Anchored in Hope: Trusting God Through Trials

Summary

In today's gathering, we immersed ourselves in the profound truths of Psalm 86, reflecting on our dependence on God and His unwavering nature. We began by acknowledging our need for God's protection and mercy, confessing our weaknesses and seeking His gracious forgiveness. The psalmist's words remind us of God's readiness to forgive and His abounding love for those who call upon Him. We praised God for His grace, which we owe to Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and recognized that in our distress, God hears our cries and responds with compassion. We prayed for those who have yet to know God, asking for their hearts to be opened to His truth.

We then turned our focus to Romans 12:12, where Paul provides a triple response to adversity: rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, and be persistent in prayer. We explored the concept of biblical hope, which is not mere optimism but a gospel guarantee. This hope is like a confirmed first-class ticket, offering assurance and joy that transcends our circumstances. We were encouraged to anchor our joy in this hope, shifting our focus from temporary struggles to eternal promises.

Trusting God's timing in trials was another key theme. We learned that patience in affliction means remaining under pressure, much like a weightlifter who builds strength by holding a heavy bar. Trials are not waiting rooms but workouts for our faith, refining our character and producing hope. We were reminded that God is more committed to our character than our comfort, and He uses hardships to develop spiritual resilience.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of persistent prayer. Like a fisherman who continues to cast his nets despite empty catches, we must remain constant in prayer, trusting that God will provide. We were encouraged to cultivate personal, family, and corporate prayer habits, recognizing that prayer is the lifeline that sustains our faith and connects us to God's power.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dependence on God: We are reminded of our need for God's protection and mercy, as expressed in Psalm 86. Our weaknesses drive us to seek His gracious forgiveness, and His readiness to forgive is a testament to His abounding love. In our distress, God hears our cries and responds with compassion. [11:38]

2. Biblical Hope: Unlike worldly optimism, biblical hope is a gospel guarantee, offering assurance and joy that transcends circumstances. This hope is like a confirmed first-class ticket, providing a steadfast anchor for our souls. By focusing on this hope, we can experience joy even in the midst of trials. [34:27]

3. Trusting God's Timing: Patience in affliction involves remaining under pressure, much like a weightlifter building strength. Trials are not waiting rooms but workouts for our faith, refining our character and producing hope. God is more committed to our character than our comfort, using hardships to develop spiritual resilience. [48:07]

4. Persistent Prayer: Like a fisherman who continues to cast his nets despite empty catches, we must remain constant in prayer. Prayer is the lifeline that sustains our faith and connects us to God's power. Cultivating personal, family, and corporate prayer habits is essential for spiritual growth. [01:00:43]

5. Embracing God's Plan: It's okay to grieve the life we hoped for but didn't receive. God invites us to bring our wounds to Him, knowing that He understands our pain. After grieving, we are called to trust God and embrace the life He has given us, rejoicing in the hope of His promises. [01:16:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:30] - Opening Prayer and Psalm 86
- [07:30] - God's Nature and Forgiveness
- [11:38] - God's Compassion in Distress
- [18:39] - Intercessory Prayer Requests
- [19:20] - Christians Known by Love
- [30:04] - Rejoice in Hope
- [32:51] - Biblical Hope vs. Worldly Optimism
- [34:27] - Gospel Guarantee of Hope
- [35:37] - Confirmed Ticket of Faith
- [40:25] - Trusting God's Timing
- [48:07] - Trials as Workouts for Faith
- [01:00:02] - Persistent Prayer
- [01:00:43] - Necessity of Prayer
- [01:16:12] - Embracing God's Plan

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 86:1-15
- Romans 12:12

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 86, what attributes of God does the psalmist highlight, and how do these attributes provide comfort in times of distress? [07:30]

2. According to Romans 12:12, what are the three responses Paul suggests for dealing with adversity? How are these responses interconnected? [32:51]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope? What analogy is used to illustrate this difference? [34:27]

4. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe the process of building spiritual resilience through trials? How does this metaphor help us understand the purpose of enduring hardships? [48:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the psalmist's plea for God's protection and mercy in Psalm 86 reflect our own need for divine intervention in our lives? [11:38]

2. What does it mean to "rejoice in hope" as described in Romans 12:12, and how can this perspective change our approach to life's challenges? [34:27]

