Finding Grace: A Journey of Transformation and Hope

 

Summary

Beloved congregation, today I stand before you, humbled and grateful, to share a testimony of transformation and the boundless grace of our Lord. I am Pastor Laura Bump, and my journey is one of a seeker who found her way back to the embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Growing up in a Christian home, attending Catholic school, and marveling at the grandeur of sacred spaces, I had a reverence for God but lacked a personal connection. I sought solace in nature, the arts, and later, in the destructive comforts of alcohol and unhealthy relationships. I was a seeker of acceptance, peace, and value, but I looked in all the wrong places.

It was in the depths of my despair that God's promise in Psalm 40 resonated with me. He lifted me from the mire, set my feet upon a rock, and instilled a new song of praise within my heart. Despite my wayward path, God never abandoned me. His grace met me in the darkest places, and His mercy was ever-present.

My search for acceptance led me to various avenues—self-help books, yoga, meditation, and even through my loving husband, Jeff. Yet, none could quench the thirst of my soul. It was only when I encountered a community of believers at the Daily Bread School Lunch Program that I began to understand what an intimate relationship with Jesus looked like. Their authenticity and passion for service and the Word opened my eyes to the acceptance I had longed for.

As I grew in faith, I found a church home at Living Word Lutheran Church, where the joy of worship and the warmth of fellowship nurtured my relationship with God. I delved into scripture, taught Sunday school, and served with humility and love. Through prayer resolution, I confronted my past sins, received forgiveness, and broke free from the chains that bound me.

Tragedy struck when my husband, Jeff, passed away suddenly. The pain was immense, but God's preparation through spiritual disciplines provided solace. Scripture and prayer sustained me, and the church body rallied around my family with support and love. In the midst of grief, God's grace and peace were palpable.

As I close, I reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, which reminds us that our momentary afflictions are preparing us for an eternal glory. Our focus should not be on the transient but on the eternal unseen. In the brevity of life, let us love, forgive, and earnestly seek Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- God's grace is not limited by our past or present circumstances. It meets us where we are, offering redemption and a new identity in Christ. This transformative power is available to all who seek Him, regardless of the depth of their despair or the mistakes they've made. [49:33]

- True acceptance and peace cannot be found in worldly pursuits or relationships. It is only through a personal relationship with Jesus that our deepest longings are satisfied. The journey to this realization often involves a process of seeking and surrendering to God's will. [49:33]

- The community of believers plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth and healing. Authentic fellowship provides a space where we can be accepted as we are and encouraged to deepen our relationship with God. This support is especially crucial during times of loss and grief. [49:33]

- Spiritual disciplines such as scripture reading and prayer are essential for preparing us for life's unexpected trials. They anchor us in God's promises and equip us with strength and comfort to face any adversity. [49:33]

- Our time on earth is fleeting, and how we choose to live each day has eternal significance. Embracing the reality of life's brevity should inspire us to act with love, extend forgiveness, and prioritize our pursuit of Christ above all else. [49:33]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2. Psalm 40:2-3 - "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."
3. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 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."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about the transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ?
2. According to Psalm 40:2-3, what actions does God take to lift someone out of despair?
3. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, what is the contrast between our "outer self" and "inner self"? How does this relate to our afflictions and eternal glory?
4. How did Pastor Laura describe her initial relationship with God and how did it change over time? [12:07]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17? How does this concept relate to Pastor Laura's testimony of transformation? [12:57]
2. How can Psalm 40:2-3 provide comfort and hope to someone who feels stuck in a difficult situation? How did this passage resonate with Pastor Laura during her darkest times? [15:19]
3. How does the perspective of "momentary afflictions" preparing us for "eternal glory" in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 help us to endure hardships? How did this perspective help Pastor Laura during her grief? [25:12]
4. Pastor Laura mentioned various worldly pursuits she tried to find acceptance and peace. Why do you think these pursuits failed to satisfy her deepest longings? [16:02]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or could you take, to draw closer to Him? How can the community of believers support you in this journey? [19:24]
2. Pastor Laura found solace in spiritual disciplines like scripture reading and prayer. What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to strengthen your relationship with God? [22:41]
3. Think about a personal struggle or "slimy pit" you are currently facing. How can Psalm 40:2-3 encourage you to trust in God's deliverance? [15:19]
4. Pastor Laura's story highlights the importance of authentic fellowship. How can you contribute to creating a supportive and accepting community within your small group or church? [19:24]
5. In what ways can you shift your focus from transient, worldly concerns to eternal, unseen realities as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18? How might this change your daily actions and priorities? [25:12]
6. Pastor Laura experienced God's grace and peace through the support of her church during her husband's passing. How can you be a source of comfort and support to someone in your community who is grieving or going through a tough time? [23:22]
7. Reflect on the brevity of life as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. What is one specific action you can take this week to love, forgive, or seek Christ more earnestly? [25:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Grace Beyond Our Past
Grace is not confined by our history; it is a gift that offers us a fresh start and a new identity in Christ. This transformative power is a beacon of hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past mistakes or current struggles. It is a reminder that no matter how far one has strayed, the path back to God is always open. The journey of transformation begins with recognizing the need for God's grace and accepting it with a humble heart. This grace is a testament to God's unfailing love and mercy, which reaches out to all, offering redemption and the promise of a new life in Christ. It is a powerful force that can change the trajectory of one's life, leading from despair to a place of peace and purpose. [07:40]

