Faithful Reminders: Surrendering to God's Promises

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God cherishes being reminded of His promises. Just as a loving father honors his commitments to his children, God is faithful to His word. We delved into the story of Jacob, who, despite his fears and past mistakes, boldly reminded God of His promises. This act of faith is not about manipulating God but about expressing trust in His character and His word. We learned that lamenting before God involves complaining, appealing, reminding God of His promises, and ultimately expressing total trust in Him.

The story of Jacob wrestling with God serves as a powerful metaphor for our struggles. Jacob's limp, a result of his encounter with God, symbolizes the reminder to depend on God rather than our own strength. This narrative teaches us that true victory in life's struggles comes through surrender, not through our own efforts. We are reminded that the illusion of control is a dangerous trap, and the greatest things in life are beyond our control. By surrendering our struggles to God, we open ourselves to His blessings, presence, and power.

We also reflected on the importance of acknowledging our struggles with God, whether they relate to finances, health, or unrealized dreams. By admitting our weaknesses and surrendering control, we allow God to transform us, just as He transformed Jacob into Israel. This transformation is rooted in the prayer of lament, where we cast our cares on God, trusting in His goodness and wisdom.

Finally, we were encouraged to join in the mission of sharing the hope of Jesus with the world. By partnering with Daily Hope, we can reach people across the globe with the life-changing message of Christ. Together, we can fulfill the Great Commission and bring the light of Jesus to those in need.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reminding God of His Promises: Just as children remind their parents of promises, we can remind God of His promises to us. This act is not about manipulation but about expressing faith in His character and His word. It is a way to appeal to God's faithfulness and reputation, as seen in the story of Jacob. [12:49]

2. The Power of Lament: Lamenting involves complaining, appealing, reminding God of His promises, and expressing total trust in Him. This process allows us to be honest with God about our struggles while reaffirming our faith in His goodness and wisdom. [15:06]

3. Surrendering Control: True victory in life's struggles comes through surrendering control to God. The illusion of control is a dangerous trap, and by giving our struggles to God, we open ourselves to His blessings and power. [18:35]

4. Transformation Through Surrender: By admitting our weaknesses and surrendering control, God can transform us, just as He transformed Jacob into Israel. This transformation is rooted in the prayer of lament, where we cast our cares on God. [24:05]

5. Joining the Mission: Sharing the hope of Jesus with the world is a vital mission. By partnering with Daily Hope, we can reach people across the globe with the life-changing message of Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission. [25:28]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:24] - Scripture Memorization
[12:18] - Reminding God of Promises
[13:33] - Jacob's Fear and Prayer
[14:48] - Expressing Trust in God
[15:49] - Job's Example of Trust
[16:47] - Habakkuk's Faith
[17:36] - Surrendering to God
[18:35] - The Illusion of Control
[19:36] - Jacob's Limp and Dependence
[21:17] - Struggles and Control
[22:51] - Admitting Weakness
[23:30] - Prayer of Surrender
[25:28] - Fulfilling the Great Commission
[26:13] - Partnering in Hope

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 32:9-12
2. Job 13:15
3. Habakkuk 3:17-19

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#### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 32:9-12, what specific promises does Jacob remind God of during his prayer? How does this reflect his relationship with God? [14:03]
2. How does Job express his trust in God despite his circumstances, as seen in Job 13:15? What does this reveal about his faith? [15:49]
3. In Habakkuk 3:17-19, what are the circumstances described, and how does Habakkuk choose to respond to them? [16:47]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jacob's limp after wrestling with God? How does this serve as a metaphor for dependence on God? [20:25]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jacob's act of reminding God of His promises teach about the nature of prayer and faith? How does this relate to the idea of lamenting before God? [14:48]
2. How does the story of Job illustrate the concept of trusting God even when life is difficult? What can this teach us about maintaining faith during personal trials? [15:49]
3. In what ways does Habakkuk's response to adversity challenge common perceptions of joy and strength? How does this passage redefine what it means to find strength in God? [17:15]
4. The sermon suggests that true victory comes through surrendering control to God. How does this idea challenge the common belief in self-reliance and control? [18:35]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you reminded God of His promises. How did this impact your faith and relationship with Him? What promise of God do you need to remind yourself of today? [12:49]
2. Consider an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God, similar to Job's experience. What steps can you take to express your trust in God despite the uncertainty? [16:20]
3. Identify a situation where you have been trying to maintain control. How can you practice surrendering this to God, and what might be the first step in doing so? [18:35]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of lament into your prayer life? What specific struggles or concerns do you need to bring before God in this way? [15:06]
5. Think about a personal "limp" or weakness that reminds you to depend on God. How can you view this as a blessing rather than a burden? [20:25]
6. The sermon encourages joining the mission of sharing Jesus with the world. What is one practical way you can participate in this mission in your community or circle of influence? [25:28]
7. Reflect on the idea of transformation through surrender, as seen in Jacob's story. What area of your life do you feel God is calling you to surrender for transformation? [24:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Promises
God cherishes being reminded of His promises, much like a loving parent honors commitments to their children. This act is not about manipulating God but expressing faith in His character and His word. The story of Jacob illustrates this beautifully. Despite his fears and past mistakes, Jacob boldly reminded God of His promises, appealing to God's faithfulness and reputation. This act of faith is a profound expression of trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word. By reminding God of His promises, we are not only affirming our faith but also deepening our relationship with Him. [12:49]

Isaiah 62:6-7 (ESV): "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth."

