We Were Troubled on Every Side
God allows us to go through troubles to teach us our dependence on Him and to show His all-sufficient strength and grace, ultimately leading to an everlasting acquisition of faith.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God allows troubles in our lives to demonstrate His all-sufficient strength and grace, teaching us our dependence on Him. He explains that through trials, we learn to trust God more deeply, as faith is cultivated in the midst of pressure. Simpson highlights that this reliance on God is essential, as it positions us to receive His power rather than relying on our own strength. Ultimately, the lessons learned through these challenges become invaluable treasures that enrich our spiritual lives.
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Why should God have to lead us through troubles and allow the pressure to be so hard and constant? In the first place, it shows His all-sufficient strength and grace much better than if we were exempt from pressure and trial. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7). Also, it makes us more conscious of our dependence upon God. God is constantly trying to teach us our dependence and to hold us absolutely in His hand and hanging upon His care. This was the place where Jesus Himself stood and where He wants us to stand, not with a self constituted strength, but with a hand ever leaning upon His, and a trust that dares not take one step alone.
Troubles teach us trust.
There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God's school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to escape trials. The lesson of faith, once learned, is an everlasting acquisition and an eternal fortune made. Without trust even riches will leave us poor.
Sermon Outline
- God's Purpose in Troubles
- The Value of Faith
- Faith Learned through Trial
- Faith is an Everlasting Acquisition
Key Quotes
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).” — A.B. Simpson
“Without trust even riches will leave us poor.” — A.B. Simpson
“It is God's school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to escape trials.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should trust God even when we are going through difficult circumstances, knowing that He is always with us and will provide for us.
- Faith learned through trial is a valuable and lasting lesson that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
- It is better to learn to trust God than to escape trials, because faith is an essential part of our spiritual growth and development.