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  WE WERE TROUBLED ON EVERY SIDE
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: God allows us to go through troubles to teach us our dependence
on Him and to show His all-sufficient strength and grace, ultimately
leading to an everlasting acquisition of faith.

Topics: "Dependence On God", "Faith through Trials"
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:7, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God allows troubles in our lives to
demonstrate His all-sufficient strength and grace, teaching us our
dependence on Him. He explains that through trials, we learn to trust
God more deeply, as faith is cultivated in the midst of pressure.
Simpson highlights that this reliance on God is essential, as it
positions us to receive His power rather than relying on our own
strength. Ultimately, the lessons learned through these challenges
become invaluable treasures that enrich our spiritual lives.

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CONTENT
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Why should God have to lead us through troubles and allow the pressure
to be so hard and constant? In the first place, it shows His all-
sufficient strength and grace much better than if we were exempt from
pressure and trial. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians
4:7). Also, it makes us more conscious of our dependence upon God. God
is constantly trying to teach us our dependence and to hold us
absolutely in His hand and hanging upon His care. This was the place
where Jesus Himself stood and where He wants us to stand, not with a
self constituted strength, but with a hand ever leaning upon His, and a
trust that dares not take one step alone.

Troubles teach us trust.

There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God's school of
faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to escape
trials. The lesson of faith, once learned, is an everlasting acquisition
and an eternal fortune made. Without trust even riches will leave us
poor.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/we-were-troubled-on-every-side/
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