Reflection: What specific promise from God do you need to remind Him of today, and how can this act deepen your trust in His faithfulness?


Day 2: The Power of Lament
Lamenting before God is a profound spiritual practice that involves complaining, appealing, reminding God of His promises, and ultimately expressing total trust in Him. This process allows us to be honest with God about our struggles while reaffirming our faith in His goodness and wisdom. The story of Jacob wrestling with God serves as a powerful metaphor for our struggles. Jacob's limp, a result of his encounter with God, symbolizes the reminder to depend on God rather than our own strength. Through lament, we learn to surrender our struggles to God, opening ourselves to His blessings, presence, and power. [15:06]

Lamentations 3:19-24 (ESV): "Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: What is one struggle you are currently facing that you need to bring before God in lament, and how can you express your trust in His goodness through this process?


Day 3: Surrendering Control
True victory in life's struggles comes through surrendering control to God. The illusion of control is a dangerous trap, and by giving our struggles to God, we open ourselves to His blessings and power. Jacob's story teaches us that surrender, not our own efforts, leads to true victory. By acknowledging our struggles and surrendering them to God, we allow Him to work in our lives in ways we cannot imagine. This act of surrender is a powerful expression of faith, inviting God's transformative power into our lives. [18:35]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding onto control, and how can you begin to surrender it to God today?


Day 4: Transformation Through Surrender
By admitting our weaknesses and surrendering control, God can transform us, just as He transformed Jacob into Israel. This transformation is rooted in the prayer of lament, where we cast our cares on God, trusting in His goodness and wisdom. Jacob's limp serves as a reminder of his dependence on God, illustrating that true strength comes from surrender. As we surrender our struggles and weaknesses to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to shape us into the people He created us to be. [24:05]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: In what ways can you admit your weaknesses to God today, and how might this lead to transformation in your life?


Day 5: Joining the Mission
Sharing the hope of Jesus with the world is a vital mission. By partnering with organizations like Daily Hope, we can reach people across the globe with the life-changing message of Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission. This mission invites us to step out of our comfort zones and share the light of Jesus with those in need. As we join in this mission, we become part of a larger story, bringing hope and transformation to the world through the power of the Gospel. [25:28]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in sharing the hope of Jesus with someone in your life today, and what steps can you take to join in the mission of spreading the Gospel?

