REALITY CHECK: THE INEVITABILITY OF LIFE’S TROUBLES

•    rain falls in each life - not IF, but WHEN
•    backed into corner by Red Sea; furnace of clashing beliefs
•    trials necessary to build character, vision

GOD OUR ORIGIN: TO HIM WE BELONG

•    created / formed by God, called by His name
•    a people that are Christ’s very own

GOD’S TREASURING OF US

•    precious, honoured, loved by God

GOD’S UNWAVERING SUPPORT

•    “I’m here for you” - Immanuel
•    Jesus understands because suffered / was tempted like us

GOD’S RANSOM OF US: ARRANGING A SUBSTITUTE

•    another given in exchange as our ransom
•    gathering / restoration to wholeness when broken, scattered

RE-PURPOSED TO BE WITNESSES

•    not be afraid, but rejoice when face trials
•    we’re to be God’s witnesses: sovereign, saving, unique
•    created for God’s glory: make Him look good, not just have a good time

SAVING PURPOSE WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE [GUN]FIRE

•    Catholic lay worker fends off homicides in subsidized housing