Exodus 15:23-26
We do not have much control over how and when difficult situations enter our lives, but we do have the ability to control how we respond to them when they do. Bitter situations do not have to stay that way. To the believer, these situations become an opportunity to evaluate our faith and an invitation for the presence of God to transform our lives.
- I. Life is a Mixture of Sweetness and Bitterness.
- • If life were only sweet, no one would ever long for God.
- • To get our minds and thoughts on things that are spiritual and eternal, we must be pulled away from the physical and temporal.
- • The trials and afflictions we suffer makes us an encourager for others going through similar situations.
- • How quickly do we, like Israel, tend to forget the power of God?
- II. The Trials We Face In Life Provide An Accurate X-Ray Of The Heart.
- • You and I will never know the true attitudes we harbor in our heart until we encounter difficult people and circumstances.
- • The great quest of following the Lord is ridding yourself of your “self” and filling it with Jesus.
- • You are responsible for your feelings and emotions.
- • Thoughts lead to feelings; feelings lead to actions; actions lead to habits; habits lead to character; and character leads to destiny.
- III. Only the Cross Can Transform Bitter Experiences
- • What have you been placing in your bitter situations to make them sweet again?
- • On the cross of Calvary, the Lamb of God paid for the sin of the world.
- • How long has it been since you've embraced the grace that God shed not only on you, but on those who hurt you?
- • Place the cross of Christ in the middle of your bitter situation; not just for yourself, but for the one who hurt you.
