SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
THE LIVING OF LIFE WILL SUCK THE LIFE RIGHT OUT OF YOU
Hard times drain you
Hard times exhaust you
Hard times will take the enthusiasm and excitement
of childhood
and transform it into a listless and lifeless existence
Hard times will use you up
HARD TIMES COME IN MANY DIFFERENT
PACKAGES
Sometimes they wrap themselves in
a hospital gown, a marriage gone bad,
a child gone astray, or a job unfolding with little to no prospects
Hard times can manifest themselves as
physical limitations, mental constraints,
or emotional baggage
“I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back
home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans
to take care of you,
“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
“When you come looking for me, you'll find me.
“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you
won't be disappointed.” God's Decree.
“I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the
countries into which I drove you”
—God's Decree——“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 – The Message
God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive,
you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.
(Psalm 9:9-10 – The Message)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover
your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and
work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy
or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live
freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – The Message)
We can overcome by faith
Others will be encouraged as we stand firm
Never take the pain away
Let’s Pray