Faith and Hope Amidst the Pandemic's Challenges

 

Summary

In these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in faith and the unchanging truths of God. As we navigate through this crisis, we are reminded of the comforting words from Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything that I need." This assurance is a beacon of hope, guiding us through the valley of uncertainty and fear. The essence of our journey is captured in the theme "A Faith that Walks through the Valley of Virus," emphasizing that God promises to walk with us through every trial if we trust Him.

The Book of James offers practical wisdom for living through crises, addressing the emotions and challenges we face. It teaches us to trust God in every aspect of our lives, from personal emotions to relationships and beyond. The first step in overcoming fear is to replace it with facts and faith. We must remember that not everything we hear is true, and we should base our decisions on facts, not fears or feelings. This pandemic, like all crises, will pass, and we must focus on what is eternal and unchanging.

God's presence is a constant in our lives, and He promises to be with us through every trial. This is not the end of the story; we have the assurance of eternal life and the hope of heaven, where there will be no more suffering or pain. In the meantime, God calls us to be His hands and feet, serving others and sharing His love. This is an opportunity to shine brightly in the darkness, just as the early Christians did during plagues in the Roman Empire.

As we embark on this series through the Book of James, let's commit to growing in our faith and supporting one another. By joining a small group and staying connected, we can face this pandemic together, drawing strength from God's promises and each other.

Key Takeaways:

- Trust in God's Presence: In times of crisis, remember that God is always with you. His presence is not dependent on your feelings, and He promises to walk with you through every trial. This assurance provides comfort and strength, knowing that you are never alone. [18:06]

- Focus on Eternal Truths: When everything around you is changing, focus on what is unchanging. God's love, His promises, and His plan for your life remain constant. These truths provide stability and hope, anchoring you in the midst of uncertainty. [16:30]

- This Too Shall Pass: The pandemic is temporary, and it will eventually pass. While it may last for a while, it is not permanent. Holding onto this perspective helps to alleviate fear and anxiety, reminding us that better days are ahead. [11:33]

- Serve Others in Love: God calls us to be His hands and feet, especially during times of crisis. This is an opportunity to love your neighbor as yourself, serving those in need and sharing the hope of Christ. Our actions can be a powerful testimony of God's love. [21:24]

- Live with Hope and Perspective: Knowing the end of the story gives us confidence and peace. We have the assurance of eternal life and the promise of heaven, where there will be no more suffering. This hope allows us to face present challenges with courage and faith. [20:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:44] - Psalm 23: A Source of Comfort
- [01:22] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
- [02:28] - The Relevance of the Book of James
- [03:09] - Addressing Emotions During the Pandemic
- [04:05] - Trusting God in Different Areas of Life
- [05:29] - Introduction to the Book of James
- [06:36] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
- [07:13] - The Importance of Truth in a Crisis
- [11:33] - Remembering This Will Pass
- [14:19] - Focusing on the Eternal
- [18:06] - God's Presence in Our Trials
- [20:06] - The End of the Story
- [21:24] - Serving Others in Love
- [23:52] - Recommitting to Christ and Community

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 23:1, 4 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything that I need. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid because you are with me."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "We walk by faith, not by sight."
3. Isaiah 43:2 - "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you pass through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned up; it will not consume you."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 23, what assurance do we have when we walk through difficult times? How does this relate to the current pandemic? [00:44]
2. What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 suggest about how we should live our lives, especially during uncertain times? [01:22]
3. In Isaiah 43:2, what promises does God make about His presence during trials? How does this provide comfort? [18:23]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Book of James in providing practical advice during crises? [02:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the assurance of God's presence in Psalm 23 influence a person's response to fear and uncertainty during the pandemic? [00:44]
2. What does it mean to "walk by faith, not by sight" in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how can this perspective change one's approach to daily challenges? [01:22]
3. How does the promise in Isaiah 43:2 that God will be with us through trials challenge or affirm your understanding of God's role in difficult times? [18:23]
4. The sermon mentions that the Book of James addresses emotions and relationships during crises. How can this be applied to the current situation? [02:28]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where fear influenced your decisions. How can the assurance from Psalm 23 help you respond differently in the future? [00:44]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "walk by faith, not by sight." What steps can you take this week to trust God more in that area? [01:22]
3. Think of a time when you felt alone during a trial. How can the promise of God's presence in Isaiah 43:2 change your perspective in similar situations? [18:23]
4. The sermon encourages serving others in love during crises. What is one practical way you can be God's hands and feet in your community this week? [21:24]
5. How can focusing on eternal truths, as mentioned in the sermon, provide stability in your life amidst the changing circumstances of the pandemic? [16:30]
6. The sermon suggests that this pandemic will pass. How can maintaining this perspective help you manage anxiety and fear about the future? [11:33]
7. Consider joining or forming a small group to support one another during this time. What steps can you take to connect with others and grow in faith together? [23:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Unwavering Presence
In times of crisis, it is essential to remember that God's presence is constant and unwavering. His presence does not depend on our feelings or circumstances, and He promises to walk with us through every trial. This assurance provides comfort and strength, knowing that we are never alone, even in the darkest valleys. As we navigate through the uncertainties of life, we can find solace in the fact that God is our shepherd, guiding and protecting us. [18:06]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite God's presence into this situation and trust Him to walk with you through it?


