Embracing Challenges: Finding God in Our Struggles
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of being present and aware of God's work in our lives, rather than being solely focused on getting from point A to point B. The speaker used the story of a preacher named Henry Ward Beecher who had a unique approach to keeping his congregation awake during his sermons. Beecher believed that if his congregation was falling asleep, it was a sign that he was not effectively preaching the life-giving gospel message. This story served as a reminder to not miss what's right in front of us because we're so focused on getting to where we feel like we need to be. The speaker then delved into the parable of the Fig Tree from Luke chapter 13 verses 6 through 9, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey.
The speaker also shared the story of Charles Spurgeon, a preacher who faced many challenges in his life, including deep depression. Despite his struggles, Spurgeon is credited with saying, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me upon the Rock of Ages." This quote served as a reminder to embrace the challenges that push us closer to God, rather than cursing them. The speaker also emphasized that God uses the challenges in our lives, referred to as "poop," to bring forth fruit. This was a powerful reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, God is at work in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- It's important to be present and aware of God's work in our lives, rather than being solely focused on our own plans and goals. ([01:02:19])
- Challenges and struggles can serve as a means to draw us closer to God. We should embrace these challenges, or "kiss the wave," rather than cursing them. ([01:09:34])
- God uses the challenges in our lives, referred to as "poop," to bring forth fruit. This serves as a reminder that God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our struggles. ([01:11:34])
- We should not take God's patience for granted. The parable of the Fig Tree serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey. ([01:04:42])
- Our weaknesses or struggles can be used for God's glory. The story of the missionary with a peg leg serves as a powerful example of this. ([01:22:09])
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. We often miss what God is doing in our lives because we are so focused on getting from point A to point B. We need to pause and appreciate the beauty of God's work in our lives. [01:02:19]
2. The parable of the Fig Tree teaches us about the patience and grace of God. The gardener (Jesus) asks the vineyard owner (God) to give the barren fig tree (us) another chance to bear fruit, symbolizing God's patience and grace towards us. [01:04:42]
3. God uses our weaknesses and trials to grow our faith and bear fruit. Just like the man with the peg leg who was used mightily in the mission field, God can use our "peg legs" for His glory. [01:22:51]
4. God is always near us, even when we are facing trials. Just like the father who was always near his blind son while he was putting up the storm windows, God is always near us, ready to catch us when we fall. [01:25:14]
Bible Passages for the Group to Read:
1. Luke 13:6-9
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Isaiah 33:23
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What are the roles of the vineyard owner, the gardener, and the fig tree in the parable from Luke 13:6-9?
2. How does the man with the peg leg demonstrate faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?
3. How does the story of the blind student and his father illustrate God's nearness in our trials?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the fig tree's inability to bear fruit symbolize in our spiritual lives?
2. How does the story of the man with the peg leg challenge our understanding of weakness and usefulness in God's kingdom?
3. How does the father's presence near his blind son while he was putting up the storm windows reflect God's presence in our lives?
Application Questions:
1. In what ways have you been so focused on getting from point A to point B that you've missed seeing God's work in your life?
2. What is your "peg leg" and how can you enlist it into service for God's kingdom?
3. Can you recall a time when you felt God's nearness during a trial? How did that experience help grow your faith and bear fruit?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Waves of Life
Life is filled with challenges that can feel like relentless waves crashing against us. Instead of running from these waves, we should embrace them as they often push us closer to God. These trials are not meant to break us, but to shape us into the people God wants us to be. [01:09:34]
Bible Passage: 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: What recent challenge in your life has pushed you closer to God? How can you embrace this wave instead of running from it?
Day 2: God Uses Our Struggles to Produce Fruit
God often uses the challenges and struggles in our lives to produce spiritual fruit. These "fertilizers" in our lives, though unpleasant, are necessary for our growth and maturity in Christ. [01:12:17]
Bible Passage: Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Reflection: What "fertilizer" is God using in your life right now to produce spiritual fruit? How can you cooperate with God in this process?
Day 3: Don't Miss What's Right in Front of You
In our rush to get from point A to point B, we often miss what God is doing in our lives. We need to slow down and pay attention to the ways God is working in and around us. [01:04:08]
Bible Passage: Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Reflection: What is one way God has been working in your life recently that you might have missed if you weren't paying attention?
Day 4: God is Patient with Us
God is patient with us, giving us time and opportunity to grow and produce fruit. He doesn't give up on us, but continues to work in us and through us. [01:05:17]
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's patience in your life? How can this understanding of God's patience influence your actions and attitudes?
Day 5: God is at Work in Our Circumstances
God is not necessarily working to give us the circumstances we want, but He is working in our circumstances to produce the character He wants. Our trials are not wasted, but are used by God for our growth. [01:10:51]
Bible Passage: Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see your current circumstances as an opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle to your happiness?
Quotes
1. "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me upon the Rock of Ages. In other words, when there are so many waves and waves of challenges that just keep tossing me upon the Rock of Ages which is Jesus, if there's challenges that push me to Jesus, man I will kiss that wave." - 01:09:34
2. "God is not at work producing the circumstances you want, he is at work in the bad circumstances to produce the you that he wants." - 01:10:51
3. "God uses the poop to bring forth fruit. God uses poop to bring forth the fruit. How many of you have poop in your life? Yeah, and God will use the challenges in your life, the poop around us, to bring forth the fruit." - 01:12:17
4. "When our pain is the deepest, Our Testimony shines its brightest. I'm reminded of how God is doing a great thing in China, communist China, there are so many people being reached for the gospel there and it's an amazing work that God's doing in China." - 01:19:45
5. "I wonder how many times we are walking past what God might be doing in our lives and we are just trying to get from point A to point B so we miss what God is doing." - 01:02:19
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