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Great Plains Community Church Sermon Notes - January 1, 2012

HANDLING OBSTACLES IN 2012

Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whoever you go.

Four Steps To Face Your Difficulties

I. Be willing to face your problem.
Verse 9 - Be strong and courageous.

How To Face Your Problems

1. Face them in spite of self doubts
Exodus 3:11 - But Moses said to God, who am I that I should go to the Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
Jeremiah 1:6 - Lord, I said, I do not know how to speak, I am only a child.

2. Face them when their unfamiliar.
Acts 1:10 - They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going.

3. Face them in spite of the effort it takes.

II. Be willing to keep an open mind.
Verse 9 - Do not be terrified.

How To Keep An Open Mind

1. Take time to investigate the problem.
Joshua 3:6 - Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.
Joshua 2:1 - Sent two spies.

2. Keep an open mind through communication.
Joshua 2:8-11
Prov. 11:14 - Many advisers make victory sure.

III. Be willing to get others to help you.
Verse 9 - Do not be discouraged.

Hebrews 10:25 - Let us encourage one another.

Examples of Help
• Joshua 3:6
• Joshua 6:1-8
• Genesis 2:18
• I Kings 19:10
• Matthew 26:38

IV. Be willing to face your problems with God’s promises.
Verse 9 - For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Why Promises Are Important

1. Promises comfort us.
Isa. 40:31 - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

2. Promises encourage us.
Romans 8:39 - Not anything else will be able to separate us from the love of God.

3. Promises motivate us.
Acts 26:19 - I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.

4. Promises help us hold steady.
Matthew 28:20 - And surely I will be with you always.