Finding Faith: Embracing God's Presence in Suffering
Summary
In today's message, I shared my personal journey of grappling with the concept of calling and suffering in the Christian faith. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in ministry, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and sacrifices my parents endured as they served the Lord in India. Their unwavering faith and dedication to translating the Bible for the Gypsy community, despite being ostracized and persecuted, left a profound impact on me. However, it also led me to question God's faithfulness and competence, especially when I saw my family suffer and struggle.
I recounted my initial resistance to Christianity, fueled by the desire to avoid the hardships I saw in my parents' lives. I explored the lives of biblical characters like Moses, David, Paul, and Peter, each of whom faced immense trials and suffering. Their stories, rather than inspiring me, initially reinforced my reluctance to embrace a life of faith. I questioned why a loving God would allow His people to endure such pain and suffering.
However, through conversations with my mother, I began to see God's faithfulness in the midst of adversity. She reminded me of the times when God provided shelter, protection, and sustenance, even when it seemed like we had nothing. Her perspective helped me realize that God's faithfulness is not always evident in the absence of suffering but in His presence and provision through it.
I also shared the transformative power of reading the Bible, illustrated by the story of Hashimo, a notorious criminal whose life was changed by the Word of God. This story, along with my own experience of reading the Bible to disprove my mother's faith, led to a profound transformation in my understanding of God's love and faithfulness.
Ultimately, I encouraged everyone to embrace the grace available to us, regardless of our past or present struggles. God's love is unchanging, and today is the perfect day to make a decision to follow Him, as there is no better time than now to experience His salvation and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Faithfulness in Adversity: Even when we don't see it, God is faithful. Our pain and suffering can blind us to His presence, but He is always working in our lives, providing and protecting us in ways we may not immediately recognize. [10:54]
2. The Transformative Power of Scripture: Reading the Bible can not only change us but transform us. It has the power to reach into the depths of our hearts and bring about a profound transformation, as seen in the story of Hashimo, whose life was radically changed by the Word of God. [28:37]
3. Questioning and Faith: It's natural to question God's faithfulness, especially in the face of suffering. However, through honest conversations and seeking understanding, we can come to see His unwavering love and provision, even in the most challenging circumstances. [10:54]
4. Embracing Our Calling: Despite initial resistance, embracing our calling can lead to a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. Our struggles and questions can ultimately draw us closer to Him and reveal His faithfulness in new ways. [28:37]
5. The Urgency of Salvation: Today is the day of salvation. No matter our past or present struggles, God's grace is available to us. We are invited to make a decision to follow Him and experience the transformative power of His love and salvation. [28:37]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Family Background
- [02:45] - Calling to Calling: My Journey
- [04:15] - Struggles with Faith and Suffering
- [06:00] - Biblical Characters and Their Trials
- [10:54] - Questioning God's Faithfulness
- [15:30] - Personal Stories of Family's Suffering
- [20:00] - Conversations with My Mother
- [23:00] - Realization of God's Faithfulness
- [28:37] - The Story of Hashimo
- [33:00] - Transformation Through Scripture
- [36:00] - Embracing Grace and Salvation
- [38:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 1:29 - "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake."
2. 2 Corinthians 11:24 - "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one."
