Crisis as Opportunity: Embracing Faith and Obedience
Summary
In the sermon "Merry Crisis || Week 3 - Mary Crisis," Tim Shany explores the concept of crisis as an opportunity for deeper surrender to God and a chance to witness His faithfulness. He shares a personal narrative of his and his spouse's journey through the heartbreak of an adoption falling through and the subsequent joy of having four children within five years. Shany emphasizes that crises should not be feared but embraced as moments where God can reveal His presence and where obedience plays a crucial role in participating in God's story.
Shany introduces the idea of personifying Christ to others during the holiday season, especially to those in crisis, by creating blessing bags filled with essential items for those in need. He challenges the congregation to continue this act of kindness beyond the first bag provided by the church.
The sermon also delves into the Christmas story, focusing on the crises faced by Joseph and Mary, such as an unexpected pregnancy and the threat of divorce. Shany points out that the Christmas story is a series of crises, yet it is also a story of joy and peace. He discusses Joseph's initial plan to divorce Mary quietly, which is interrupted by an angel's message confirming the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy.
Shany highlights Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, emphasizing that Jesus became sin so that humanity could become the righteousness of God. He encourages the congregation to live with the awareness of being chosen by God and to face crises with steadfast trust in Him.
The speaker reflects on Joseph's obedience during the crisis of Mary's pregnancy, noting that Joseph's actions—taking Mary as his wife, controlling his desires, and naming Jesus—demonstrate an obedience that prioritizes God's plan over personal desires.
Shany draws parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and Jesus' promise to prepare a place for his followers, using Joseph's crisis upon discovering Mary's pregnancy to illustrate the tension between law and compassion.
The sermon concludes with a call to surrender pain to God and to remember one's identity in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Crisis can be a divine invitation to deepen our faith and obedience. As Tim Shany shares from his personal life, the pain of a failed adoption and the joy of unexpected parenthood taught him that God's faithfulness shines brightest in our darkest moments. We should not fear crises but see them as opportunities to witness the miraculous and to play a significant role in God's narrative. [39:19]
- True personification of Christ involves practical acts of kindness, such as the blessing bags initiative. By providing for those in need, we embody the love and compassion of Jesus, especially during times of widespread crisis like the holiday season. The first bag is a gift, but the continuation of giving reflects a heart transformed by Christ's example. [00:33]
- The Christmas story, filled with crisis, teaches us that joy and peace can coexist with trials. Joseph and Mary's journey, laden with challenges, exemplifies how steadfast faith and trust in God's plan can lead to profound joy amidst uncertainty and fear. This perspective can transform how we view and respond to our own crises. [11:44]
- Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of crisis turned to victory. By becoming sin for us, Jesus opened the way for us to become God's righteousness. In our crises, we are called to hold steadfast to the truth of the Cross, trusting that we are favored by God and that our trials can lead to peace and joy. [46:03]
- Obedience in crisis is not about personal glory but aligning with God's desires. Joseph's decision to marry Mary, despite societal expectations, and his restraint and acceptance of his role as Jesus' earthly father, demonstrate an obedience that seeks to fulfill God's plan above all else. This kind of obedience is what we are called to emulate in our own lives, especially in times of crisis. [20:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
> Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
2. James 1:2-4 (ESV)
> Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
> For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joseph's initial plan upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, and how did it change after the angel's message? ([11:44])
2. How does James describe the purpose of trials and crises in our lives? ([09:12])
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 say about Jesus' sacrifice and its purpose for humanity? ([43:16])
4. What practical act of kindness did Tim Shany suggest to personify Christ during the holiday season? ([01:51])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Joseph's obedience to God's command demonstrate his faith and trust in God's plan? ([11:44])
2. In what ways can crises be seen as opportunities for deeper faith and obedience, according to James 1:2-4? ([09:12])
3. How does the concept of Jesus becoming sin for us, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:21, relate to facing our own crises with trust in God? ([43:16])
4. How can the act of creating and distributing blessing bags during the holiday season reflect the love and compassion of Jesus? ([01:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent crisis you faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Joseph's example of obedience? ([11:44])
2. James 1:2-4 encourages us to find joy in trials. Can you identify a current or past trial where you saw or can see God's faithfulness? How did it or could it strengthen your faith? ([09:12])
3. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of crisis turned to victory. How can this perspective help you face your current challenges with hope and trust? ([43:16])
4. Tim Shany suggested creating blessing bags as a way to personify Christ. What are some practical ways you can continue this act of kindness beyond the holiday season? ([01:51])
5. Joseph controlled his desires to align with God's plan. Are there areas in your life where your desires conflict with God's will? How can you practice obedience in those areas? ([19:26])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt chosen by God for a specific purpose. How did that experience shape your identity and actions? ([23:58])
7. How can you support someone in your community who is currently facing a crisis, and what steps can you take to be a source of encouragement and hope for them? ([01:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Crisis as Divine Invitation
In moments of crisis, one is presented with a unique opportunity to deepen their faith and demonstrate obedience. It is in these challenging times that one can truly experience the faithfulness of God, as He often uses our darkest moments to reveal His light and guide us into playing a significant role in His divine narrative. Embracing crisis as an opportunity rather than a setback can lead to witnessing the miraculous unfold in one's life. [39:19]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: How can you view your current struggles as opportunities to grow in faith and obedience to God?