3. The sermon mentions that God is more committed to our character than our comfort. How does this understanding affect our view of trials and afflictions? [48:07]

4. How does the concept of persistent prayer, as discussed in the sermon, challenge our current prayer habits? What practical steps can we take to cultivate a more consistent prayer life? [01:00:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt weak or in need of God's protection. How did you respond, and how might Psalm 86 guide you to respond differently in the future? [11:38]

2. Consider a current trial or hardship you are facing. How can you apply the principle of "rejoicing in hope" to find joy amidst your circumstances? [34:27]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with patience. How can you practice "remaining under pressure" to build spiritual resilience, as described in the sermon? [48:07]

4. Think about your current prayer habits. What changes can you make to ensure that prayer becomes a natural and persistent part of your daily routine? [01:00:43]

5. The sermon encourages us to trust God's timing in our trials. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel impatient or frustrated with your current situation? [48:07]

6. Reflect on a time when you grieved over a life you hoped for but didn't receive. How can you bring those wounds to God and embrace the life He has given you, as suggested in the sermon? [01:16:12]

7. How can you incorporate family and corporate prayer into your life to strengthen your faith and the faith of those around you? What specific steps will you take this week to make this a reality? [01:03:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Dependence on God's Compassion
In times of distress, we are reminded of our profound need for God's protection and mercy. Psalm 86 highlights our weaknesses and the necessity of seeking God's gracious forgiveness. It reassures us of God's readiness to forgive and His abounding love for those who call upon Him. In our moments of vulnerability, God hears our cries and responds with compassion, offering us a refuge in His unwavering nature. This dependence on God is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of His strength and love that sustains us. [11:38]

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Think of a recent moment of distress in your life. How can you actively seek God's compassion and forgiveness in that situation today?

Day 2: Anchoring Joy in Gospel Hope
Biblical hope is not mere optimism but a gospel guarantee that offers assurance and joy beyond our circumstances. This hope is likened to a confirmed first-class ticket, providing a steadfast anchor for our souls. By focusing on this hope, we can experience joy even amidst trials, shifting our perspective from temporary struggles to eternal promises. This hope is a reminder that our joy is not dependent on our current situation but on the certainty of God's promises. [34:27]

Hebrews 6:19 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Reflection: Identify a current struggle in your life. How can you anchor your joy in the gospel hope today, despite this challenge?

Day 3: Patience in God's Timing
Trusting God's timing in trials involves remaining under pressure, much like a weightlifter building strength. These trials are not waiting rooms but workouts for our faith, refining our character and producing hope. God is more committed to our character than our comfort, using hardships to develop spiritual resilience. This perspective encourages us to embrace trials as opportunities for growth, trusting that God's timing is perfect and purposeful. [48:07]

James 1:3-4 (ESV): "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are facing. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing, viewing this trial as a workout for your faith?

Day 4: The Lifeline of Persistent Prayer
Persistent prayer is essential for sustaining our faith and connecting us to God's power. Like a fisherman who continues to cast his nets despite empty catches, we must remain constant in prayer, trusting that God will provide. Cultivating personal, family, and corporate prayer habits is crucial for spiritual growth, as prayer is the lifeline that sustains our relationship with God. This persistence in prayer reflects our trust in God's provision and our commitment to seeking His guidance. [01:00:43]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Consider your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate more persistent and intentional prayer into your daily routine, trusting in God's provision?

Day 5: Embracing God's Plan Amidst Grief
It's natural to grieve the life we hoped for but didn't receive. God invites us to bring our wounds to Him, knowing that He understands our pain. After grieving, we are called to trust God and embrace the life He has given us, rejoicing in the hope of His promises. This process involves acknowledging our losses while also recognizing the new opportunities and blessings that God provides. Embracing God's plan requires faith in His wisdom and a willingness to find joy in His promises. [01:16:12]

Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: Reflect on a loss or disappointment in your life. How can you bring this to God in prayer and begin to embrace the life He has given you, finding joy in His promises?

