Faith in Barrenness: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of faith through the lives of Abraham and Sarah, as depicted in Hebrews 11. Their story is not just about a miraculous birth but about the spiritual birth that God brings forth in places of barrenness. We are reminded that life with Jesus often involves stepping into the unknown, trusting Him beyond our understanding. Abraham and Sarah's journey teaches us that God's promises are fulfilled not through human effort but through faith in His faithfulness.
We delved into the concept of spiritual barrenness, a place where we feel unable to produce what God has promised. It's in these moments that God asks us the ultimate question: "Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?" Our response to this question defines our journey. When we say "no," acknowledging that nothing is too hard for God, we open ourselves to His miraculous work. This is not about achieving through our strength but about receiving what God has promised.
The story of Abraham and Sarah also highlights the importance of unity in faith, especially within marriages. When couples come together in agreement, their faith can achieve exponentially more. This unity is a powerful force against the enemy's attempts to sow discord and doubt.
We also touched on the dangers of trying to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts, as seen in the birth of Ishmael. True faith requires waiting on God, allowing Him to work in His timing and His way. This waiting is not passive but an active trust in God's ability to bring life out of barrenness.
Finally, we were encouraged to invite Jesus into our barren places, whether they be emotional, relational, or spiritual. By doing so, we allow Him to bring new life and joy, transforming our laughter of doubt into laughter of fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith in the Unknown: Walking with Jesus often means stepping into the unknown, trusting Him beyond our understanding. Like Abraham and Sarah, we are called to trust God's promises, even when the path is unclear. This trust is not about knowing every detail but about believing in God's faithfulness. [34:47]
- The Power of Unity in Faith: In marriage and relationships, unity in faith can achieve exponentially more. When couples come together in agreement, their combined faith can overcome significant challenges. This unity is a powerful force against the enemy's attempts to sow discord and doubt. [59:50]
- Receiving, Not Achieving: God's promises are fulfilled not through human effort but through faith in His faithfulness. The story of Ishmael and Isaac teaches us that true faith requires waiting on God, allowing Him to work in His timing and His way. [44:46]
- Inviting Jesus into Barrenness: We are encouraged to invite Jesus into our barren places, whether they be emotional, relational, or spiritual. By doing so, we allow Him to bring new life and joy, transforming our laughter of doubt into laughter of fulfillment. [01:10:36]
- The Ultimate Question: God asks us, "Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?" Our response to this question defines our journey. When we say "no," acknowledging that nothing is too hard for God, we open ourselves to His miraculous work. [48:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Announcements
- [03:00] - Offering and Malachi's Challenge
- [08:00] - Stepping into the Unknown
- [12:00] - Abraham and Sarah's Journey
- [18:00] - The Danger of Human Effort
- [24:00] - The Power of Unity in Faith
- [30:00] - God's Ultimate Question
- [36:00] - Inviting Jesus into Barrenness
- [42:00] - Receiving, Not Achieving
- [48:00] - The Miracle of Isaac
- [54:00] - Faith in Action
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [01:06:00] - Worship and Response
- [01:12:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 11:11-12 - "And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise."
2. Genesis 18:10-14 - The Lord's promise to Abraham and Sarah about the birth of Isaac and the question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
3. Genesis 21:1-7 - The fulfillment of God's promise with the birth of Isaac.
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Sarah being included in the "lineup" of faith in Hebrews 11, and how does this reflect on the role of women in the Bible? [34:47]
2. How did Abraham and Sarah initially respond to God's promise of a child, and what does this reveal about their faith journey? [39:31]
3. What was the nature of the question God asked Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, and why is it considered the "ultimate question"? [48:04]
4. How does the story of Ishmael and Isaac illustrate the difference between human effort and divine promise? [44:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the inclusion of Sarah in Hebrews 11 be significant for understanding the broader narrative of faith in the Bible? How does this inclusion challenge or affirm traditional views of faith heroes? [34:47]
2. In what ways does the story of Abraham and Sarah's laughter at God's promise reflect common human reactions to divine promises? How does this laughter transform throughout their journey? [39:31]
3. How does the question "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" serve as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abraham and Sarah? What does this question reveal about the nature of faith? [48:04]
4. What lessons can be drawn from the contrast between Ishmael and Isaac regarding the fulfillment of God's promises? How does this story speak to the dangers of relying on human effort over divine timing? [44:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step into the unknown. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in your decision-making process? [34:47]
2. Consider your current relationships, especially in marriage or close partnerships. How can you foster unity in faith to overcome challenges together? What practical steps can you take to strengthen this unity? [59:50]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be trying to fulfill God's promises through your own efforts. How can you shift from achieving to receiving, allowing God to work in His timing? [44:46]
4. Think about a barren place in your life, whether emotional, relational, or spiritual. How can you invite Jesus into this area to bring new life and joy? What specific actions can you take to open this space to Him? [01:10:36]
5. How do you typically respond to the question, "Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?" What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's ability to work in seemingly impossible situations? [48:04]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced laughter of doubt. How did that laughter transform into laughter of fulfillment, if at all? What can you learn from that experience to apply to your current faith journey? [01:07:16]
7. How can you actively wait on God in your current season of life? What practices or disciplines can help you maintain an active trust in God's promises? [01:10:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in the Unknown
In the journey of faith, stepping into the unknown is a recurring theme. Abraham and Sarah's story exemplifies this as they trusted God's promises despite not knowing the full path ahead. Their faith was not about understanding every detail but about believing in God's faithfulness. This kind of trust requires a willingness to move forward even when the destination is unclear, relying on God's guidance and provision. As believers, we are called to embrace this uncertainty, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [34:47]
Hebrews 11:8-9 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step into the unknown? How can you actively trust Him in this area today?
