Because we have limitations, we often face troubles. Our humanity is the source of much of our trouble. We are bound in this body and because we have the limitations of our human nature, many of our troubles arise.
There is another reason why we have trouble. We have a common enemy, the devil. For that reason we all face trouble. Yes, my friend, I sincerely believe the Bible teaches us that we do have a common enemy, the devil, and for that reason we face trouble.
I rejoice to tell you there is a way to overcome trouble. Even though you may be going through very hard trouble right now, there is hope for your help. I’m glad to tell you that there is hope for help.
In John 11:1-16 let us see where two sisters went for help in OVERCOMING TROUBLE.
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
From our text I gather several COUNSELS which should help you and me in overcoming our troubles.
The first Counsel:
Send for Help.
Here in this home of Mary and Martha a very serious problem arose. Trouble overshadowed that home because their brother was sick, very sick. It came right close to them. And Lazarus was close to our Lord because they said, “He whom thou lovest is sick.”
Here was a need, a very deep need. They were passing through great trouble. How would they overcome that trouble. Well, one counsel is send for help when the need arises. So they sent for help. They sent a call to Jesus. They said, “He whom thou lovest is sick.”
Jesus was a loving friend. In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus loved Mary and Martha and Lazarus. So they sent for help. They sent to the right place for help. They sent to One who really cares.
Do you bear your trouble alone? Like these sisters you, too, can send for help. Believe me, Jesus will respond to your need as well. You can say, “Lord, he whom thou lovest is in trouble,” and Jesus will pay attention to your need.
A second Counsel:
Consider the Opposition.
So Jesus, after He had waited several days, said, “Let us go into Judea again.” But the disciples immediately warned Him about the opposition, “Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” Your life is at stake, Master. And Jesus said just watch how you walk. If you walk in the daytime you will not stumble. If you walk in the nighttime you cannot see and you will stumble because you have no light in you.
What I want you to see is that Jesus considered the opposition, yet His response was, “Let us go.” Later He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” The disciples thought He was talking about rest and sleep. But He said, “Lazarus is dead. I am going to help these sisters.” Jesus considered the opposition and with determination said, “I am going to help them.”
My friend, take this counsel in overcoming trouble: look at the opposition and then go forward. That’s the way Jesus did. He went forward in spite of the opposition and what it might mean.
A third Counsel comes to us:
Face the Danger.
When the disciples thought that Jesus referred to Lazarus’ rest and sleep, He said plainly to them, “Lazarus is dead.” But He said, “Your faith is going to grow; I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe.” Here Jesus stated the stark reality: Lazarus is dead, but I am going so that your faith may grow.
Then I hear Thomas say to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” This is a kind of resignation. A resignation that meant that they were going to go along with Jesus no matter what the danger might be. My friend, take this counsel in overcoming your trouble: face the danger with resignation and go on through with it.
These counsels will help you overcome troubles: first, send for help; second, consider the opposition; third, face the danger. These counsels are most helpful when you know Jesus Christ as your personal helper. He is the One to send for and He is the One who will help you.