Quotes

"We know that in our times of distress, you hear our cries and respond with compassion. As the psalmist declares in verse 7, I call on you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me. And we repeat verse 8 in praise. Lord, there is no one like you among the gods, and there are no works like yours." [12:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Paul gives us the triple response to adversity. The very first thing that I want you to write down in your notes that you should do when life isn't what you hope. Number one, write this down. Hang your happiness on the hereafter." [33:21] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Biblical hope bears no resemblance to worldly optimism or wishful thinking. Write this down. And we're going to explore this a little more. Biblical hope is a gospel guarantee." [34:40] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"You as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, saints, you hold a confirmed ticket. Future glory? Confirmed. Christ's return? Scheduled. God's presence? Reserved. Final victory? Guaranteed." [35:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Paul calls this your blessed hope. And think about it, saints. If you rejoice in that hope, the hope that is to come, that changes everything. You experience right here, right now." [36:47] ( | | )

"Saints, this is what's so crazy, what Paul is telling us to do. He's saying, when affliction comes, make it your home. Yes." [47:05] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"this in the blank because you have to understand for the christian a trial isn't a waiting room it's a workout a trial isn't a waiting room we're not sitting there trying to pass the time going god get me out of this romans chapter 5 changes the christian's perspective on trials god isn't asking you to sit pretty until the trouble passes he's actually purposefully putting you under affliction for the purpose of exercising your spiritual muscles and each second under pressure counts each moment you trust god's timing as adding up to another rep of your faith when paul speaks of the word affliction he's talking about real hardship any hardship the christian endures falls under this command and the question isn't if these hardships will come paul guarantees them look at what he says in acts 4 14 22 i love this paul had already went on a missionary journey he's going to circle around for the second time and he's going to go back to the existing churches he just planted and he's going to strengthen those churches he's going to go encourage those churches and you know what his message is to all those churches look at what it says in acts 14 22 strengthening disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them it all works out it just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter as the days go by you're going to be rich healthy wealthy no he says this it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of god we call that in the greek the divine imperative the idea is that god is under moral obligation to put you through hardship to refine your character you will look at me saints you turn your life over to christ you have accepted hardship you've accepted it and why why is this such a part of the christian's life i just mentioned it to you romans 5 has already mapped out the progression what does god do in a christian's life in hardship look what it says romans 5 3 through 4 and not only that but we also boast in our afflictions same word here same for hardship he says we get happy when hardship comes why here's what we know because we know that affliction produces endurance endurance produces proven character and proven character produces hope and saints remember what i just told you about hope if you have hope you can be happy this is what god wants to do in your life think about that tea bag that you put in hot water your trials aren't destroying you they're brewing something better the pressure write it down the pressure has a purpose every pressure that you're under god has a purpose for it look at what it says in second corinthians 4 17 for our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory now think if you remember paul he's went through some stuff with a capital s and what does he call it momentary light momentary light because when you put your focus on the hereafter and you see the character that god has for you you're going to see the character that god has for you you're going to see the character that god's building in you that he will eternally reward you for he's saying whatever you go you're going through is apples and oranges in comparison do not compare the two mike winger the apologist on youtube he actually really knows this i saw this this week i want to share with you he said this god is more committed to my character than my comfort i should be as well he is god god knows he will purposely put you under pressure if he knows if i put you in this circumstance this character will be developed in you god will do it in a heartbeat he will because he knows the eternal reward that comes from spiritual formation and let's just be be honest with each other saints we're all humans in here we know how deceitful our heart is when things are going smooth and pleasant in your life we forget about god we do and so sadly that one of the best tools god has in his tool bill is hardship and affliction due to the hardness of human hearts let me give you three things real quick where are some of the things that god will allow in our lives that he wants us to dwell in to abide in to remain under right the very first one is circumstances he wants us to trust his tommy god shapes our patience with things we can't control when the bank account runs low when the medical tests keep multiplying when the job search drags on those aren't random trials they're precise pressure points that's designed by god each one of those points he is they're asking you will you trust god's tommy over your own tommy that's what each of them are designed to do these pressure points test the attachment to our plans our will and reveals in us a deep need for god and as we yield to god's