“Pity” Party to “Praise” Party

by

Alberta Fisher

I. Assign the following scriptures to be read at the appropriate time in the devotion:

Psalm 119:71

James 1:2

Hebrews 12:10

II Corinthians 4:8 & 9

Psalm 46:1

James 1:12

Philippians 4:13

II. Ask question: Have you ever had a pity party?

III. The word “trouble” means different things:

a. bodily affliction

b. sorrow

c. failure/disappointment

IV. Ask question: How do you handle trouble?

a. It is not what happens to us, but what happens in us.

b. Not what trouble comes to us, but our attitude toward it.

c. Self-pity and resentment are wrong and un-Christian.

V. What the Bible has to say: (have the following verses read)

a. Psalm 119:71 – good that I was afflicted

b. James 1:2 – encounter various trials

c. Hebrews 12:10 – disciplines us for our good

d. II Corinthians 4:8 & 9 – afflicted in every way

VI. How does God help us?

God enables us to triumph over our troubles. The Christian way is to transform our trouble into triumph. Our suffering can be transformed into a blessing.

Have the following verses read:

a. Psalm 46:1 – present help in trouble

b. James 1:12 – perseveres under trial

c. Philippians 4:13 – can do all things

VII. God can make us into something useful. Let’s be triumphant over our troubles.

VIII. Let’s turn our “pity” parties into “praise” parties!!!!