God Uses Setbacks to Move Us Forward
David's experiences with hardships taught him that God uses setbacks to move us forward and that our response to adversity is a proof of our faith in Him.
Bishop M.A. Lalachan preaches on the importance of finding purpose and focus in times of deep suffering, drawing inspiration from David's experiences of affliction and hardship. Despite facing extreme trials, including the loss of loved ones and betrayal, David found hope and peace by meditating on God's character and Word. Lalachan emphasizes that challenges come to refine and purify us, removing what is not of God in our lives. He encourages embracing problems as opportunities for growth and creativity, highlighting that our response to adversity showcases our identity as citizens of God's Kingdom.
Text
David said "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes."(Ps 110:71)When life falls apart, how do you cope? We face circumstances that challenge our peace--& some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable. David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. This pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David's own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just few of the many difficulties he endured.
Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.
He knew how to meditate and focused his mind and spirit on God--His character, ways, will and Word--in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him. Hence a problem will remove everything in our life that is not founded by God; it does not come to destroy but to correct and purify. Every great man and woman of God faced with problems. It pulls the creativity out of you. You cannot stop it, just like you cannot stop a cyclone, but you can control your perception of it. Embrace it! The only proof that you are a Kingdom citizen is how you respond to adverse situation.
Sermon Outline
- David's Affliction
- David's experience with hardships
- Loss of child and best friend
- Son's rebellion against him
Key Quotes
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“A problem will remove everything in our life that is not founded by God; it does not come to destroy but to correct and purify.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“The only proof that you are a Kingdom citizen is how you respond to adverse situation.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
Application Points
- We can find joy and hope in difficult times by focusing on God's character, ways, will, and Word.
- Our response to adversity is a proof of our faith in God and demonstrates whether we are Kingdom citizens or not.
- Problems in our lives can be used by God to correct and purify us, removing everything that is not founded on Him.