Faith in God's Goodness Amidst Life's Trials
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's unwavering goodness, even amidst life's uncertainties and challenges. We began by reflecting on the words of Psalm 100, which remind us to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging His everlasting faithfulness. This sets the stage for our journey through the book of Habakkuk, where we find a prophet wrestling with the delay of divine intervention in the face of injustice and suffering. Habakkuk's journey from lament to a declaration of faith is a powerful reminder that our faith should not be contingent on our circumstances but rooted in the unchanging character of God.
We often find ourselves in seasons of waiting—waiting for healing, answers, or breakthroughs. In these moments, it's crucial to shift our focus from what we lack to the truth that "even still, my God is good." This phrase encapsulates a core theological truth: God's goodness is not dependent on our immediate circumstances. Habakkuk's declaration, "even if the worst happens, I will rejoice in the Lord," challenges us to cultivate a faith that transcends our current trials.
We also delved into the story of Job, who, despite losing everything, maintained his hope in God. This narrative teaches us that our faith should not be a bargaining tool with God but a steadfast commitment to serve Him regardless of our situation. Our spiritual health, much like our physical health, requires nourishment and investment. We must prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring that our spiritual foundation is strong enough to withstand life's storms.
As we navigate our own challenges, we are reminded that walking with Christ is sufficient, no matter what we lack. Philippians 4:11-13 encourages us to find contentment in all circumstances, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This faith looks beyond the temporary to the eternal, finding strength not in outcomes but in God's unchanging character.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Goodness is Unchanging: Our faith should not be dependent on our circumstances but rooted in the unchanging character of God. Even when we face delays or unanswered prayers, we must remember that "even still, my God is good." This truth anchors us in times of uncertainty and challenges us to trust in His eternal faithfulness. [31:55]
2. Faith Beyond Circumstances: Like Habakkuk and Job, we are called to maintain our faith even in the face of loss and suffering. Our relationship with God should not be a bargaining tool but a steadfast commitment to serve Him regardless of our situation. This faith transcends our current trials and looks to the eternal. [36:43]
3. Spiritual Nourishment is Essential: Just as our physical bodies require care, our spiritual health needs nourishment and investment. We must prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring that our spiritual foundation is strong enough to withstand life's storms. This involves spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word. [49:07]
4. Contentment in Christ: Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us to find contentment in all circumstances, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This faith looks beyond the temporary to the eternal, finding strength not in outcomes but in God's unchanging character. [50:27]
5. Worship as Spiritual Defiance: Choosing to worship in the midst of trials is an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that say God isn't present or good. By declaring God's goodness even in hardships, we cultivate an "even still" faith that anchors us in His eternal faithfulness. [01:00:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - Opening Prayer
[23:42] - Worship and Praise
[27:42] - Seasons of Waiting
[29:55] - Faithfulness in Trials
[30:50] - Even Still, God is Good
[31:55] - Habakkuk's Lament
[33:13] - God's Way of Escape
[35:16] - Divine Intervention Needed
[36:43] - Rejoicing in Adversity
[38:46] - Worship and Transformation
[40:06] - Joy Beyond Circumstances
[42:07] - Symbols of Loss
[43:00] - Job's Faithfulness
[49:07] - Spiritual Nourishment
[50:27] - Contentment in Christ
[01:00:04] - Worship as Defiance
[01:06:08] - Strengthening Foundations
[01:07:06] - Declaring Even Still Faith
[01:15:22] - Bringing Down High Places
[01:17:24] - Closing Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 100
2. Habakkuk 3:17-19
3. Philippians 4:11-13
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 100 encourage us to do when entering God's presence, and how does it describe God's character? [01:17]
2. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, what are the circumstances described, and how does Habakkuk respond to them?
