Divine Detours: Embracing God's Purpose in Pain
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Canvas family! Today, we delved into the theme of divine detours and how God uses our most painful moments to set us up for His incredible purposes. We began with the story of Walter Elias Disney, who faced a significant setback when he was fired for a lack of creativity. This failure led him to discover his true calling, which ultimately brought him immense success and fulfillment. Similarly, we explored the life of the Apostle Paul, who experienced a shipwreck and a snake bite on his journey to Rome. These seemingly disastrous events positioned him to bring revival to the island of Malta, demonstrating how God can turn our worst moments into opportunities for His glory.
We all have fears, but at the core, many of us fear failure the most. However, it's often through our failures that God redirects us to His divine plans. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we can make many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Acts 28 illustrates this beautifully through Paul's experience. Despite the shipwreck and snake bite, Paul found himself in a position to heal many and spread the gospel, turning a calamity into a blessing.
God specializes in divine detours. Our lives, much like Paul's missionary journeys, are filled with zigzags and unexpected turns. These detours are not random; they are strategically designed by God to place us where He wants us to be. Disorienting times lead us to a deeper dependence on God, moving us from a state of independence to complete reliance on Him. This dependence is crucial for our spiritual maturity and growth.
In conclusion, shipwrecks and snake bites, though painful, shape us into who God wants us to be. They teach us to appreciate what we have, to remain faithful even when it's hard, and to find joy in the journey. Remember, God is not just concerned with where we are going but with who we are becoming in the process. Trust in His plan, for He works all things together for our good and His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Uses Our Failures for His Purpose: Often, our greatest fears revolve around failure. However, it's through these failures that God redirects us to His divine plans. Just as Walter Disney's firing led him to discover his true calling, our setbacks can be setups for God's greater purpose. [11:52]
2. Divine Detours Are Strategic: Our lives are filled with unexpected turns and detours, much like Paul's missionary journeys. These are not random but are strategically designed by God to place us where He wants us to be. These detours often lead to greater blessings and opportunities for His glory. [23:20]
3. Dependence on God Through Disorienting Times: Disorienting moments in life lead us to a deeper dependence on God. While human relationships move from dependence to independence, spiritual maturity moves us from independence to complete reliance on God. Shipwrecks and snake bites fast-track this dependence. [27:24]
4. Appreciation Through Waiting and Working: The longer we wait and the more we work for something, the more we appreciate it. Shipwrecks and snake bites teach us not to take God's blessings for granted. They deepen our appreciation for what He provides and how He moves in our lives. [37:11]
5. Joy and Humor in Adversity: Maintaining a sense of humor and finding joy in the Lord can get us through the toughest times. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it helps us to not only survive but thrive through shipwrecks and snake bites. This joy is rooted in the knowledge that God is good and His plans are for our ultimate good and His glory. [39:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:40] - Vision Sunday Announcement
[08:26] - Service Options and Attendance
[09:02] - Introduction and Prayer
[09:41] - Story of Walter Elias Disney
[11:12] - Fear of Failure
[13:56] - God's Purpose in Our Failures
[14:37] - Acts 28: Paul's Shipwreck and Snake Bite
[16:21] - Paul's Journey to Malta
[18:31] - God's Transformative Power
[20:16] - Divine Detours in Paul's Life
[23:20] - Strategic Positioning by God
[24:51] - God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
[26:06] - Dependence on God
[27:24] - Spiritual Maturity and Dependence
[29:42] - Church's Journey and Shipwrecks
[31:59] - God's Provision and Faithfulness
[33:47] - Seeking God Over His Will
[34:48] - Elijah's Story and God's Guidance
[36:09] - Three Practical Tips for Difficult Times
[37:11] - Appreciation Through Waiting
[39:54] - Joy and Humor in Adversity
[41:00] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
2. Acts 28:3-6 - "As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, 'A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.' But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead, but when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god."
3. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reason given for Walter Elias Disney's firing from the Kansas City Star newspaper? [[11:12]]
2. How did the Apostle Paul end up on the island of Malta according to Acts 28? [[16:21]]
3. What was the reaction of the islanders when Paul was bitten by the snake, and how did their perception change? [[18:59]]
4. According to Proverbs 19:21, whose purpose ultimately prevails despite our many plans?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Walter Elias Disney illustrate the concept of God using our failures for His purpose? [[11:52]]
2. In what ways did Paul's shipwreck and snake bite lead to greater opportunities for God's glory on the island of Malta? [[20:16]]
3. How can disorienting times in our lives lead us to a deeper dependence on God, as mentioned in the sermon? [[27:24]]
4. What does Romans 8:28 suggest about the nature of God's plans for those who love Him, even in the midst of adversity?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when a failure or setback in your life led to an unexpected opportunity or blessing. How did you see God's hand in that situation? [[11:52]]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God during disorienting times in your life? What practical steps can you take to rely more on Him? [[27:24]]
3. Think about a current challenge or "shipwreck" you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as a potential divine detour for God's greater purpose? [[20:52]]
4. In what ways can you maintain a sense of humor and find joy in the Lord during tough times? How does this help you to not only survive but thrive through adversity? [[39:54]]
5. How can you ensure that you are seeking God Himself more than just His will or the outcomes you desire? What changes might you need to make in your prayer life or daily routine? [[33:47]]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to "hang in there like a hair in a biscuit." What steps can you take to remain faithful and not give up, even when it's hard? [[38:14]]
7. How can you deepen your appreciation for God's blessings in your life? What are some specific ways you can express gratitude for what He has provided? [[37:11]]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Purpose in Our Failures
Description: Often, our greatest fears revolve around failure. However, it's through these failures that God redirects us to His divine plans. Just as Walter Disney's firing led him to discover his true calling, our setbacks can be setups for God's greater purpose. When we face failure, it can feel like the end of the road, but God sees it as a new beginning. He uses these moments to refine us, to teach us, and to guide us towards His ultimate purpose for our lives. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we can make many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Embracing this truth can transform our perspective on failure, seeing it not as a defeat but as a divine detour.
In the life of the Apostle Paul, we see a vivid example of this principle. Despite experiencing a shipwreck and a snake bite on his journey to Rome, Paul found himself in a position to heal many and spread the gospel on the island of Malta. These seemingly disastrous events were not setbacks but setups for God's greater plan. They positioned Paul to bring revival and demonstrate God's power in unexpected ways. Similarly, our failures can be the very tools God uses to position us for His glory and our growth. [11:52]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Think of a recent failure or setback you have experienced. How might God be using this situation to redirect you towards His greater purpose? What steps can you take today to trust in His plan?
Day 2: Strategic Divine Detours
Description: Our lives are filled with unexpected turns and detours, much like Paul's missionary journeys. These are not random but are strategically designed by God to place us where He wants us to be. These detours often lead to greater blessings and opportunities for His glory. When we encounter these divine detours, it can be disorienting and challenging, but they are part of God's sovereign plan. He uses these moments to position us for His purposes, often in ways we could never have imagined.
Paul's journey to Rome was filled with such detours. Despite the shipwreck and snake bite, Paul found himself in Malta, where he was able to heal many and spread the gospel. These detours were not accidents but divine appointments. They were strategically designed by God to place Paul exactly where he needed to be to fulfill God's purpose. In our own lives, we can trust that God is in control, even when our path seems uncertain. He is strategically positioning us for His glory and our good. [23:20]
Jeremiah 10:23 (ESV): "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your plans were unexpectedly changed. How did God use that detour for His purpose? What unexpected opportunities or blessings came from it?
Day 3: Dependence on God Through Disorienting Times
Description: Disorienting moments in life lead us to a deeper dependence on God. While human relationships move from dependence to independence, spiritual maturity moves us from independence to complete reliance on God. Shipwrecks and snake bites fast-track this dependence. These challenging times strip away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency, driving us to rely wholly on God. This dependence is crucial for our spiritual growth and maturity, as it deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith.
Paul's experience of shipwreck and snake bite on his journey to Rome is a powerful example of this principle. These events forced Paul to rely completely on God, and in doing so, he was able to witness God's power and provision in miraculous ways. Similarly, our own disorienting times can lead us to a deeper dependence on God, moving us from a state of independence to complete reliance on Him. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual maturity and strength. [27:24]
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV): "For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to maintain control? How can you begin to shift from self-reliance to complete dependence on God today?
Day 4: Appreciation Through Waiting and Working
Description: The longer we wait and the more we work for something, the more we appreciate it. Shipwrecks and snake bites teach us not to take God's blessings for granted. They deepen our appreciation for what He provides and how He moves in our lives. When we face challenges and delays, it can be easy to become discouraged, but these times are opportunities to grow in patience and gratitude. They remind us that God's timing is perfect and that His blessings are worth the wait.