Quotes

God absolutely loves to be reminded of his promises when my kids were little and they said Daddy would you take us to Disneyland I say oh sure I will because I always say yes to everything and then I never get around to doing it but but Daddy you promised daddy you promised you think I'm going to turn that down no way Jose cuz I made a promise so I'm going to keep a promise cuz I'm a loving father I may not have the time to do it I may not want to do it I may be so stinking sick at going to dis land but we're doing it because you promised you can do that with your heavenly father you remind god of what he said God you said I love several times in the book of Jeremiah Jeremiah goes God now you've promised to do this and you've promised to do this and you promised to do this if you don't do this you're going to look bad he is appealing to God's reputation and that's not just Jeremiah I could give you dozens of examples I said God if you don't help us in this time it's really going to look bad on your resume people going to start saying well that God's no God because he doesn't help his people and they would appeal to God's promises they would appeal they would remind god of what he had said this is exactly what Jacob did he's scared to death to go back home to have this family reunion with his brother who wants to kill him would you be scared and your brother you've cheated your brother and he's coming with 400 armed soldiers yeah yeah he's scared to death so you got to help me God Genesis 32 then Jacob prayed oh lord of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac why is he doing this he goes look you helped these people in the past surely you got to help me he says the god of my grandfather Abraham my god of my father Isaac you told me Circle that you told me to return to my land and my relatives and you promised Circle bat to treat me kindly I'm not worthy of all the faithfulness and unfailing love that that you give me but oh Lord please rescue me from my brother Esau I'm afraid that he's coming to kill me but you promised to treat me kindly in and to multiply my descendants in other words how am I going to have multiple descendants and be the father of a great nation if he kills me that ain't going to happen so see the care here I complain I appeal I remind god of what he said and then the fourth thing I do in my lament is I express my total trust in God when you see David's Psalms David almost every Psalm ends with no matter how much he's railed on God he goes but I'm still going to trust you God I don't like this and I don't like that and that didn't turn out the way I wanted and that hasn't happened right and my life hasn't really been a Bed of Roses but you know God I'm still going to trust you and I expressed my total trust in God and this is what you end your prayer with he said Lord I I trust your goodness and I trust your wisdom and I trust your love and I trust your plan even in the bad things that happen that I don't understand let me give you two examples Job 13:15 you know what happened in job he lost it all he says even though he talking about God though he slay me yet I will trust in him he said you know what I don't have it all figured out my brain isn't big enough to know why everything happens the way it does but I tell you what even if God kills me I'm still going to trust him why because I know I'm going to heaven so he says even even if even if he lets the cancer take my life even if he lets me get hit in a car accident I'm still going to trust him why because he is God and I'm not I expressed my total trust in God and the ultimate example this is habac chapter 3 verses 17 to 19 even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vine even though the olive crop Falls it fails and the fields lie empty and are Barren and even though the flocks die in the field and the cattle and the barns are empty the cattle barns are empty I mean this see they're in a terrible drought terrible depression yet I will still rejoice in the Lord I will be joyful in the god of my salvation Sovereign Lord is my strength Now you listen to me very closely the way you went fight with God Is by surrendering because there's no way you're going to win it on your own power the way you win a struggle with God Is by surrendering we're going to talk about that next week I surrender all my unanswered questions and in return I get the blessing of God on my life and I sense his presence and I feel his love and I know he cares and I depend on him and he gives me Comfort and he gives me power that I don't have on my own the only way you're going to win in the struggle of life is give up control the most dangerous disease you can have is the illusion that you're in control you're not and as long as you think you are you're going to have one struggle after another you're not in control of your marriage you're not in control of your kids you're not in control of the weather you're not in control of the economy you're not even in control of what kind of disease you get in your life the greatest things in your life are out of your control so what do I do about the stuffs UNC contr control I give them to a person who does have the power to control them God you're in control and I know you care and because you care I'm going to complain and I'm going to uh appeal and I'm going to remind you of your promises but I'm going to expect and in trust and I'm going to express my trust in you and I'm going to declare my Declaration of dependence the last of the story the story of Jacob ends in verse 31 of Genesis 32 it says this so the son Rose this is after this big wrestling match so the son Rose as Jacob left panile and he was limping because of his hip do you remember when they were in that wrestling match it says God reached over and touched his hip and pulled it out of socket what is the significance what's the symbolism in that your hip your thigh muscle is the strongest muscle in your body it's the biggest muscle and it's the strongest muscle in your body God is going to touch you at the place of your greatest strength so you're going to limp the rest of your life as a reminder to depend on him not your own strength Jacob had a history of running he ran from responsibility he ran from the messes he made he ran from the struggles he created he ran ran ran he constantly God said we'll fix that you're going to limp the rest of your life no more running for Jacob what have you been running from your entire life you see after you've wrestled with God He blesses you but he gives you a rem reminder to depend on him the rest of your life and you're going to walk with the limp the rest of your life all of God's giants walk with the limp let's bow our heads before I pray let me ask you to consider some questions in what areas are you struggling with God are you struggling with God about your finances are you struggling with God about your health are you struggling with God about an unrealized dream an unanswered prayer are you struggling with God about something that hasn't turned out the way you wanted it to turn out question number two where have you been afraid to give up control you say look it isn't working I've been trying to manipulate it I've been trying to make it happen I've trying to plant it program it work around scheme it isn't working I'm going to give up control to God question number three where have you doubted God's wisdom well you thought no I know you love me Lord but is this really the right thing is this really the right thing to do did you really say no sex outside of marriage and you've doubted God's wisdom did you really say and you name your sin where do you would need to admit what you really are where what do you need to admit about yourself when you can say to God God I am Jacob I am a manipulator God I am control nut I am a perfectionist I am lazy I am then God can turn a Jacob into an Israel into a prince of God a princess of God follow me in this prayer as we close and I want you to pray it no matter what campus you're in or if you're watching online or in a small group or by yourself to say dear God you know all the things I struggle with my fears my weaknesses my relationships you know the regrets I struggle with you know my addictions and compulsions and my Temptations and God today I've realized that all my other struggles are really rooted in my struggle with you I have doubted your wisdom wisdom and I have tried to play God and like Jacob I've tried to manipulate things to feel more secure and I realize that your blessing comes not from trying harder but in surrendering the things that I don't understand and in surrendering the things that I can't control to you thank you that you are a good god teach me to how to pray the prayer of lament I thank you God that you care and you've said cast your cares on you for you care for me so today Jesus Christ I give myself 100% to you the good the bad the ugly the disappointments the shocks the Sorrows the highs and the lows the good and the bad I give myself completely to you Jesus Christ I want you to be the Lord the manager of every area of my life and I want to live for you from this day forward I want to trust you in Jesus name amen today I want to want to ask you to join with daily hope as we focus on fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ Jesus said go and make disciples of all Nations baptizing them in the name of the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you and surely I'm with you always to the very end of the age you know sharing Jesus with others is the most important thing you can do and if we join together we can reach across the whole world with the message of Christ that's why I'm asking you friends to partner with daily Hope by becoming a partner in hope we're able to take the good news of Jesus into almost every country of the world including regions where it's difficult or dangerous to share the gospel join us become a partner in hope today with your first monthly donation we'll send you a special gift to welcome you to the partner in Hope Family [00:12:18]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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