04/20/23 "I AM IN TROUBLE"

04/20/23 "I AM IN TROUBLE"

Being in trouble, but not realizing you are in trouble.

A consistently successful athlete can be behind an opponent by a very small amount, but realizing there is plenty of time left in the contest, and realizing that he has the ability to overcome a minor deficit, he is not alarmed. But late in the contest, whether the deficit is large or small, a reigning champion suddenly realizes, "I AM IN TROUBLE;" he realizes his victory is not guaranteed. In fact, his opponent's performance indicates the probability of the unthinkable, A LOSS.

This is true in the Christian experience as well. A believer may have overcome various trials in the past, and therefore mistakenly think that he will not be overcome by a present, and small difficulty. After all, "FAITH" is the victory." However, presumption is not faith.

God's word tells us, 

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

God gives us instruction, leading, wisdom, discernment, understanding, "light," counsel, through Scripture, His indwelling Holy Spirit, pastoral leadership, fellow believers. If a person neglects or rejects God's guidance then there is no escape from impending doom. Our only hope is in Jesus. Our only hope is faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

Proverbs 6:12-15 (NKJV)
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth;
13 He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers;
14 Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord.
15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.

Proverbs 29:1 (NKJV)
1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 

Don't end up in a place where you realize, I AM IN TROUBLE.