Day 2: Anchoring in Eternal Truths
When everything around us is changing, it is crucial to focus on what is unchanging. God's love, His promises, and His plan for our lives remain constant, providing stability and hope. These eternal truths anchor us in the midst of uncertainty, reminding us that we are part of a bigger story that God is writing. By focusing on these truths, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that God's love and promises are steadfast. [16:30]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: Identify one unchanging truth about God that you can hold onto today. How does this truth provide stability and hope in your current circumstances?


Day 3: Embracing the Temporary Nature of Trials
The pandemic, like all crises, is temporary and will eventually pass. While it may last for a while, it is not permanent. Holding onto this perspective helps to alleviate fear and anxiety, reminding us that better days are ahead. By focusing on the temporary nature of our trials, we can find strength to endure and hope for the future, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [11:33]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing that feels overwhelming? How can you remind yourself that this too shall pass and focus on the eternal perspective?


Day 4: Serving Others as God's Hands and Feet
God calls us to be His hands and feet, especially during times of crisis. This is an opportunity to love our neighbors as ourselves, serving those in need and sharing the hope of Christ. Our actions can be a powerful testimony of God's love, shining brightly in the darkness. By serving others, we not only fulfill God's command but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a blessing to others. [21:24]

Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Reflection: Identify one person in your community who is in need. How can you serve them this week in a way that reflects God's love and compassion?


Day 5: Living with Hope and Perspective
Knowing the end of the story gives us confidence and peace. We have the assurance of eternal life and the promise of heaven, where there will be no more suffering or pain. This hope allows us to face present challenges with courage and faith, knowing that our ultimate destination is secure. By living with this perspective, we can navigate life's trials with a sense of purpose and hope, trusting that God is working all things for our good. [20:06]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life and the promise of heaven impact the way you view your current challenges? What steps can you take to live with hope and perspective today?

Quotes

"Because God promises to take us through the valley of virus and to meet our needs if we trust him. And he promises to walk through with us everything we're gonna go through in the days ahead." [00:01:04]

"And the key to calmness and the key to confidence and the key to courage in this crisis is faith. That's why I'm gonna take you through a series of messages and studies that I'm calling 'A Faith that Works When Life Doesn't.' A faith that doesn't work when life doesn't work is worthless, but this is a faith that works when life doesn't." [00:01:03]

"Now, I can't protect you from the COVID-19 disease. But I can teach you how to avoid the dis-ease, the dis-ease, that's all of the negative emotions that you're inevitably gonna feel during this pandemic. I'm talking about emotions like anxiety, fear, loss, grief, loneliness, irritability, feeling short-tempered when you're having to stay at home all the time, restlessness from staying at home." [00:02:59]

"Remember that not everything you hear is true. Not everything you hear is true. Proverbs 14, verse 15 in The Message Paraphrase says this. 'The gullible believe anything they're told, but the prudent sift and weigh every word.' Not everybody who speaks on the internet or the social media or TV or radio knows what they're talking about." [00:07:20]

"Remember that this will pass. This will pass. It's not gonna last, but it will be over one day. It's gonna be here for awhile, but it's not gonna be here forever. But God says don't be surprised by it. First Peter chapter four, verse 12 says this. 'Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked when you go through painful trials and fiery tests in life.'" [00:11:38]

"Remember to focus on what's unchanging. Remember to focus on what is unchanging. In the weeks ahead, there's gonna be a lot of changes. In the economy, in how we do life, in your routine. There're gonna be a lot of changes. There already been many changes in your life. The key to stability when everything around you is changing is to focus on what doesn't change." [00:15:02]

"Remember that no matter what I go through, God will go through it with me. You're absolutely never alone in life. You may feel alone, but God's presence is not a feeling. At every stage of your life, God will be with you. God will always be with me no matter what I go through during this pandemic." [00:18:06]

"Remember this is not the end of the story. You know, I've read the last chapter of the Bible, and this isn't how it ends. So you don't have to worry about that. I remember years ago, do you remember that TV show called '24,' and it seemed like every episode ended in a cliffhanger, is Jack Bauer gonna die in this episode?" [00:20:06]

"Yes, God wants to comfort you. Yes, God wants to save you. Yes, God wants to help you through these tough times. But he also wants to use you to help others. And in the days ahead, you're going to be given an opportunity like no other opportunity you've had in your lifetime, an opportunity to love your neighbor as yourself." [00:21:24]

"This is the time to outshine the darkness. You know that centuries ago, in fact, in the second century and the third century after Christ, there were two different plagues that swept through the Roman Empire. In both of those cases, Christian believers moved into action to serve the people in those pandemics." [00:21:46]

"To serve people in fear, to serve people in pain, to serve people in sickness and in loneliness. It was during that time, the second and third century, that Christians, the church, invented the hospital. Did you know the government didn't invent the hospital, business didn't invent the hospital, the church did." [00:22:09]

"Finally, number six, another thing to remember as we start this series together is remember that God wants to use me to help others. Yes, God wants to comfort you. Yes, God wants to save you. Yes, God wants to help you through these tough times. But he also wants to use you to help others." [00:21:24]

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Transcript
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