Embracing God's Timing: The Power of Waiting
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of waiting on God's timing and the importance of aligning our actions with His divine plan. We began by reflecting on the impatience that often characterizes our daily lives, illustrated through personal anecdotes about waiting for a meal or dealing with traffic. This impatience can lead to frustration and a sense of being undervalued. However, when it comes to God's timing, waiting takes on a different significance.
We delved into the story of Lazarus from John 11, where Jesus, upon hearing of Lazarus's illness, chose to wait before going to him. This decision was not out of neglect but out of a deeper love, a love that transcends our understanding. Jesus's delay was purposeful, meant to reveal God's glory in a more profound way. This narrative challenges us to reconsider how we perceive God's love and timing. Often, we interpret God's love through our circumstances, but true spiritual maturity comes from understanding our circumstances through the lens of God's love.
The journey of starting a church in Chicagoland served as a personal testament to the importance of waiting on God's timing. Despite initial eagerness, God repeatedly said "not yet," leading to a period of preparation and growth that ultimately aligned with His perfect timing. This experience underscores the truth that God's timing is always better than ours, and His delays are often a sign of His love and desire to give us His best.
We also examined the concept of resurrection, not just as a future event but as a present reality initiated by Jesus's resurrection. This understanding calls us to live in the tension of the "already but not yet" Kingdom of God, actively participating in the restoration of creation.
Finally, we were reminded that while it is God's job to perform miracles, it is our responsibility to "move the stone"—to take steps of faith and obedience. Whether it's stepping out in faith, letting go of control, or waiting patiently, our actions should align with God's will, trusting that His way is always the best way.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Timing and Love: God's delays are not denials but are often expressions of His deeper love for us. Just as Jesus waited before going to Lazarus, sometimes God makes us wait to reveal His glory in a greater way. Our understanding of God's love is often limited, but His love is always greater than we can comprehend. [06:33]
- Interpreting Circumstances Through God's Love: Spiritual maturity involves interpreting our circumstances through the lens of God's love rather than the other way around. This perspective shift allows us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when our immediate circumstances seem unfavorable. [09:32]
- The Already and Not Yet Kingdom: The resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus signifies the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth. We are called to live in this tension, actively participating in the restoration of creation while awaiting the full realization of God's Kingdom. [13:07]
- Moving the Stone: While God performs the miracles, we are called to take steps of faith and obedience. Whether it's starting a new venture, having a difficult conversation, or breaking free from a toxic relationship, we must do our part and trust God to do His. [27:17]
- Letting Go of Control: Trying to control situations in our own strength can lead to unintended consequences. Trusting in God's way and timing ensures that we receive His best. When we rush the process, we risk ruining the promise. [31:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:56] - The Impatience Dilemma
- [04:05] - The Waiting Game
- [06:33] - Jesus and Lazarus: A Lesson in Love
- [09:32] - Personal Testimony: Waiting on God's Timing
- [13:07] - Understanding Resurrection
- [16:45] - The Already and Not Yet Kingdom
- [20:12] - Moving the Stone: Our Role
- [23:30] - Letting Go of Control
- [27:17] - The Consequences of Control
- [29:58] - Transformed Lives: The Loudest Sermon
- [31:58] - Prayer and Invitation
- [34:00] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 11:1-44
- Psalm 103:7
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
---
Observation Questions:
1. In John 11, why did Jesus choose to wait two more days before going to Lazarus, and how did this decision reveal a deeper aspect of His love? [06:33]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of impatience in our daily lives, and what personal anecdotes were shared to highlight this? [01:56]
3. What was the significance of Jesus raising Lazarus after four days, according to the cultural beliefs of that time? [13:07]
4. How did the pastor's personal story about starting a church in Chicagoland relate to the theme of waiting on God's timing? [09:32]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Lazarus challenge our understanding of God's love and timing, and what does it teach us about interpreting our circumstances through the lens of God's love? [06:33]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's timing and His love for us, especially when we face delays or waiting periods? [09:32]
3. How does the concept of the "already but not yet" Kingdom of God influence our understanding of resurrection as both a present reality and a future hope? [13:07]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to "move the stone" in their lives, and what are some examples given of taking steps of faith and obedience? [27:17]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt frustrated by waiting. How might viewing this situation through the lens of God's love change your perspective? [04:05]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Identify an area in your life where you need to let go of control and trust in God's timing. What steps can you take to surrender this to Him? [31:58]
3. Consider the concept of the "already but not yet" Kingdom. How can you actively participate in the restoration of creation in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week? [13:07]
4. The pastor shared a personal story about waiting on God's timing to start a church. Is there a dream or goal in your life that you feel God is asking you to wait on? How can you use this time for preparation and growth? [09:32]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of "moving the stone" in our lives. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith? How can you act on this calling in the coming days? [27:17]
6. Reflect on the idea that God's delays are not denials. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face setbacks or delays in your personal or professional life? [06:33]
7. The sermon encourages us to interpret our circumstances through God's love. How can you practice this perspective shift in your daily interactions and decisions? [09:32]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Delays as Expressions of Love
God's timing often challenges our understanding, especially when we face delays. These delays are not signs of neglect but are expressions of a deeper love that seeks to reveal God's glory in profound ways. The story of Lazarus in John 11 illustrates this truth. Jesus's decision to wait before going to Lazarus was not due to indifference but was a purposeful act of love. This challenges us to reconsider how we perceive God's love and timing. Often, we interpret God's love through our circumstances, but true spiritual maturity comes from understanding our circumstances through the lens of God's love. [06:33]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel God is delaying. How can you view this delay as an expression of His love and an opportunity to see His glory revealed?