3. According to Philippians 4:11-13, what has Paul learned about contentment, and what is the source of his strength?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "even still" faith, and what examples are given to illustrate this? [30:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of God's unchanging goodness, as seen in Psalm 100, challenge our understanding of faith during difficult times? [01:17]
2. What does Habakkuk's declaration in chapter 3 teach us about the nature of faith and trust in God, even when circumstances are dire? [36:43]
3. How does Paul's message in Philippians 4:11-13 about contentment relate to the sermon’s theme of finding strength in God's character rather than in our circumstances? [50:27]
4. The sermon mentions Job's story as an example of unwavering faith. How does Job's response to his suffering inform our understanding of faith as a steadfast commitment rather than a bargaining tool? [43:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a season of waiting. How did you respond, and what might it look like to adopt an "even still" faith in similar situations? [27:42]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual foundation? [49:07]
3. Consider the phrase "even still, my God is good." How can you remind yourself of this truth during times of uncertainty or challenge? [30:50]
4. How can you cultivate contentment in your current circumstances, as Paul describes in Philippians 4:11-13? What practical steps can you take to focus on God's strength rather than your own limitations? [50:27]
5. The sermon suggests that worship is an act of spiritual defiance. How can you incorporate worship into your life as a way to declare God's goodness, even in difficult times? [01:00:04]
6. Reflect on the story of Job. How can his example of faith inspire you to maintain hope and trust in God, regardless of your circumstances? [43:00]
7. Identify one area in your life where you have been using your faith as a bargaining tool with God. How can you shift your perspective to serve God with a steadfast commitment, regardless of the outcome? [36:43]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Goodness is Our Anchor
In times of uncertainty and challenge, it is essential to remember that God's goodness is unchanging. Our faith should not be swayed by our circumstances but should be firmly rooted in the eternal character of God. This truth provides a stable foundation when we face delays or unanswered prayers. By acknowledging that "even still, my God is good," we can find peace and assurance in His everlasting faithfulness. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it is not immediately visible. [31:55]
Psalm 145:8-9 (ESV): "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging goodness in this situation today?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Circumstances
Like Habakkuk and Job, we are called to maintain our faith even in the face of loss and suffering. Our relationship with God should not be a bargaining tool but a steadfast commitment to serve Him regardless of our situation. This faith transcends our current trials and looks to the eternal. By choosing to rejoice in the Lord, even if the worst happens, we cultivate a faith that is resilient and enduring. This perspective helps us to see beyond our immediate struggles and trust in God's greater plan. [36:43]
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: Identify a situation where you have been bargaining with God. How can you shift your focus to serving Him with steadfast faith today?
Day 3: Spiritual Nourishment is Essential
Just as our physical bodies require care, our spiritual health needs nourishment and investment. We must prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring that our spiritual foundation is strong enough to withstand life's storms. This involves spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word. By investing in our spiritual health, we build resilience and strength that will sustain us through difficult times. This commitment to spiritual growth is vital for maintaining a vibrant and enduring faith. [49:07]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to nourish your spiritual health and strengthen your relationship with God?
Day 4: Contentment in Christ
Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us to find contentment in all circumstances, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This faith looks beyond the temporary to the eternal, finding strength not in outcomes but in God's unchanging character. By focusing on Christ, we can experience true contentment and peace, regardless of our external circumstances. This perspective allows us to live with gratitude and joy, trusting in God's provision and care. [50:27]
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with discontentment. How can you practice finding contentment in Christ today?
Day 5: Worship as Spiritual Defiance
Choosing to worship in the midst of trials is an act of spiritual defiance against the lies that say God isn't present or good. By declaring God's goodness even in hardships, we cultivate an "even still" faith that anchors us in His eternal faithfulness. Worship becomes a powerful tool for overcoming doubt and fear, reminding us of God's presence and love. This act of worship strengthens our faith and draws us closer to God, even in the most challenging times. [01:00:04]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you choose to worship God today, despite any challenges you are facing?
