Embracing the Transformative Power of the Middle Phase
Summary
The message begins with the assertion that initiating and completing any endeavor is crucial. Without a start, there is no action, and without a finish, the effort lacks purpose. The importance of the middle phase is emphasized, as it is the period where the actual work and development occur. This concept is likened to various life situations, such as training for a marathon, the process of pregnancy, and the editing phase of writing a book. The middle phase is where the real transformation and progress take place.
The discussion then shifts to the spiritual journey, particularly the significance of the middle phase in one's relationship with Jesus. The initial acceptance of salvation and the eventual transition to heaven are highlighted as critical moments, but the focus is on the life lived in between. This middle phase is described as a journey filled with miracles, faith, trust, and the navigation of life's highs and lows. It is during this time that one's walk with Jesus truly takes shape and matters most.
The life of Joseph from the Bible is examined to illustrate the importance of the middle phase. Joseph's story is one of dreams, betrayal, and eventual rise to power in Egypt. Despite the hardships he faced, including being sold into slavery and imprisoned based on false accusations, Joseph's middle years were instrumental in God's plan for his life. The narrative of Joseph serves as a testament to the belief that God uses all circumstances, even the challenging middle phases, for a greater purpose.
Personal experiences are shared to further illustrate the message. The speaker recounts their own middle phase, which includes the loss of two pregnancies, betrayal by close individuals, and the challenges faced in the first decade of ministry. Through these hardships, the speaker expresses a conviction that God uses all experiences, including the mundane, painful, and difficult, for good. The message emphasizes that ignoring the hard things in life denies the opportunity for God to work through them.
The story of David is also explored, focusing on the period between his anointing by Samuel and his eventual reign as king. David's anointing did not immediately lead to his kingship; instead, he waited many years before assuming the throne. This waiting period is portrayed as a time of hope and promise, where faith is stretched and intimacy with God is deepened. The anointing is seen not just as preparation for a task but as an invitation to a closer relationship with God.
The message concludes with the idea that anointing is for relationship rather than just for task fulfillment. It is through closeness with God that one is empowered to do more for Him. The middle phase of life, with its waiting and challenges, is presented as a time when God prepares and anoints individuals for His purposes.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of faith is not solely about the beginning or the end, but the middle phase holds significant importance. It is in the middle where growth, learning, and the deepening of one's relationship with God occur. This phase is filled with both challenges and triumphs, and it is essential to embrace it fully to experience the transformative power of faith. [01:20:08]
- God's use of all circumstances, including the most difficult ones, is a recurring theme in the message. The belief that God can turn any situation for good, regardless of how impossible it may seem, is a source of hope and encouragement. This perspective invites individuals to bring their struggles to God, allowing Him to work through them and use them for a greater purpose. [01:26:05]
- The concept of anointing is expanded beyond the immediate assumption of a role or task. Anointing is seen as a promise and a source of hope during periods of waiting. It signifies a guarantee from God and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and the importance of patience in the divine design of life. [01:32:08]
- Intimacy with God is highlighted as the foundation for fulfilling one's purpose. The message suggests that closeness to God is what enables individuals to hear His guidance and have the confidence to act upon it. This intimacy is not a passive state but an active pursuit that strengthens one's faith and ability to serve God effectively. [01:34:04]
- The life stories of biblical figures like Joseph and David are used to illustrate the transformative power of the middle phase. Their experiences show that even when one's purpose or calling is not immediately realized, the waiting and preparation time is valuable. These stories encourage believers to trust in God's timing and to see the middle phase as an integral part of their spiritual journey. [01:21:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 37:2-36 - The story of Joseph's dreams, betrayal by his brothers, and being sold into slavery.
2. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - The anointing of David by Samuel.