Day 2: The Strength of Unity in Faith
Unity in faith, especially within marriages and relationships, is a powerful force. When couples or partners come together in agreement, their combined faith can overcome significant challenges. This unity acts as a defense against the enemy's attempts to sow discord and doubt. Abraham and Sarah's journey highlights the importance of being united in purpose and belief, which can lead to exponential achievements in faith. As believers, fostering unity in our relationships can strengthen our collective faith and resilience. [59:50]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: In what ways can you work towards greater unity in your closest relationships? How might this unity enhance your collective faith journey?
Day 3: Receiving God's Promises Through Faith
The story of Ishmael and Isaac teaches us that God's promises are fulfilled not through human effort but through faith in His faithfulness. True faith requires waiting on God, allowing Him to work in His timing and His way. This waiting is not passive but an active trust in God's ability to bring life out of barrenness. By relying on God's strength rather than our own, we open ourselves to receive His promises in their fullness. [44:46]
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: Is there a promise from God that you are trying to fulfill through your own efforts? How can you shift to a posture of waiting and trusting in His timing?
Day 4: Inviting Jesus into Our Barren Places
We are encouraged to invite Jesus into our barren places, whether they be emotional, relational, or spiritual. By doing so, we allow Him to bring new life and joy, transforming our laughter of doubt into laughter of fulfillment. This invitation is an act of faith, acknowledging that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. As we open our hearts to Jesus, He can work miracles in the areas we feel most desolate. [01:10:36]
Isaiah 41:18 (ESV): "I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."
Reflection: What is one barren area in your life where you need Jesus to bring new life? How can you invite Him into this space today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Ultimate Question
God asks us, "Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?" Our response to this question defines our journey. When we say "no," acknowledging that nothing is too hard for God, we open ourselves to His miraculous work. This question challenges us to examine our faith and trust in God's limitless power. By embracing this truth, we can experience the fullness of His promises and the joy of His presence in our lives. [48:04]
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Reflection: How do you respond to the question, "Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?" What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's power and faithfulness today?
Quotes
Now they're going to see how God populates that city. And where did the people come from that are in that city? He can make angels, but it's also a city filled with people that have been redeemed, redeemed people. And so let's pick up the story chapter 11 in verse, and I'm going to need, I'm going to need that chapter Hebrews 11, 10, for he's looking for a city which has foundations, who's architect and builder's God. So we talked about that last week. That's the ultimate destination. [00:33:53] (32 seconds)
If God can save me when I'm an enemy, and I was, didn't know it, but I was fighting against God. If he can save me in my worst, he can keep me when I become his friend, his child. I love that. I love that. He's looking for a city. Now the next verse goes from city to the population of the city, in essence, if you will. It's going to start with one. [00:34:47] (23 seconds)
You know, the gospel is very similar to that question is, is there anything too difficult for God? When Christ invites us to trust him, he's basically saying, can you believe that I died for you on a cross and that I rose from the dead? It's the question that has to be answered. Uh, the gospel calls us to answer that with, do we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord? [01:16:30] (28 seconds)
You know, in all the years that my wife and I, there's been times where she's warned me about certain decisions that I could defend logically and reasonably, and they blew up in my face. People I put hands on that my wife said, When your wife goes, if you don't learn to listen, you're an idiot. Honey, that seven -year loan on that car is going to work out great. [01:00:16] (38 seconds)
You need to both work at it. You can't live off another person's faith and be healthy spiritually. I call it a spiritual parasite. It's like a tick. You're like on your spouse like a tick. And you're sucking like a parasite. You're just sucking. You say, that's a terrible analogy. Well, that's what you're doing. You've got to have your own walk with God. [01:03:03] (24 seconds)
People that have lived in barrenness just can just get used to not expecting God to do anything different. Not asking God to do anything different. Not believing God could do anything different. This is just the way it is. Same day, same stuff. Just stuck. Look, you don't have to live there. Now, I'm not promising you that you're going to get some fantasy world provision. [01:08:17] (26 seconds)
I love the concept of inviting the king of heaven to step into your barrenness so I want you to kind of think where are you in a spot in your life heart relationship that you need Jesus to come into that barren place and do what he only can do let the king don't wait on emotion or feeling but just welcome come into this empty place where I'm barren with I've lost my emotions or affections or I've lost hunger for the whatever it is God's not saying produce it produce it he's saying let the king of heaven step in come on he's here let's worship him [01:24:58] (53 seconds)
If you can't get to the place where you can honor God and believe that he's trustworthy to take care of you, some of you, you're not waiting on God to give you the relationship that he wants you to have. You're trying to make something happen. You know, you're just pushing for something and you're going to end up in trouble. Some of you are making decisions quickly without seeking. [01:14:25] (24 seconds)
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