Quotes
1) "We often find ourselves in seasons of waiting, waiting for healing, waiting for answers, waiting for breakthrough. I'm in a season of waiting. I'm in a season of waiting for a healing. Trusting that whatever the Lord's will are, He will have His way. I know my God is good. I know my God is faithful. So for the past six or seven weeks, I've been going through a new season. One that makes me look a little funny. I don't feel as rounded anymore. And I enjoy it. Unfortunately, while everything else looks good, the numbers that they're working on are worse. So I'm in a season of waiting. What's it going to take, Lord? Where are we going? What has to happen next?" [28:20] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Nothing should want to keep us from his presence. Nothing should want to keep us from basking in his glory. What he has brought us through, he deserves everything that we could offer up to him. I don't care if he answers. I don't care if he asks another prayer request for us. He has been faithful and he will remain faithful. And I will do all that I can to honor him till the day I die. Why? Because I know in this life, it's just a visitation I'm making now. I got an eternal life. One that I want to make sure is being lived out for him." [29:55] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "But today, what if the breakthrough doesn't come as we expect? I want to shift our focus from focusing on until my healing, until my answers, until my breakthrough. And I want us to focus on just a little quote I had written on Facebook a few days ago. To focusing on even still. Even still, my God is good. I want you to say that with me. Even still, my God is good. Whether he answers another prayer, my God is good. Whether he resolves our financial woes. Whether he resolves our physical woes. Whether he resolves anything else that we're suffering through. My God is good. And he is faithful. And he will be faithful even when I'm gone. Even still, God is good. Even still. he's faithful, even still walking with Christ will always be enough." [30:50] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Habakkuk isn't saying he'll rejoice when things improve. That's our problem. We're bartering with God saying, God, if you'll do this, and you'll do that, and you'll do that, and you'll do that, and you'll make this happen, then I'll serve you more. God, if you'll just work out all my time constraints, I'll go to church more. God, if you'll just work out all my financial issues, I'll be able to give more. God, if you'll just do all these things, then I'm going to serve you. I'm going to work in children's ministry. I'm going to work with the youth. I'm going to work in the nursery, and I'm going to teach Sunday school. But God, you're going to have to work all these other things out. Now, we're looking for God to improve a situation when, listen, it shouldn't require God doing anything for us to serve Him. He's already done the greatest thing by saying that He sent His Son to this earth because He loved you so much and that His Son died for you. And that should be the answer that says, from now on, I will do whatever I can to serve you, Lord." [36:43] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The figs and the vines and the flock, they're all symbols of God. They're all symbols of loss in this text. In an agricultural society, these represented stability and prosperity. Today, our figs and vines might represent our health, our jobs, our relationships. Habakkuk reminds us that our faith is not dependent on a circumstance, but on the goodness of God. The phrase even still captures a core theological truth. God is good even if circumstances don't reflect God. He doesn't reflect it immediately. Job 13 and 15 and all that Job had lost, he still says, though he slay me, I will hope in him." [42:07] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I don't own this life. I don't own anything. Stewards don't own anything. Stewards don't have any possessions. Stewards are only controlling and monitoring and dealing with the things that are already the Lord's. And I am the Lord's. And all that I have is the Lord's. I'm just a steward of these things for a moment. And how I am using them for His glory is how Ryan's going to be judged. Hmm. Even in pain, God remains good. And our hope is anchored in His eternal faithfulness. The sufficiency of Christ is another profound truth from this passage. Walking with Him is enough no matter what we lack." [50:27] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "I know now, or I know how, to get along with humble means. And I also know how to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him, through Christ, who strengthens me. I, you, will make it. I promise you today, you will make it. You will get through this life because it is Jesus Christ who is helping you. That should bring hope to us. That should bring joy to us. That should bring happiness. No matter what problems we're dealing with, no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what you're dealing with this morning, no matter what's going on in your life, my God is still good." [51:28] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Choosing worship as an active spiritual defiance against the lies that say God isn't present or that God isn't good did you hear me choosing to worship is an act of spiritual defiance that in the midst of all our despair in the midst of all of our problems I will praise you what's that song say I will praise you in the storm in your life when facing trials or waiting how can you cultivate even still faith begins with worship and declaring God's goodness even in our hardships and I can't study all week long without taking us back to Luke chapter 7 or chapter 6 this text has been on my heart too as I prepared for the day wait a couple weeks I'll go back but verse 46 of Luke 6 says why do you call me Lord why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I say everyone who comes to me and hears my words and acts on them I will show you whom he is like he is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock and when that's the key word not if but when when a flood occurred the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it because it had been well built but the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed and the ruin of the house was great dig deep this morning when you come to this altar dig deep that foundation in God because I promise you when the storm comes when the storm comes you will withstand and I promise you what God has done in you will be even greater tomorrow than what he does today because the further we dig in his world there's a way to do more and more time time we spend in prayer, the more time we magnify His great name in worship, all we're doing is fortifying the foundation, strengthening the walls, building a strong house. And when the enemy comes, the enemy has no way to access into a strong man's house." [01:04:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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