Paul's journey to Rome was filled with delays and challenges, but these experiences deepened his appreciation for God's provision and faithfulness. Despite the shipwreck and snake bite, Paul remained faithful and continued to trust in God's plan. This faithfulness was rewarded with opportunities to heal and minister to others, demonstrating the power of waiting and working in God's timing. In our own lives, we can learn to appreciate God's blessings more deeply by embracing the waiting and working that comes with our own shipwrecks and snake bites. [37:11]
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."
Reflection: Think of a time when you had to wait for something you deeply desired. How did that waiting period deepen your appreciation for the eventual blessing? How can you apply this perspective to a current situation in your life?
Day 5: Joy and Humor in Adversity
Description: Maintaining a sense of humor and finding joy in the Lord can get us through the toughest times. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it helps us to not only survive but thrive through shipwrecks and snake bites. This joy is rooted in the knowledge that God is good and His plans are for our ultimate good and His glory. When we face adversity, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged, but choosing to find joy and humor in these moments can transform our perspective and strengthen our faith.
Paul's experience of shipwreck and snake bite on his journey to Rome is a powerful example of finding joy in adversity. Despite the challenges he faced, Paul remained joyful and continued to trust in God's plan. This joy was a source of strength and enabled him to minister to others even in the midst of his own trials. In our own lives, we can choose to find joy and humor in adversity, knowing that God is with us and that His plans are for our good. [39:54]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: How can you find joy and humor in a current challenging situation? What practical steps can you take to focus on the joy of the Lord as your strength today?
Quotes
1. "If we boil down everything to its most common denominator and really tapped into the thing that gives true fuel to our fear, I am convinced at the core of it all, we feel failure the most. And let me specify what I mean by failure. There's something inside every one of us that desperately fears losing or not having the things that we have planned in our heart or believed for in our heart or hoped for in our heart work out for us." [13:56] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes our plans have to fail in order for God's plans to succeed. And sometimes it takes a shipwreck to get us in the right place at the right time for the right season in life. Just ask the Apostle Paul and most people know who he is, but I never assumed that if you're here and new to church, let me just tell you a little bit about Paul." [15:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God often uses some of the most painful moments in our lives to set us up towards his incredible purpose. It does. It's just true. I can tell you it's true in my life. I can tell you it's true in the life of this church. I could tell you that if I pass the mic around, every one of you would probably be able to resonate and say it's absolutely true." [14:37] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God specializes in divine detours. He doesn't just settle for them, He specializes in them. Things and places you never planned on being. Can I state the obvious? Paul and Publius should have never met. Malta was never on Paul's itinerary. And even if somehow Paul had wanted to go to Malta and have an audience with the governor and the magistrate as a prisoner of the imperial regime, he would have been laughed off of the island." [21:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "While our failed plans and tragic moments are discouraging and disappointing to us God often uses those things that seem to be taking us off our course so that he can keep us on his divine course it's what makes the grace of God so unique so amazing God wastes nothing God doesn't waste your misery God doesn't waste your mastery God doesn't waste anything he is a specialist at using everything." [24:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Disorienting times lead us to a deeper dependence on God bro is this true if everything was up and to the right all the time if everything went our way all the time if everything was just the way we scripted it and we planned we would never depend on God now we don't say that kind of stuff out loud but you know it's true we get so dependent on God that we don't depend on our ability dependent on our financial prowess dependent on our plans dependent on our ability to work things out." [26:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Getting where God wants us to go isn't nearly as important as becoming who he wants us to be in the process. That's the story for God. We're consumed with the destination. God is concerned with our hearts and who we are. He's shaping us. He's using it to mold us. Listen, I love you. I'm your pastor. I want to say this to you. We must be very careful. We must be very careful that we don't just seek the will of God more than we seek God himself." [33:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "A sense of humor can get you through just about anything. I'm telling you, don't let the circumstance, don't let a shipwreck, don't let a snake bite. Don't let the enemy steal the joy of the Lord because the joy of the Lord is not just there for our satisfaction. It is a tool. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength. You find strength in it. You find power in it. You find purpose in the joy of the Lord." [39:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The joy of the Lord means that you know and understand some things that you can't even say. You can't even see or feel right now. But you know God is good. His mercy is everlasting. His truth endureth to all generations. And He's going to make good on His word. And that brings the joy of the Lord." [40:25] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you're in a shipwreck, if you're in a snake bite, don't panic. Pray. Prepare. There is a plan and a purpose and I promise you ultimately it is for your good and for his glory." [41:28] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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