Sunday Morning Series - Victory for Doubters - The Thorns of Our Flesh

Text: Various

Last week, we studied the Parable of the Sower. Many believers see God as the preventer of birds, scorching sun, thorns, and storms instead of the provider through faith. We've misunderstood God's role.

Let's look at Daniel. In Daniel 6:1-5, 14-16, we see Daniel was faithful. They couldn't find anything to accuse him. His priorities are right. He's a man of prayer. After the decree is signed that no one is to pray to any other god but the king, Daniel continues his normal routine. He did not try to hide his worship of God.

Many want to be delivered from the lion's den, not just from the lions. They don't want the trials, the storms, and the hard times.

So, what are the thorns and thistles the parable speaks about? Thoughts and words like, "Why did God allow this thing to come upon me? I thought I had a call on my life, and now I'm going to die! Why do so many not like me? How can I stand against all these?"

Principle: Faith does not need to change the news only the results.

We pray for a good report (news), and when it doesn't come, we ask the above questions. Just because the news is bad doesn't change the Word of God. When the three Hebrew children were threatened with the firey furnace being seven times hotter than it was before, they didn't flinch. The severity of the furnace did not change their faith stand.

In Acts 9:15-16, Paul enumerates the many persecutions he's suffered, but God delivered him. We're told in this world we'll have trouble, but to be of good courage because He's overcome the world. Persecution comes because of the Word.

If you haven't been delivered FROM the trial, look to your faith to deliver you out of the trial.

To hear the entire message, please visit our website and click on the Sermon Player. Note: It may take a week or two to be posted. You can also download it to your MP3 player or Podcast for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Road (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA 18976. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686.