SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS

THE LIVING OF LIFE WILL SUCK THE LIFE RIGHT OUT OF YOU

Hard times drain you

Hard times exhaust you

Hard times will take the enthusiasm and excitement

of childhood

and transform it into a listless and lifeless existence

Hard times will use you up

HARD TIMES COME IN MANY DIFFERENT

PACKAGES

Sometimes they wrap themselves in

a hospital gown, a marriage gone bad,

a child gone astray, or a job unfolding with little to no prospects

Hard times can manifest themselves as

physical limitations, mental constraints,

or emotional baggage

“I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back

home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans

to take care of you,

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.

“When you come looking for me, you'll find me.

“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you

won't be disappointed.” God's Decree.

“I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the

countries into which I drove you”

—God's Decree——“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 – The Message

God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive,

you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.

(Psalm 9:9-10 – The Message)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover

your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and

work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy

or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live

freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – The Message)

We can overcome by faith

Others will be encouraged as we stand firm

Never take the pain away

Let’s Pray