John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 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.”

Problems, Problems John 16:33

Problems An important question in life is not “Do you have problems?” The question should be “What is your problem?” We have been assured of having problems and troubles in this life Jesus in our text: John 16:33

Problems Job 14:1 – “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” James 1:2 – “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” It is a very certain thing that we will all face our share of problems in this world

Problems The important thing is not if we have problems, but rather how we respond to them! How we respond to adverse situations will certainly go a long way in determining who we are and our eternal destination Look at Judas and Peter!

Problems 1. Realize that you are not alone (in having problems) We are not the only ones who have ever faced problems! In fact, we are not the only ones currently going through these problems It should help us feel more at ease, and that we are a bit more normal

Problems 1. Realize that you are not alone (in having problems) We may feel like Martha who was “worried and troubled about many things” (Lk. 10:41) You may relate to Paul who was “troubled on every side” (II Cor. 4:8) Even Jesus had problems while He was here upon this earth

Problems 1. Realize that you are not alone (in having problems) Is. 53:3 – “…a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” “Life and math books have one thing in common…both are full of problems” Seeing that problems are not unique to us should comfort us

Problems 2. Stay focused on God In Matt. 6, Jesus addressed the subject of worrying Worrying about what? To sum it up…problems So what was his solution to this? Matt. 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom…”

Problems 2. Stay focused on God In other words, stay focused upon God and what He wants from you When problems arise in life, no matter what changes it may bring about, there is one thing that does not change… Our goal of getting to heaven! Heb. 12:1-2 – “looking unto Jesus”

Problems 3. Pray There is really nothing that praying can not help in some way Phil. 4:6 begins by saying “Be anxious for nothing” “in everything by prayer and supplication…let your requests be made known to God”

Problems 3. Pray Let God know about it Jas. 4:2 – “you do not have because you do not ask” I Pet. 5:7 – “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” Don’t give up on prayer – Lk. 18:1

Problems 4. Think Positive Phil. 4:6 – “…with thanksgiving…” Why do you suppose we ought to be thankful every time we come to God in prayer? It’s hard to stay down when you are thinking positively about your blessings all the time

Problems 4. Think Positive Look at what Paul says a bit later in the same chapter in verse 8… Paul wants us to meditate on good things, on the positive things Think of what Paul and Silas were doing when they found themselves in a prison late one night (Acts 16:25)

Problems 4. Think Positive The grateful heart is almost without exception the positive and optimistic heart Thinking positive about things may not alter the outcome, but it sure makes the time go by a lot easier! That was Jesus point in Matt. 6