What must we do with our family troubles?
Genesis 37:1~11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (11)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #295 Of Jesus’ Love that Sought Me (#417 in previous version)
Many people are going through hardships because of family troubles. More importantly, these family troubles will remain as big scars if left alone. And these scars may become the platform for destruction regardless of one’s will or may influence future generations and others. If we feel conflicted because of problems or make up excuses, we will just remain at our current level and our reasonable attitudes and lifestyle will have no choice but to crumble. Then, what must we do with our family problems?
1. Family problems
The majority of family problems are family discord caused by the problems of parents. Quarrels, indifference, spiritual problems and/or divorce of parents will cause children to have scars. The second biggest problem is legalism in the family. In particular, pastors’ children live their lives bound by legalism and crumble later on. And many children are faced with difficulties because of a sense of alienation and a lack of communication among family members, problems between siblings, and financial hardships.
2. We must never be deceived
It is important for us not to be fooled by the family troubles that we have. Joseph, who had the most severe family problems in the Bible, possessed a different kind of power when he was going through hardships because of his brothers. This is the key. It is all right if problems do come our way, because God provides strength to His children.
3. We must make our family problems into a platform
We must make our family problems the platform for blessings, not the platform for destruction. Those who have this power can make their problems into a platform. If not, we will just have to force ourselves to endure problems and these problems will later on grow to be more serious problems. However, those who have this power can get up and see their vision through their problems. They will come to find clear prayer topics and hear the historic voice of God through the Word of God.
● Forum Topic - Carry with you a different power that God has bestowed upon His children and change all the problems in your family into blessings.
Remnant Study of Evangelism Lecture 208 / 2009.12.5