In every trial or challenge, you need to have the proper perspective. As a Christian, one has to re-frame all experiences according to the God we serve. God may not have been the author of our situation but he will use it to accomplish his will.

1. Proper Perspective Produces Praise
Lowenfield Alleyne
May 23, 2020

2. What We Will Cover
• Storms Strike Socially
• Adversity Activates Assurance
• God Graciously Guides
• Silence Still Signals Support
• Wise Words Widens Witnessing

3. Storms Strike Socially
• Hurricane Gilbert (1988) affected
– The affluent – satellite dishes were displaced
– The middle class – roofs were lost, homes were flooded
– The poor – those who depended on ‘hustling’ for their
livelihood lost their ability to earn
• Matthew 5:45 (KJV)
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in
heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
• We may not have been infected but we are affected by
COVID-19

4. Adversity Activates Assurance
• In every storm there is a reason to hope
• In trials we are given a chance to activate our faith
• Luke 21:28 (KJV)
28 And when these things begin to come to pass,
then look up, and lift up your heads; for your
redemption draweth nigh.
• In times of crisis the world looks to the church

5. God Graciously Guides
• No matter how the storm may rage, God is still in
control
• God accomplishes things either through His
expressed or permissive will
• Romans 8:28 (KJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose.
• God lives and once he is alive all is well

6. Silence Still Signals Support
• We serve a God that is present even in His silence
• Psalm 34:1 (KJV)
34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall
continually be in my mouth.
• Focus on strengthening your relationship
– Read the word
– Pray
• Development takes place in the dark (just like a
seed that is planted)

7. Wise Words Widens Witnessing
• As you go through your trails you are actually
witnessing to others
• How you navigate through life is a testament of
your faith in God
• John 1:14 - …the Word was made flesh…
• Job 2:10 (KJV)
10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of
the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we
receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

8. What We Covered
• Storms Strike Socially
• Adversity Activates Assurance
• God Graciously Guides
• Silence Still Signals Support
• Wise Words Widens Witnessing

9. Trials Make Pure Gold - Chuck Fulmore (1974)
There are trials in life that seem more than I can
bear.
There are heartaches beyond compare.
Without trials in life I might never bow in prayer.
And I would never know Jesus really cares.

10. Trials Make Pure Gold - Chuck Fulmore (1974)
Chorus:
For it’s the trials that bring us closer to Heaven.
And it’s the trials that bring blessings untold.
And it’s the trials that bring us close to Jesus.
And it’s the trials that make pure gold.

11. Trials Make Pure Gold - Chuck Fulmore (1974)
Without trials in life I might never call the Lord.
And I would never know the joy of answered prayer.
Without trials in life I might never hear the words,
“ Well done, my child; Come in and glory share.”