HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH TOUGH TIMES
Real Hope In Real Times Part 17

TEXT- 1 Peter 4:1-6

INTRODUCTION

Two wealthy oilmen decided to play golf for the first time.  On the way to a country club they purchased all the necessary equipment--shoes, golf balls, clubs, and so    forth--then checked in at the club.  "I'm    sorry," the starter told them,"but you can't  play today." "But why not?" they protested.   "Look--we're all ready.  New clubs, everything." "Sorry," repeated the starter, "but you can't play today. There aren't any caddies." the oilmen looked at each other, "so, who  cares?" said one. "For one day we'll take a Buick."

Have you ever tried to do a job, but didn't have the right kind of equipment?  Maybe you were trying to build something, but didn't have the right kind of saw.  Maybe you were trying to do repair work on your car, but didn't have the right kind of tools.  Or maybe you work in an office that doesn't have the necessary equipment for you to do your job correctly.

It can be very frustrating not to have the right kind of tools or equipment.  Oftentimes, people get discouraged and want to give up because they don't have the right kind of equipment.

This is also true in reference to our Christian life.  The Bible gives us the tools or equipment we need in order to do what God has asked.

This morning our text is found in 1 Peter 4:1-6 and the title of my message is, "How To Make It Through Tough Times."

These Christians to whom Peter wrote in this letter were discouraged because they were having many problems and were suffering greatly.  These were tough times for them.  The Bible tells us that the Christian's life is going to involve suffering.  We are all going to go through tough times.

Job 14:1 How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!  (NLT)

A soldier on the battlefield hadn't received any mail for weeks. During a break in the fighting, he was handed an envelope. Inside was a bill for $3.52. A note read: "If this bill isn't paid in 5 days, you will be in serious trouble!" I wonder if that soldier smiled over the irony.

Troubles come in all sizes, from small irritants to life-threatening crises, from the loss of a $20 bill to the loss of a loved one, from the breakdown of our car to the breakdown of our health. When troubles begin to add up, they can push us to the breaking point.

What is so beautiful about the Bible is that it also tells us how to make it through these times. Peter’s message is one of real hope for real times.

Here in our text, Peter tells us two things I need in order to make it through the tough times in my life.