Sunday Words of Encouragement September 17, 2017

We were happy to be back in our home church. Our Sunday School teacher presented a great message titled “Slow Fade” which I will share soon. Pastor started a new sermon series titled Tension. This series will be four weeks, addressing tension in Faith, Marriage, Family and Life.

Most of us try to avoid tension because it brings discomfort. Tension often leads to negative outcomes. Some people may bring or foster tension in circumstances. There is an old saying “Hurting people hurt people.”But tension also has benefits. Tension is a normal, accepted and welcome part of everyday life. Tension is necessary in music, for electronic equipment, and for vehicle operations. Tension is needed in our body for movement.

Avoiding tension can create stagnant situations and problems. Where there is tension, there is power. The scripture is full of tension. Jesus uses tension to move people by poking at people. Tension is also evident in the old testament, for example, God created tension by hardening Pharaoh’s heart.

God will use tension to move us in faith. We need to recognize the opportunity to pray in the tension. And the opportunity to grow closer to God.

Point: God uses tension to bring us to a decision point that leads us to increased, solidified faith and relationship with God.

Tension creates the opportunity for God's power to be displayed. When the disciples asked Jesus whose sin caused the blindness, Jesus stated: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3. Also see v.39. If we follow Jesus, we live in tension with this world. John 15:13-19 and John 16:1.

Don't abandon your faith when you face tension. Instead, lean into the Spirit. In this world we have trouble but Jesus has overcome the world. John 16:33. Jesus sends His followers out as lambs among wolves. You can be eaten or rely on Him for protection and growth. Jesus brought division to the world, not peace. Luke 12:49-52.

We either surrender to His Way and Will or we reject Him. Jesus tells us to “Gear up” to face the day to day world. Ephesians 6:10-18. Will you allow God to use tension in your life?

I think this song fits this message!

A Verse for Today:

John 16:33 NIV
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus, thank you for overcoming this world and reminding me to "gear up" to face this world of trouble.