Day 2: Interpreting Life Through God's Love
Spiritual maturity involves a shift in perspective—interpreting our circumstances through the lens of God's love rather than interpreting God's love through our circumstances. This perspective allows us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when our immediate circumstances seem unfavorable. By understanding that God's love is greater than we can comprehend, we can find peace and assurance in His plans for us. This shift in understanding helps us to navigate life's challenges with faith and trust. [09:32]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: In what current situation can you choose to trust in God's love and provision, even when the circumstances seem unfavorable?
Day 3: Living in the "Already but Not Yet" Kingdom
The resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus signifies the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth. We are called to live in the tension of the "already but not yet" Kingdom, actively participating in the restoration of creation while awaiting the full realization of God's Kingdom. This understanding calls us to engage with the world around us, bringing hope and restoration as we anticipate the future fulfillment of God's promises. [13:07]
Romans 8:22-23 (ESV): "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the restoration of creation in your community, living out the reality of God's Kingdom today?
Day 4: Taking Steps of Faith and Obedience
While God performs the miracles, we are called to take steps of faith and obedience. Whether it's starting a new venture, having a difficult conversation, or breaking free from a toxic relationship, we must do our part and trust God to do His. This involves moving the "stone" in our lives, taking action in faith, and trusting in God's power to bring about transformation. [27:17]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today to align your actions with God's will, trusting Him to perform the miracle?
Day 5: Letting Go of Control
Trying to control situations in our own strength can lead to unintended consequences. Trusting in God's way and timing ensures that we receive His best. When we rush the process, we risk ruining the promise. Letting go of control requires faith and surrender, allowing God to work in His perfect timing and way. This act of surrender opens the door for God's best to unfold in our lives. [31:58]
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: Identify an area in your life where you are trying to maintain control. How can you surrender this to God and trust in His perfect timing and plan?
Quotes
"On behalf of all of the zero, one, twos, or threes, can I just say, we do not mind if you cut us off in traffic. I just want to put that out there. We don't mind. It doesn't bother us one bit. You can cut us off all day. But don't cut us off as if you're in a hurry and then drive in front of us as if you're not in a hurry. Make up your mind and stick to it. The world would be a better place." [00:01:44] (25 seconds)
"When someone makes us wait, it's frustrating because we feel uncared for. We feel undervalued. We feel like we are unappreciated and somebody is making us wait. But what happens when God makes you wait? Not on accident, but on purpose. This is exactly what happens right before Jesus heads to Jerusalem." [00:04:53] (26 seconds)
"It tells us in verse four that when he heard this, he said, this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that the son, so that God's son may be glorified through it. Now, Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Why did Jesus make them wait? Was it because he didn't love them? No, it was because he loved them." [00:06:43] (26 seconds)
"So often we interpret the love of God through our circumstances rather than interpreting our circumstances through the love of God. For example, if you lose your job today, if you interpret the love of God through your circumstances, you will say, well, I lost my job, therefore my circumstances are bad, therefore God doesn't love me. But if you interpret your circumstances through the love of God, your response will be, I lost my job and that sucks, but I know that God is my provider." [00:11:04] (34 seconds)
"The Bible says in Psalm 103 that God made known his ways to Moses, but only his deeds to the people of Israel. The people of Israel based their relationship with God on what was happening to them. They interpreted the love of God through their circumstances. And as a result, all they could see were the things that God did. Moses was the opposite. He interpreted all of his circumstances through the love of God." [00:11:44] (26 seconds)
"Sometimes God will make you wait, not because he doesn't love you, but because he does love you. And he loves you too much to give you anything less than his best. But rabbi, they said, a short while ago, the Jews there tried to stone you. And yet you were going back. And in verse 16, it says Thomas, also known as Didymus. Who wants to name their kid Didymus? No takers? We'll try in the 11 a.m." [00:12:17] (27 seconds)
"The truth is that it is God's job to do the miracle but it's our job to move the stone do not miss the miracle because you don't move the stone maybe there's an area of your life where you're not waiting on God maybe God is waiting on you to move the stone to take a step and as you do that he will meet you in the midst of it maybe it's time for you to step out and do what God told you to do maybe it's time for you to have that tough conversation with the person that the person that you've been avoiding." [00:24:52] (30 seconds)
"When we try to take control in our own way, in our own power, in our own strength, and not in God's way, we ensure the very thing that we were trying to prevent. In our workplace, we chase after the right opportunity but not in the right timing. And as a result, we burn out trying to make it happen. In a relationship, we finally find that special person but we make them our number one priority, not God. And as a result, we smother them and we ruin the relationship." [00:28:09] (28 seconds)
"If you force your own way, you'll forfeit what God wanted to give you His way. God's way is always the best way. He loves you and He wants the best for you. Trust Him. Because when you rush the process, you can ruin the promise." [00:29:10] (18 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?