Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Ephesians 5:20

Perhaps the most difficult thing we’ll ever do is give thanks in tough times. It requires true maturity in the faith to see that God is good, even when things are not good.

Ephesians 5:20 instructs us, “...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Our ability to choose thankfulness in times of trouble will reap maturity like never before. There are seven ways that trouble may minister to us.

First, trouble may bring correction.
Hebrews 12:6 says, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens…” God cares for us, so if our trouble is caused by our sin, He will lovingly correct us as a parent corrects their child.

Second, trouble may deepen our dependency on Christ.
Heartaches crowd us toward Jesus and cause us to depend on Him, who is our greatest strength.

Third, trouble may confirm our testimony to others.
It may be through deep sorrow and pain that, knowing and praising God, we become great witnesses. The God of all comfort promises to comfort us in tribulation; once we’ve experienced it, we can show that comfort to others.

Trouble can also increase our maturity.
God’s plan for His children is to mature in their faith and become more like Jesus Christ.

Adrian Rogers says, “God had only one son without sin, but He’s never had a son without suffering.”

When we endure trials fashioned by the devil and engineered by wicked people, we can thank God that He is using them to make us more like Jesus.

Trouble can bring excelling glory.
Faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted. We can be thankful that the fiery trials bring the Spirit of glory upon us.

Trouble can also bring baffling mystery.
As exemplified in Scripture, sometimes troubles don’t make sense. We don’t live by explanations, but by God’s promises. We must obey Him.

Finally, trouble will bring eternal victory.
Romans 8 reminds us that current suffering doesn’t compare to future glory. There is victory in Jesus Christ; if we hold onto this promise in our troubles, we can be thankful for those troubles.

Apply it to your life
Are you facing tough times today? Give thanks to God, who is good even when things are not good.