Jars of Clay

Hard Pressed on every side, but not crushed
Perplexed, but not in despair
Persecuted, but not abandoned
Struck down, but not destroyed

Please listen again to the Lesson from Sunday, August 12 to refresh your awareness of the outline. The reality of our life of following Christ is that there will be times in our lives where we will dwell in one of the four categories the Apostle Paul describes. The issue therefore is one of continuing to have a sense of Faith and an attitude of perseverance when it does come.
Think about the most recent hard time of your life and determine which of the four categories it fits into. Focus on the people in your life that have helped you through that time and ask the following questions.

Who did I call on when this situation intensified?
Was the relationship with that person build during times of relative peace and quiet?
What did they say or do to help me through that hard time?
What passage of scripture did they steer you to?
Have you every returned the favor by standing with them in their time of need.
The body of Christ is meant to be the source of help and strength in times of need. However, those deep, enduring, and helpful relationships need to be cultivated and built in the times when you are NOT in crisis! They tend to be healthier and stronger when you are prepared for the hard times before they happen.
Make it your goal this week to build, enhance and develop a current relationship so as to be prepared for difficult times. Please review the sermon on authentic friendships. It will be a great help to you.