Divine Setups: Embracing Challenges for Greater Victories

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Setups in Disguise

Challenges in life, often perceived as mere obstacles, are actually divine setups for greater victories. Understanding the role of "foot soldiers" in our spiritual journey can profoundly change our perspective on adversity. Initially, these challenges may seem daunting and overwhelming, akin to foot soldiers in battle. However, they are essential in preparing us for the "horses," the larger battles that lie ahead. This preparation is not just about survival but about thriving and achieving greater victories that we might not have thought possible. By embracing these challenges, we can transform our despair into anticipation and readiness for the growth that lies ahead. [49:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxiaepbe-KE&t=2975s)

James 1:2-4, "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: Consider a recent challenge you faced. How can you view it as a preparation for something greater in your spiritual journey?

Day 2: Transformed by Encounter

True transformation begins when we encounter Jesus Christ. This change is profound, affecting not just our actions but our very being, enabling us to live lives that reflect God's glory. This transformation is essential not only for personal sanctification but also for effective Christian witness. As we are renewed by Christ, our lives serve as a testament to His power and grace, influencing those around us and reflecting the transformative power of God's love. [46:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxiaepbe-KE&t=2761s)

Ephesians 4:22-24, "Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate the transformation Christ has made in your life to someone this week?

Day 3: Accountability in Faith

God's judgment begins with His own people, focusing on those who claim to follow Him yet live contrary to His commands. This insight calls us to live authentically and righteously, reflecting on how our actions and lifestyles uphold the tenets of our faith. It is a sobering reminder that we must not take our salvation for granted but should strive to live out our faith with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that our lives are watched by both believers and non-believers alike. [47:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxiaepbe-KE&t=2836s)

1 Peter 4:17, "For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

Reflection: How does your life reflect your faith in areas where you think no one is watching?

Day 4: Prepared for Greater Battles

As believers, we are called to be ready for greater challenges, much like Jeremiah was challenged about his capacity to contend with horses after dealing with foot soldiers. This readiness is spiritual and requires deep faith and reliance on God. He equips us to face these challenges not with fear but with confidence in His provision and protection, enabling us to tackle greater tasks that lie ahead. [48:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxiaepbe-KE&t=2900s)

Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to rely more on God's strength rather than your own in preparing for future challenges?

Day 5: Empowered Beyond Our Abilities

The expectation that we can contend with horses—greater life challenges—highlights God's intention for us to operate not within our limitations but in His supernatural strength. This empowerment is crucial for achieving what naturally seems impossible, encouraging us to trust not in our abilities but in God's power working through us. This divine empowerment enables us to exceed our natural capabilities and achieve extraordinary things for His glory. [57:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxiaepbe-KE&t=3462s)

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Identify a task or goal you feel is beyond your ability. How can you approach it by relying on God's strength instead of your own?

Sermon Summary

Today, I shared a message about the challenges and adversities we face as believers and how these are not merely obstacles but divine setups for greater victories. I began by discussing the concept of "foot soldiers," which represent the initial, often overwhelming challenges we encounter. These are the precursors to "horses," the bigger challenges that come once we've managed to overcome the initial trials. This metaphor is drawn from Jeremiah's dialogue with God, where God challenges Jeremiah on his capacity to handle greater adversities after struggling with smaller ones.

I shared a personal story about my daughter, who faced significant disappointment when she was rejected from a coaching position she deeply desired. This story illustrated how what often seems like a setback is setting the stage for a greater plan God has in store for us. Despite her initial failure, she eventually ascended to much higher positions in her career, demonstrating that our current struggles are preparing us for future successes.

I also touched on the transformation that occurs when we encounter Jesus. Before knowing Him, we are bound by our sins and shortcomings. However, once we accept Him into our lives, we are empowered to overcome these bonds and live a life that truly glorifies God. This transformation is crucial not only for personal sanctification but also for societal influence, as our lives then begin to reflect the grace and power of God.

Furthermore, I discussed the judgment of God, which begins with the household of God. This judgment is not based on the wickedness of the unbelievers but on the actions of the believers who fail to live up to the standards set by our faith. This part of the sermon was a call to introspection and a reminder of our responsibility to live righteously.

In closing, I emphasized the importance of readiness for the challenges ahead. Just as foot soldiers prepare us for the cavalry, our current trials are preparing us for greater battles. This readiness is not born from our own strength but from the empowerment provided by our faith in God. Through Him, we can contend with horses, tackle greater challenges, and achieve things beyond our natural capabilities.

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Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

Jeremiah 12:1-5 (NKJV) —
Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You;
Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?
You have planted them, yes, they have taken root;
They grow, yes, they bear fruit.
You are near in their mouth but far from their mind.
But You, O Lord, know me;
You have seen me,
And You have tested my heart toward You.
Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,
And prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long will the land mourn,
And the herbs of every field wither?
The beasts and birds are consumed,
For the wickedness of those who dwell there,
Because they said, “He will not see our final end.”
If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,
Then how can you contend with horses?

