“And I will make you”How God shapes, fashions

and forms our lives.

Part # 3: God has a purpose behind every problem. God uses our circumstances to shape our lives.

NO ONE GOES THROUGH LIFE PROBLEM FREE

John 16:33 (NIV) 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you

may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Christians are a chosen race but not a protected species.

(Bryan Mowrey)

1 Peter 4:12 (TLB) 12 Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised

when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen

to you.

2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV) 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of

death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Romans 8:28-29 (NLT) 28 And we know that God causes everything to

work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

WE KNOW

THAT GOD CAUSES

EVERYTHING

TO WORK TOGETHER

FOR THE GOOD

OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE CALLED

ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and

character, hope.

1. God’s plan is good.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the

Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Genesis 50:20 (NIV) 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it

for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Isaiah 38:17 (CEV) 17 It was for my own good that I had such hard

times.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and

perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat

down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within you, you’ll be depressed. But if you look

at Christ you’ll be at rest. Corrie Ten Boom

Embracing suffering without a clear understanding of the goodness of God is self-harm not

sanctification! Julian Adams

2. Give thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:

Rejoice!

3. Don’t give up

James 1:3-4 (NIV) 3 because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

When you grasp the nature of how God forms our lives you will pray fewer COMFORT ME prayers and a lot more CONFORM ME prayers. (Lord, make me

more like you)

Hebrews 10:36 (MSG) 36 But you need to stick it out, staying with God's

plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.

If you're going thru a storm, stay in the ship: WorSHIP,

FellowSHIP, DiscipleSHIP, StewardSHIP!

"If you're going through hell, keep going" Winston Churchill

The best part of going thru hell, is that you come out ON FIRERick Godwin

There's no oil if olives not crushed, no wine if grapes aren't crushed. Feeling pressure? God is bringing

out the BEST in you! Rick Godwin