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 were the key events in Joseph's life that marked his "middle phase"? (Genesis 37:2-36)
2. How did David's anointing by Samuel signify a promise rather than an immediate task? (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
3. According to Romans 8:28, how does God use all circumstances for good?
4. What personal experiences did the speaker share to illustrate the importance of the middle phase? [01:23:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joseph's story illustrate the concept that God uses all circumstances, even the difficult ones, for a greater purpose? (Genesis 37:2-36)
2. What does David's long wait between his anointing and becoming king teach us about God's timing and preparation? (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
3. How can Romans 8:28 provide hope and encouragement during challenging times in our lives?
4. Why is the middle phase of our spiritual journey described as a time of miracles, faith, and trust? [01:20:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a challenging period in your life. How can you see God working through that time now? [01:26:05]
2. What are some practical ways you can embrace the middle phase of your spiritual journey, even when it feels mundane or difficult? [01:25:28]
3. How can you cultivate a closer relationship with God during periods of waiting and uncertainty? [01:32:08]
4. Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you bring this to God and allow Him to work through it? [01:27:16]
5. How can the stories of Joseph and David inspire you to trust in God's timing and purpose for your life? [01:21:17]
6. What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with God, ensuring that you are empowered to fulfill His purposes? [01:34:04]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to exercise more patience and trust in God's plan. How can you actively work on this in the coming week? [01:32:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Middle Journey
The middle phase of one's faith journey is where true growth and transformation occur. It's a time of learning, development, and deepening one's relationship with God. Challenges and triumphs are both present, but it's essential to fully engage with this phase to experience the transformative power of faith. [01:20:08]
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 find joy and purpose in the trials you are currently facing, and what might God be teaching you through them?
Day 2: Finding Purpose in All Circumstances
God's ability to use all circumstances, even the most challenging, for good is a testament to His sovereignty and grace. This perspective encourages individuals to bring their struggles to God, trusting that He will work through them for a greater purpose. [01:26:05]
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: Reflect on a difficult situation you've endured. How can you see God's hand at work in that experience, and what hope can you draw from it today?
Day 3: Anointing Beyond Task Fulfillment
Anointing is not just for the immediate assumption of a role or task but is also a promise and a source of hope during periods of waiting. It signifies God's guarantee and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and the importance of patience in His divine design. [01:32:08]
1 Samuel 16:11-13 - "So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse answered. 'He is tending the sheep.' Samuel said, 'Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.' So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you currently waiting on God's timing? How can you cultivate patience and trust in His promises during this season?
Day 4: Intimacy with God as Foundation
Intimacy with God is the foundation for fulfilling one's purpose. It enables individuals to hear His guidance and have the confidence to act upon it. This closeness is an active pursuit that strengthens faith and the ability to serve God effectively. [01:34:04]
Psalm 63:1-2 - "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with God, and how can this closeness impact your daily life?
Day 5: Valuing the Waiting in Transformation
The life stories of biblical figures like Joseph and David illustrate the transformative power of the middle phase. Even when one's purpose or calling is not immediately realized, the waiting and preparation time is valuable and integral to the spiritual journey. [01:21:17]
Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
Reflection: Can you identify a 'middle phase' in your own life where you are waiting for fulfillment? How can you actively engage in this period as a time of growth and preparation?
Quotes
1) "The start is important, the end is important, but the middle really matters. It's the middle where the real transformation and progress take place." [01:20:08]
2) "Anointing is for relationship because really it's closeness to him that enables us to do more for him." [01:34:04]
3) "If you ignore the hard things that have happened in your life, you are not giving space for God to put his Supernatural finger on it and use it." [01:27:16]
4) "God uses all things. He uses the mundane, the hurtful, the painful, the dark, the deep, the confusing, the wandering, the lost, the hard, the challenge, and the difficult." [01:25:28]
5) "Anything bad that has happened, God will turn for good, even if you think it is absolutely impossible." [01:26:05]
6) "The anointing is for Hope through the middle waiting. It is a promise, it is our hope in the promise maker, and our God is not in a hurry." [01:32:08]
7) "In waiting, our faith is stretched and our intimacy with God is deepened." [01:32:08]
8) "God uses all things, even the middle things." [01:23:02]
9) "The anointing is a guarantee, it is our hope in the promise maker, and our God is not in a hurry. Waiting is part of the Divine Design of things." [01:32:08]
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