tommy god is building a quiet resilience in us and saints i wish because i'm tearing up if i could just teach you patience through you know mouth to mind and you could obtain it y 'all i'd pack this place out today wouldn't the reality is though you only learn patience in these types of circumstances when you're put under the heavy ball the second one god will try your patience i know y 'all ready for this one with people he'll send people so that you'll learn how to love nothing tests our need for patience like people that slam door that backstabbing co -worker that spouse who keeps me misunderstanding i wrote that about myself the church conflict over the trivial matters that's about another church all right now i'm playing with you each interaction is sanctifying sandpaper right and some of y 'all i'm gonna start using that on some of y 'all y 'all just sanctifying sandpaper aren't you just rubbing on me right getting the edges off god uses these points to stretch our capacity for grace and each tough encounter with a person actually is intended to make us wiser and gentler these interactions also remind us of our need for god's grace i know it's hard to believe at one point in time you were equally annoying i couldn't believe that but they mold us to love others as god loves us the very third thing that permits patience the atmosphere the sphere in which they do it is personal growth personal growth the hardest test of patience right is sometimes watching your own spiritual growth it's painful to see the spirit crawl when inside we want to run that stubborn sin that won't release its grip that prayer request that remains unanswered in these seasons of slow growth we have to trust that god is the one who will help us and we have to trust that god is the one who will help us at work even when we see very little progress or no progress at all remember what galatians 6 non says let us not get tired of doing good for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up notice carefully it says the proper time not your preferred time right the and who determines the proper time god write this down saints and once you've noticed this about god it'll help you god works like a farmer not a microwave true growth takes seasons not seconds that's usually how God works I mean every now and then he'll give a grace for somebody that will just immediately transform them and I and we all get a little envious don't we but the vast majority of us it's a farmer it's planting a seed watering going out tending to it and it looks like nothing is happening nothing and then one day right you see a little leaf I was this just came to mind the other day we were driving to Gainesville I think was to see cave and we took this route and we turned a corner there was a little real small church real small church I mean maybe in this about this size sitting in the corner and my Scotty goes that's a small church and then she says this but we all grow at different rates that's exactly it darling right we all grow at different rates if it isn't true we expect certain levels of certain people we're all growing at different rates picture a master potter at his wheel to the untrained ah his hands might seem too harsh on the clay but each touch is precise each pressure is perfectly Tom the potter isn't trying to break the clay he's turning a formless lump into a vessel of beauty and purpose saints what I can tell you according to Romans 1 through 11 the pressure you feel today is from your father's hands and each pressure point is from your father's hands and each pressure point is from your 3000 you follow God's command throughout ten years between your present head the time of our death will cast the lançáis of thats girl a sin and no pl Ground this sugar past trueér", [48:29] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Let me give you three areas in which you need to practice prayer patterns. Because here's what's so sad, y 'all. We read the Bible so individualistically, we can't conceive of this command without just thinking of our prayer clauses. Paul has so much more in mind. You've got to think about who Paul is and all the instructions of prayer he's given over the entire New Testament. He's not just saying being persistent and one area of prayer. He's saying you need to be persistent in every pattern of prayer. Let me give you the first one. The first one's obvious. It's personal prayer. That's the first one we should all think of. Personal prayer. Jesus teaches this in Matthew 6 6. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. That one immediately comes to mind." [01:02] ( | | )

"Gather as a family to pray in times of crisis and celebration. Listen to me. Not praying with your kids for five minutes a day could cost them their faith tomorrow. This isn't harsh. That's reality. It's honest. Remember, your legacy isn't what you leave behind. It's what you build each day. You're building that now." [01:03] ( | | )

"Right now, there is someone in our world, a child that needs prayer covering, a marriage that needs shielding, a friend that needs breakthrough, a heart that needs awakening. And how many of these battles have we lost simply because we won't pray?" [01:14] ( | | )

"How many breakthroughs have we missed because we're too busy? Remember this truth. The enemy, Satan, does not fear our church's programs. He does not fear how talented our members are. He doesn't fear our strategies and plans. He just fears our prayers." [01:15] ( | | )

"Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do when life doesn't turn out the way you hope is to go to church. To weep. It's okay to grieve the life you dreamed of but didn't receive. I like what John Piper says. He says this, occasionally weep deeply over the life you hope would be. Grieve the losses. Feel the pain." [01:15] ( | | )

"God isn't asking you to pretend that it doesn't hurt, but I love what Piper says next after he says that grieving part. He says, then, after you've grieved, wash your face, trust God, and embrace the life He has given you." [01:16] ( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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