When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

Beverley’s story – marriage breakdown, separate lives, divorce, friendships re-building

What does Bible say?

Psalm 13
How long? – unending pain (v 1, 2)
Responds in trust – (v.5) à future praise (v.6)

1 Peter 1:3-9
Context – support in persecution/perseverance through trials
- suffering of 1st century Church
Gospel message – rejoice (cp. Psalmist) because:-
· New birth (v3)
· Living hope (v.3)
· Proved genuine (v.7)

NOT EASY

Benefits
1. God loves voluntary worship (cp. childàparent love = most meaningful)
2. pushes away Satan’s lies/deceptions (eg. God’s not there, God doesn’t care)
3. feelings/circumstances v. God’s promises / goodness
After an evening out, some parents came home to the children they had left in the care of a babysitter and were pleased to find the kids fast asleep. As the babysitter was about to walk out the door, she said, "By the way, I promised Tommy that if he would stay in bed, you would buy him a pony in the morning."
4. God responds to our trust in him (story: Kendrick, Worship, p.187-8)

When hurting, remember James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Worship – Faith – God
Oaks grow strongest in contrary winds
Diamonds are made under pressure

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Response:
Write today 5 things to thank God for.