Week 5
May 4, 2024

The Not So Trouble Free Life
He (Jesus) included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.
2 Corinthians 5:15 Message Bible

The Far Better Life Is Not A Life Without
Opposition, Trials, Temptations and Testing

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 10:25 NKJV

When the storm is over, there’s nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren’t even fazed.
Proverbs 10:25 Message Bible

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

Withstand: To Remain Undamaged By A Destructive Force

Wind of Conflict
Wind of Opposition
Wind of Trouble
Wind of Temptation
Wind of Testing

1. Be Connected To A Spiritual Family

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:11-13

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:14-16

2. Live The Word Out In Your Life
“BIBLE”

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock
Matthew 7:24-25

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
John 13:17

The Blessing of God Does Not Come By Knowing,
But By Doing

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
James 1:25 NIV

3. Keep Your Focus On How Great God Is

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:28-33

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:28-33

When I Trust, Instead of Think, I Will Walk On The Water And Will Not Sink

Worship – Focusing On God

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], …
Hebrews 12:2a Amplified

4. Remind Yourself How Much Jesus Cares For You

Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch (3-6 AM) of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;
Mark 6:47-49

for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
Mark 6:50-51

Notice Jesus Walked Across Their Problem

Reason For Their Fear
Night Time – Darkness
Middle of the Sea – Insecure
Deep Water – Outside of Comfort Zone
Without Jesus – All Alone
Wind Blowing Against – Opposition
Rowing Hard – Tired and Frustrated

No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm—I will come to you.
John 14:18 Living Bible

Be Connected
Live The Word Out
Focus On Jesus
He Will Come Because He Cares