Let's put things into perspective - A bucket of water added to the sea has nowhere near the impact of that same bucket being added to an aired place.  When in a position of loosing everything are you able to see the bright side of things?  Difficult times can and should develop character and perseverance.  And, we should welcome these trials as opportunities to grow in our faith. To see this, we need to believe that God is in control and has our best interest at heart.  Pastor Don speaks about Richie White, a LCCC parishioner who was able to understand this and used his trials to get closer to God.  Do you have what it takes to do this?

Message Outline -

Introduction:

You should not carry water to the sea.

#I         Vs.2 How can you consider it pure joy when you have lost everything?

a.       Put one the goulash.

#II        Vs. 3&4  Perseverance develops faith.

a.       Faith tested to bring out the gold.

b.      Develop means a process.

c.       Your dinners at the end of that rabbits trail.

#III      Vs. 5-7 Embrace the spiritual fact God is in control.

a.       Romans 8:28

#IV      Vs. 9-11 No one is exempt, no matter what your station is in life.          

a.       Look at the testimony of others. Hebrews 11:36-40

b.      Richie White.

c.       Hebrews 11:1 We know who holds the future.

#V       God is in control.

a.       Ephesians:3:9-13

Conclusion:

Tough times don’t last, but God’s promises do.