Day 2: Embodiment of Christ's Compassion
Acts of kindness, such as creating blessing bags for those in need, are practical ways to embody Christ's love and compassion. This holiday season, and beyond, one is called to continue these acts of kindness, reflecting a heart transformed by Christ's example. The first bag is a gift, but the continuation of giving is a testament to a life changed by the Gospel. [00:33]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: What are some ways you can extend Christ's compassion to those in need in your community today?
Day 3: Joy Amidst Trials
The Christmas story, a narrative filled with crisis, teaches that joy and peace can coexist with trials. Joseph and Mary's journey, though fraught with challenges, is a testament to the power of steadfast faith and trust in God's plan. This perspective can transform how one views and responds to their own crises, finding profound joy amidst uncertainty and fear. [11:44]
1 Peter 1:6-7 - "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when a difficult situation in your life brought unexpected joy and growth?
Day 4: The Victory of the Cross
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of turning crisis into victory. By taking on sin, He paved the way for humanity to become the righteousness of God. In times of personal crisis, holding steadfast to the truth of the Cross is essential, trusting that one is favored by God and that trials can lead to greater peace and joy. [46:03]
Colossians 1:19-20 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Reflection: How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross change the way you face personal crises?
Day 5: Obedience Over Personal Desire
In times of crisis, true obedience is about aligning with God's desires rather than seeking personal glory. Joseph's decision to marry Mary and his acceptance of his role as Jesus' earthly father demonstrate an obedience that seeks to fulfill God's plan above all else. This kind of obedience is what believers are called to emulate in their own lives, especially in times of crisis. [20:45]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice obedience to God's plan, even if it goes against your personal desires?
Quotes
"What if this holiday season we personified Christ to others and met them in their crisis?" [00:33] (Download)
"Crisis is the perfect opportunity for God to reveal his faithfulness. We want to avoid crisis, but God isn't afraid of it in our lives. It is often the very thing that allows us to see his heart. We need not fear it; he is with us, Emmanuel." [38:35] (Download)
"Obedience is the only option for you; God has chosen you to play a significant role with eternal impact in this world, to play a role in his story. Why would we think that challenge, testing, and crisis wouldn't be part of joining together with him to see the impossible happen through our lives?" [39:19] (Download)
"He who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God. The chosen one of God experienced the crisis to end all crises that we would have peace in the midst of our crisis." [43:16] (Download)
"It's time we live like we're chosen. How will you respond? Will you let crisis be the excuse for pulling away from Him, or will you hold steadfast and trust Him in it?" [44:36] (Download)
"Joy and peace come to us through crisis. The Christmas story is riddled with crisis moments; in fact, the gospel message itself is a crisis story, and yet it's one of joy and of peace." [08:30] (Download)
"Understand that Jesus leads us into crisis that we would have the opportunity to see The Impossible play out in our lives, that we would consider the options and conclude obedience is the only option." [41:54] (Download)
"What if hidden in crisis is something really worth celebrating? What if the answer we hope for, the gift we so desperately want and need, is wrapped up in crisis paper and God, like an eager father for his kid to unwrap the perfect gift, wants us to tear through to discover something better than we could ever have hoped for or dreamed of?" [09:48] (Download)
"Our concern isn't to be how do I get out of this crisis but how to be faithful in the crisis. Look for what God has for you in it." [21:26] (Download)
"Pleasing God often starts with disappointing people. If you're not ready to be criticized for obedience to God, maybe you're not ready to be used by God." [19:26] (Download)
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