When we are faced with problems in life, how do we react to them?  Everyone experience problems in life, for some, their problems may be many, while other may have fewer issues.  Nonetheless, no one is immune to life’s hardships.  We know that the problems in life are either brought forth by us, or by others.  For instance, if we live a life of sin, then the repercussions of that lifestyle will eventually catch up.  Some of you may be thinking, “this has nothing to do with me, I live a life dedicated to Christ.”  Well, maybe you should examine your life more closely and see how you handle problems when they arise.  Are you quick to get angry, do you approach people with love, and do people see Christ in you.

Today’s message is to prompt you to reevaluate yourself and to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you during difficult times.  Our actions and words must bring glory to Christ.

The House on the Rock

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus says, 24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

What can we take away from this message?  If you are grounded in Christ and heed His words, you will withstand the troubles that bombard you during a fierce storm.  However, if your foundation is not built on Christ, then you will crumble, not able to withstand the attacks.  With this parable Jesus makes it perfectly clear that the first step in honoring God is to obey Him and to be grounded in His Words.

The Christian Approach

Next, let’s look at the fruits of the Spirit.  What nature are we supposed to have and what is expected of Christians.  In Galatians 5:22-26, Paul says 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.  Therefore, when the Spirit transform a person and brings forth these noble qualities, we are transformed from our secular selves.  This means that we must not react like a nonbeliever when we face difficulties.  Should we fly off the handle every time something happens to us, or seek vengeance when some hurts us.  Even though we will never achieve perfectness even after accepting Christ, nonetheless, we must ground ourselves in Christ and constantly be in prayer, seeking protection from temptation.

Two Examples – Paul and Silas & Stephen

Let’s look at two examples and evaluate how these men of God carried themselves when faced with adversity.  First, let’s look at Stephen and how he reacted when the mob turned on him while preaching.  Acts 7:59-60, we are told that, ⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.  As they were stoning him, he asked the Lord to forgive them.  Folks, we must be like Stephen and be prepared to stand with courage and boldness for Christ.  We must also, be prepared to forgive those that wrong us.  Stephen didn’t reject the Lord even when he was about to be stoned, or draw a sword to strike those that stoned him.  On the contrary, he spoke with boldness, ready to represent his Lord even until death and to forgive those that were stoning him.

In the case of Paul and Silas, we read in Acts 16:22-31, that ²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.  While in this prison, bound at their feet, they began to pray and sing hymns to God.  When we continue to read the verses, we are told that there was a violent earthquake, the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.  When the jailer woke up and saw what had happened, he was ready to take his life.  At that moment Paul shouted, don’t harm yourself, we are all here.  They did not flee or act cowardly. This amazed the jailer and as a result of their integrity, he asked how he may be saved.

Of course there are many more examples, including the example of our Lord on the cross.  While on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Conclusion

When we are faced with opposition and attacks, let’s remember our Lord and these examples.  Let’s react with prayer first and commit ourselves to a disciplined life based on His Words.  Instead of being filled with rage or vengeance, let’s forgive people, even those that cause us pain.  Let’s approach each problem grounded on the rock.  Life is not about our problems; it’s about the Kingdom of Heaven and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for everyone to hear and to be saved.  AMEN.