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Observation Questions

What metaphor does God use in Jeremiah 12:5 to describe the challenges faced by Jeremiah? How does this metaphor relate to the sermon’s message about "foot soldiers" and "horses"? [48:03]
In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about his daughter’s disappointment. What was the initial setback she faced, and how did it eventually lead to greater opportunities? [36:10]
According to the sermon, what transformation occurs when we encounter Jesus, and how does this impact our ability to overcome challenges? [46:16]
How does the sermon explain the concept of God's judgment beginning with His own people? What are the implications for believers? [47:31]

Interpretation Questions

What does the metaphor of "foot soldiers" and "horses" in Jeremiah 12:5 suggest about the nature of challenges in a believer's life? How does this perspective change the way we view our current struggles? [48:03]
Reflecting on the pastor’s story about his daughter, how can personal setbacks be seen as divine setups for greater victories? What does this teach us about God’s timing and plans? [36:10]
How does the transformation through Christ, as discussed in the sermon, empower believers to live lives that reflect God's glory? What are some practical ways this transformation can be evident in our daily lives? [46:16]
The sermon mentions that God's judgment starts with His own house. How should this understanding influence the way believers live and interact with others within the church and in society? [47:31]

Application Questions

Think about a recent challenge you faced. How can you reframe this challenge as a "foot soldier" preparing you for greater battles ahead? What steps can you take to embrace this perspective? [48:03]
Have you experienced a significant disappointment that later turned into a greater opportunity, similar to the pastor’s daughter’s story? How did this experience shape your faith and trust in God’s plan? [36:10]
In what ways have you experienced transformation through Christ? Identify one area of your life where you can further reflect God's glory and make a plan to work on it this week. [46:16]
Considering that God's judgment begins with His own people, what areas of your life need introspection and change to align more closely with God’s standards? How can you hold yourself accountable to these changes? [47:31]
How can you prepare yourself spiritually for greater challenges ("horses") that may come your way? What specific practices or habits can you develop to strengthen your faith and reliance on God? [48:35]
Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges. How did your faith help you navigate through that period? What can you do to strengthen your faith for future challenges? [49:50]
Identify one specific way you can support and encourage fellow believers who may be struggling with their own "foot soldiers." How can you be a source of strength and hope for them? [52:24]

Sermon Clips

1. "And wherever you might be You might be in the middle of a bunch of foot soldiers But the foot soldiers are not the same kind of people It's like getting you ready for where God is about to take you." [45:27]( | | )

2. "He gave you the power And the ability to do And be what you could not be Without him in your life Do I have a witness anywhere From anybody in this place That's the truth of the matter Is what changes us Is a relationship with Jesus Christ That's what helps us to live right." [46:16]( | | )

3. "Judgment begins at the house of God Judgment comes because the saints ain't doing right It's the saints that steal the tithes I didn't expect nobody to say amen on that point It's the saints that are whoremongering around It's the saints that are committing adultery It's the saints that lie And don't speak to each other Who make amaze Come in the church to make amaze To avoid certain people." [47:31]( | | )

4. "If you have run with the footmen And they have wearied you Then how can you contend with horses? Ooh that's profound That's powerful It's amazing It's remarkable God halts Jeremiah In his dissertation In his questioning In his sermon to God And God asks him a question If you have run with the footmen And they have wearied you How can you contend with horses?" [48:35]( | | )

5. "Foot soldiers come first Then the horses come next Foot soldiers coming first Then the horses come next." [49:50]( | | )

6. "You've been running with the foot soldiers So get excited about that That at least you haven't quit You didn't walk away You didn't quit the job You felt like it But you went back to work the next day anyway Foot soldiers Matter of fact Not only are you still here But my job is to tell you That foot soldiers are indications That you're headed in the right direction." [53:18]( | | )

7. "God has an expectation For you to contend with the horses That went over your head I got to break it every down I tried to tell it to you." [57:01]( | | )

8. "I am the pastor Of the First Baptist Church of the United I should not be there I shouldn't be in that place And I'm talking to somebody here today Who thinks you're unqualified Who think you can't do it Who think you can't achieve To think you can't be there Or do what it is God's called you to do I came all the way from Maryland To tell you Get ready to run with the horses." [58:29]( | | )

9. "My daughter That I told you about at the start Called me that morning crying Because she didn't get that job She was a high school teacher She was Coaching a high school basketball Girls basketball team And she had been turned down from A job Get into coaching for college And she was frustrated, disappointed Upset, mad, angry One year later One morning my Phone rings and It's her On the phone Dad She says I said Sarah you remember Coach Barnes?" [01:01:37]( | | )

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