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God’s Surprising Power

INTRODUCTION

We’ve all been there. We come across a difficult situation and we try so hard to overcome it. But it becomes too difficult and eventually, out of frustration, we just give up. Difficult situations reveal our understanding (or misunderstanding) about the nature of God’s power. Instead of giving up, we should move forward. But that requires a renewal of our minds concerning God’s surprising power.

FIVE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

  1. When faced with physical limitations (2 Cor 4:7-9) – We are limited physically. Often, when we reach our physical limitations, we give up. But this is exactly the time when we should expect God’s power to be manifested in our lives. We will be surprised when this happens but this is exactly the nature of God’s power: it transcends our physical capacities.
  2. When faced with relational frustrations (2 Cor 6:3-4, 7-8) – We cannot please everyone. Often, it gets really frustrating when people criticize or reject us for no reason. That’s when we tend to give up too easily. But this is when the power of God can be manifested and we will be surprised when God shows up when we are put down.
  3. When faced with intellectual objections (2 Cor 10:3-5) – It’s hard when people use intellectual objections to resist our efforts to share the Gospel with them. After trying so hard, we eventually give up. But God has the power to defeat arguments if we will depend on Him. We will be surprised when God’s power demolishes intellectual objections.
  4. When faced with spiritual confusions (2 Cor 12:7-9) – Often we don’t understand what’s going on spiritually, especially when we are trying so hard to trust God and pray. When we are confused, we give up. But it’s surprising when God’s power comes in the midst of our spiritual weaknesses.
  5. When faced with social confrontations (2 Cor 13:2-4) – It’s so hard to deal with sin and rebellion, especially in the church. There are too many complications. When it doesn’t work out, we give up. But it’s surprising when we allow God’s power to bring healing and restoration to people’s lives during social confrontations.

CONCLUSION

  1. Expect God’s Power During Difficult Situations.
  2. Instead of giving up, we should expect God’s power, especially during difficult situations.
  3. Identify a difficult situation right now and expect God’s power to be manifested in your life.

DISCUSSION

  1. Why do we tend to give up when faced with difficult situations?
  2. How should we respond when faced with difficult situations?
  3. In what area of your life will you apply this principle this coming week?

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