Handling Life Crises
Memory Verse: Job 23:10
(NKJV)
10 But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Introduction:
I.
Three ways
people handle Life Crises
1. Naomi: Bitterness but Considerate. Ruth
1:8-15, 18-22
“Things are far more
bitter for me than for you, because the Lord
himself has raised his fist against me.”
Ephesians 4:31–32
(ESV) 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put
away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Illustration: Jerry
Gifford, the senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Franklin Kentucky shared
a story about Charlotte Elliot
Just as I am by Charlotte Elliot
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
2. Orpah: Withdrawal and Detachment Ruth 1:10,
14-15
“If you cannot stand the heat,
get out of the kitchen.”
3. Ruth: Commitment and Attachment Ruth 1:10, 14-19, 22
Three things about Ruth:
First, She is a woman
of faith. Her clinging to her mother in law shows faith. Verse 14.
Second, She is a determined
woman. Verse 16
Third, She is a loyal
and committed woman. Verse 17
John 16:33 (ESV)
33 I have said these
things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
II.
What to do
to manage Life Crises:
1. Pray.
Psalm 18:6; 118:5
2. Have faith in God.
Job 13:15; 2
Corinthians 1:20
“…The
future is always as bright as the promises of God, for those who trust Him”.- David Jackman and Lloyd J.
Ogilvie
3. Recognize the Sovereignty of God.
Lamentations 3:37–38; 1
Samuel 2:6–7; Psalm 135:6
4. Rely on the providential care of God.
Ruth 1:22; Psalm 34:10;
Isaiah 58:11
CONCLUSION: Job 23:10
