The Message of a Missionary
Troubles, Troubles, Troubles – Part 3

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

We’ve been studying the message of a missionary. These last couple of days we’ve noted that it is not a message of a life without troubles. Yesterday we looked at two steps we should take when faced with troubles. Jesus gives us one more step in Matthew’s gospel: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Our third and most important step is: Don’t allow worry to consume you when troubles come upon you.

Jesus knew that His lifestyle of abundant living and worry could not co-mingle in a person’s life. If we are going to enjoy the journey with Jesus, we must not allow worry to plague us. Jesus makes His case against worry by first reminding us that a life of peace is more important than the things we tend to worry about. Secondly, Jesus reminds us that our Father in heaven wants to provide for us all that is needed in life, so there is no need for worry. Finally, and most convincingly, worry doesn’t accomplish anything but making us miserable! Go ahead, test Jesus’ wisdom—worry all day long and write down the accomplishments that worry did for you! Let worry go by focusing your mind on a scriptural promise. Keep this up until God’s peace floods your mind. After we’ve done all we know to do, determine to rest. Troubles will come, but so will God’s divine help!

Father, your message of life and peace in Jesus is the pearl of great worth! Help me to communicate that message to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.