3. Matthew 1:1-3 - "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers."
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Observation Questions:
1. What were some of the challenges and sacrifices faced by the speaker's parents in their ministry in India? [10:54]
2. How did the speaker initially react to the concept of suffering for Christ as mentioned in Philippians 1:29? [10:54]
3. What transformation did the speaker experience after reading the Bible with the intent to disprove his mother's faith? [28:37]
4. How did the story of Hashimo illustrate the transformative power of Scripture? [28:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Philippians 1:29 challenge the common perception of a life of faith being free from suffering? [10:54]
2. In what ways did the speaker's conversations with his mother help him reinterpret his understanding of God's faithfulness? [10:54]
3. How does the story of Hashimo demonstrate the unexpected ways God can work through Scripture to transform lives? [28:37]
4. What does the speaker's journey tell us about the role of questioning and doubt in developing a deeper faith? [10:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned God's faithfulness. How did you navigate through that period, and what did you learn from it? [10:54]
2. The speaker's mother reminded him of God's provision even in difficult times. Can you identify moments in your life where you might have overlooked God's faithfulness due to your circumstances? [10:54]
3. How can you incorporate regular Bible reading into your life to allow for transformation, as seen in the story of Hashimo? [28:37]
4. The speaker initially resisted his calling due to fear of suffering. Is there a calling or purpose in your life that you are hesitant to embrace? What steps can you take to move forward? [10:54]
5. The urgency of salvation was emphasized in the sermon. How can you share this message with someone in your life who may be seeking or questioning their faith? [28:37]
6. Consider the biblical characters mentioned in the sermon. How can their stories of suffering and faithfulness inspire you in your current life situation? [10:54]
7. The speaker's journey involved a shift from skepticism to faith. What practical steps can you take to address any doubts or questions you have about your faith? [10:54]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Our Pain
In times of adversity, it can be difficult to recognize God's faithfulness. Our struggles often cloud our perception, making it seem as though we are alone. However, God is always present, providing and protecting us in ways we may not immediately see. His faithfulness is not defined by the absence of suffering but by His presence and provision through it. Reflecting on past experiences can reveal moments where God was at work, even when it seemed like He was silent. [10:54]
"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." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt abandoned in your struggles. Can you identify any ways God might have been present and providing for you during that time?
Day 2: Scripture's Transformative Power
The Bible holds the power to transform lives, reaching into the depths of our hearts and bringing about profound change. The story of Hashimo, a notorious criminal whose life was changed by the Word of God, illustrates this transformative power. Engaging with Scripture can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and faithfulness, challenging our preconceived notions and opening our hearts to His truth. [28:37]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need transformation? How can you intentionally engage with Scripture to invite God's transformative power into that area?
Day 3: Embracing Doubt and Faith
Questioning God's faithfulness is a natural response to suffering. However, through honest conversations and seeking understanding, we can come to see His unwavering love and provision. Engaging with others and exploring biblical stories of faith can help us navigate our doubts and deepen our relationship with God. [10:54]
"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: What doubts about God's faithfulness are you currently wrestling with? Who can you have an honest conversation with to explore these doubts and seek understanding together?
Day 4: Discovering Our Calling
Embracing our calling can lead to a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. Our initial resistance and struggles can ultimately draw us closer to Him, revealing His faithfulness in new ways. By surrendering to His will, we open ourselves to the transformative journey He has planned for us, even if it involves challenges and questions. [28:37]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take today to embrace this calling and trust in His purpose for you?
Day 5: The Urgency of Salvation
God's grace is available to us regardless of our past or present struggles. Today is the perfect day to make a decision to follow Him and experience the transformative power of His love and salvation. Embracing His grace allows us to live in the fullness of His promises and experience the joy of a relationship with Him. [28:37]
"Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b, ESV)
Reflection: What is holding you back from fully embracing God's grace and salvation today? How can you take a step towards experiencing His transformative love in your life right now?
Quotes
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake. Growing up, I used to keep listening to this verse a lot in my home. And I always wondered, why does God ask us to suffer for His sake? [00:02:27] (19 seconds)
And reading at the scripture, it kind of scares me. Because it says, we should also suffer for His sake. And I said, no. I don't want to suffer for Lord Jesus Christ. Looking at your sufferings, looking at your pain, mom and dad, I want to stay away from this calling. [00:03:47] (17 seconds)
So I don't want to live a life like any of the biblical characters. These are just four biblical characters that I spoke. But if you look at all the biblical characters in the Bible, you will see that there is pain in their life. You will see that there is suffering in their life. [00:11:38] (15 seconds)
So, this is not this exact photo because back then we don't have the cameras, but this is how it looks like. This is how it looks like. So, my mom, she used to tell me, you know, that they lived in such places along with my sisters. I was not yet born, but my mom, she told me, never ever forget where we came from in life. [00:16:55] (21 seconds)
So after talking to my mom about God's faithfulness, God's faithfulness, I kind of realized that, okay, I started seeing how God is faithful. Now just to prove, just to disapprove my mom's point, I started reading Bible again. I wanted to show my mom how God is not faithful. [00:27:24] (21 seconds)
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