Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 “… The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.”

Everyone is vulnerable to trouble and loss some time in life. Panic happens.

Principle: Nothing is secure in the world, but eternal God offers hope and security.

Trouble, loss, and disappointments seem chancy because they come suddenly. There are no surprises to God. He knows everything and He is eternal. There never has been a time when He did not know all about the trouble coming your way. Take heart in these truths:

Know that you are not alone. Isaiah 41:10

You have a living hope. Psalm 71:4, 5

You have a permanent inheritance. Ephesians 1:11

You have divine protection. Psalm 20:1, 97:10

You can accept the fact and trust in God. Proverbs 3:5, 6

Trials develop your faith. James 1:2-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:4

Trials teach you compassion.  1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

You have an unseen Savior with you. John 17:11-13

These are unlimited, unconditional, lifetime guarantees. They are in writing, signed by God.

Discussion:

1. Describe someone you know who is successful and content and trouble-free so far.

2. If you have suffered loss or disappointment, how has that person (from #1) related to you in the midst of your loss?

3. Think of a crisis in your life and read one of the verses above. Does it apply? Does it bring hope? No? Read another.