HOW TO RESPOND TO TOUGH TIMES
Why do we accept the status quo in our lives?
2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Background
King Ben-Hadad of Aram besieged Israel causing great famine
The situation was desperate
The cost of living was just two high
Two ladies agreed to eat their children
The king lost hope and hard no solution
Kind like the Malawi we live in
Life is challenging and everything looks like it is getting worse
The status quo for Malawi is known for: Economic Hardships & Livelihoods, Unfunctional Institutions and structures scarcity of Jobs, nepotism
These challenges have different consequences on us depending on our reactions/responses, background, environment etc
The question is How do we respond to the tough times we are facing?
4 Responses
- King Jehoram(Joram) The son of Arab and response of the women
- To kill Elisha (His opinion was the cause of the famine)
- Blaming it on someone finding excuses
- The ladies agreed to eat their children in turns (Taking matters in their own hands)
Proverbs 3:5, MSG
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your
own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
2. The response of Elisha the man of God
Relied on God’s promises based on God’s word 2Kings 7:1 Listen to this message from God - God speaks to us in a sure way through the Bible his word
The word of God is still the word of God whether I apply it or not
2 Kings 6:15-17“When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”
Cast your burdens unto Jesus
John 16:33 TPT
“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!””
1 Peter 5:7 TPT
“Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.”
3. The response of the commander
Doubted God’s ability
“The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!”” 2 Kings 7:2 NLT
- How many times do we doubt God’s word because of the situation we are in.
- He heard the words but never allowed the word to be applied in his life
4. The action of God through the lepers Gods miraculous ways
- God always has good news for those who trust in him
- The best news is we are assured of his provision
- Do not underestimate yourself because there is a lot that God is going to do through you to save this nation. Joseph was dreaming of being just an influential figure over his family but God had bigger plans for him Nations
Lessons from the Lepers
- Chose action over passivity
- Fear can be a catalyst for growth - Faced with death from all sides They had to rise up and face death. They realized that the worst that could have happen was exactly what they were already facing
- God does not care what the world calls you - He uses who ever is available to be used and anoints them for his purpose - Isaiah 6:8 (Who shall I send - Here I am Lord send me)
- Good news is to be shared - The blessings are to be shared, The opportunities are to be shared, Knowledge is to be shared. BE GENEROUS 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”
Malawi might be what it is today BUT OUR GOD IS STILL HAS THE ANSWER,
HIS WORD IS STILL HIS WORD, AS LONG AS I AM ALIVE THERE IS HOPE
Psalm 112:1