Living Differently: With Difficult People and Circumstances.

Text: Philippians 2:14-16; 2 Timothy 3:1-17

- The Year 2020 has not been an easy year thus far. The Coronavirus pandemic has made life difficult for all people around the world. Already many thousands of people have lost their lives, and millions are affected and undergoing treatment.

- People’s lives have changed and all are facing difficulties – emotionally, financially, physically, relationally, spiritually, and in many other ways.

- There seems to be very little change in the attitudes and behaviors of people even after such troublesome times.

- “Tough times will go, but tough people will never go”! Human hearts and minds are becoming more bitter and anti-God, even in the midst of such devastating experiences.

- SOME GOOD NEWS! Since the pandemic started.

Ø BIBLE sales are up by 55 percent

Ø 25 percent of the population has viewed a church service online since the lockdown began. ( normally only 6% attend church)

Ø Nearly Three Million people have seen the viral worship video “THE UK BLESSING”.

Ø One in 20 Brits has started praying since the lockdown began.

DIFFICULT PEOPLE and Circumstances: (2 Timothy 3:1)

1. Abraham & Lot: ( Genesis 13:5-18) A Different Approach in a Difficult Dispute

2. Hanna & Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1-7) Living with a woman with a “chip on the shoulder”.

3. Caleb & His Companions (Numbers 13:26-33). Living and journeying with Negative People.

4. Nehemiah & the opponents of the wall builders. (Nehemiah 1-) Working for God in the midst of various difficulties.

You can thrive and survive even in the midst of tough people, tough times, and adversities.

Ø Like Abraham, show grace and generosity when you face tough issues and difficult people. Do not take revenge or keep bitterness. Part in peace if need be. Keep distance.

Ø Like Hannah, be patient, pour out your heart and spirit to God in the anguish of your soul. Never retaliate but seek the face of God till your Samuel is born and remove your shame and stigma.

Ø Like Caleb, be courageous in your approach, stand up with your convictions as the Lord has impressed in you, and keep up the spirit of difference in difficulties.

Ø Like Nehemiah, carry the burdens and move on with the God-given agenda in the midst of mockery, discouragement, and oppositions at every phase.

Living in different circumstances with difficult people is possible. We can make a difference in our communities, families and the nations by keeping a positive and Spirit-filled life