threatened to cloud this normally time set aside for family and church goals. Only a few faithful prayer warriors knew the angst/fear/concern that they carried with them to the shore.
Where does a pastor turn when the BIG trouble comes? After tears, prayers, praise music, searching scripture and a CD from a fellow pastor’s sermon, he was clearly reminded to turn to the cross.
In John 16:33 Jesus’ words spoke clearly of the truth that in this world one WILL have tribulation. Trouble comes to all. But that’s not the end of the story.
These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Those things Jesus had already taught in previous John chapters would lead to peace through Him. Abiding/remaining in Him. (John 15: 5) His love. (John 15: 9-13) Truth of eternity (John 14:1-4) Way to eternity. (John 14:6)
In times of BIG trouble, one needs the reminder of how much God loves us and how he can use the worst for eternal good as He gives peace along the way to those who reamin in Him.
