How do you respond to bad days?

Did the bottom fall out? Did the roof cave in?

It did for Hannah. See how she handled it.

"Hannah had no children 1 Sam. 1:2." For a Hebrew woman that was the ultimate disappointment. "Things that are never satisfied...the barren womb" Prov. 30:15,16 "God had shut up her womb" vs. 5. She did not know that! It wasn't for something bad she had done but for something big He was going to do. Remember this. It is vital in your situation, in every situation.

She had an adversary
At a time like this she needed a friend not an enemy or adversary. You may have an adversary. You need a friend right now. "And her adversary also provoked her sore" vs. 6. You have an "adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" 1 Peter 5:8. He certainly did a job on Job. Remember, Job did not know what was going on either. You can count on the devil to provoke you, and seek to devour you. Or he will put one of his henchmen, an adversary, to provoke you too.

To make her fret
"Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers" Ps 37:1. "All things do work together for good to them who are called according to His purpose" Rom. 8:28. You must trust God that it is true.

Year by year
This went on for years vs. 7. You have been going through it for a week or month and think you have problems. God isn't through with you yet. "Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning" Ps. 30:5.

On the way to God's house
"When she went up to the house of the Lord" vs. 7. She wasn't running from God. Hannah wasn't away from God. She was faithful to God. "Why do bad things happen to good people?" "So that you may be (A)sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" Matt. 5:45. "When you are down to nothing, be assured God is up to something."

"Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none" Ps:69:20. Been there, done that? Haven't we all. Stay with us, It gets worse but the end is not yet. Something big is about to happen. Read 1 Sam. 1 and let's compare notes Friday.

Prayer:  Father, bless Your child who is going through tough times and doesn't know why. Give wisdom and grace to see the big things You have in store for them. In Jesus name

To Whom should we take the Gospel

Everyone!
"The large crowd enjoyed listening to Him" Mk. 12:37. Some people make the mistake, like I did, by going after the worst drunkard or the hardest sinner in town. Don't neglect them, pray for them, but don't start there. People do that too often and find the people are hard. They don't respond and the Christian gets discouraged.

Not many mighty.
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble" 1 Cor. 1:26. Often I have heard people say, "If only so and so got saved" and they think of some celebrity and their influence and people they know and think how many would be saved. After 60 plus years in the ministry, it just doesn't happen that way. "God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" Vs, 21. God wants to use you and me, ordinary people, so He gets the glory.

Don't neglect them. Remember Acts 8 and the Ethiopian Eunuch? He got saved. Remember Paul, he got saved. I have led several doctors, lawyers, wealthy people, hall of famer's to Christ. Celeste and I have been to so many doctors the past 10 years. Not one has been rude or refused a tract.

Go to friends and family
Jesus said, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you" Mk. 5:19. First, be sure they see a change in you. Let me make an important statement that I often tell people. The closer a person is to you, friend or family, the more careful you must be. ABOVE all don't be pushy. Don't jump on them. I prayed for my father for 35 years before he accepted Christ. Show and tell is a great way to put it.

I led a 13 year old girl to Christ. She was transformed. She had a passionate burden for her family. Over the next 4 months over 30 adults in her family came to Christ because of her life and witness.

Little children
"Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" Matt. 19:14. Before they get hardened, go after them. In today's world we must be careful not to do anything that would cause suspicion. Child molestation is rampant and we must be careful. Be very careful also to make sure they understand the gospel and how to be saved. More on all of this as we go along.

Don't quench the Spirit
Whatever, while you have that first love and passion, witness and see God open hearts to the gospel.

Prayer:  Father, give \Your children to get the gospel to the right people in their circle of influence and help change lives and the world. In Jesus name

You are loved by God and me, all because of Calvary, sumner