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:4-5

Reflection: Reflect on a moment in your life when you felt far from God. How did His grace reach you in that place, and how has it transformed you since?

Day 2: The Quest for True Acceptance
The human heart longs for acceptance and peace, yet these cannot be fully realized through worldly pursuits or human relationships. True fulfillment is found in a personal relationship with Jesus, where the deepest desires of the heart are met. This journey often involves a process of seeking, discovering, and ultimately surrendering to God's will. It is a path marked by the realization that the love and acceptance offered by the world are fleeting, while the love of Christ is eternal and unchanging. In Him, one finds a peace that surpasses all understanding and a sense of belonging that transcends any earthly connection. [07:40]

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." - Psalm 107:9

Reflection: What worldly things have you sought after for acceptance and peace, and how can you begin to seek fulfillment in Christ instead?

Day 3: The Power of Authentic Fellowship
The community of believers is instrumental in one's spiritual journey, providing a space for healing, growth, and authentic fellowship. This community offers acceptance and encouragement, allowing individuals to be themselves while being challenged to grow in their faith. It is within this fellowship that believers can find support during times of loss and grief, as well as celebration in times of joy. The bonds formed within the body of Christ are a source of strength and comfort, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus Himself. [07:40]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Reflection: How has the community of believers been a source of strength in your life, and how can you contribute to fostering authentic fellowship within your church?

Day 4: Anchored in Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines such as scripture reading and prayer are not mere religious practices; they are lifelines that anchor believers in the truth of God's Word and His promises. These disciplines prepare individuals for life's unexpected challenges, providing strength and comfort in the face of adversity. They are the means by which one can draw near to God, understand His will, and experience His presence in every circumstance. Through these practices, believers are equipped to navigate the storms of life with confidence and peace. [07:40]

"But the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you." - 1 Peter 1:25

Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to strengthening this week to deepen your connection with God?

Day 5: Living with Eternal Perspective
Life is fleeting, and the way one chooses to live each day carries eternal significance. Recognizing the brevity of life should inspire actions rooted in love, forgiveness, and a relentless pursuit of Christ. It is a call to focus on the eternal rather than the transient, to invest in what is unseen rather than what is temporary. This perspective shifts priorities, guiding believers to live with purpose and intention, making the most of every opportunity to reflect the love of Christ to others. [07:40]

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18

Reflection: How can you live today with an eternal perspective, prioritizing your relationship with Christ and the impact you have on others?

Quotes

- "God met me in the darkest of places. God's promise in Psalm 40, 2 through 3 says, he lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire." [15:11] ( | | )

- "I was lost for many years, but he never left me. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." [15:11] ( | | )

- "Fellowship with others can provide us with love and support, but only true love and healing comes through the Father." [17:12] ( | | )

- "I had found a church home where I was forgiven, redeemed, restored, and set free. It was there where I began to cultivate an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father." [20:40] ( | | )

- "Through Bible study, teaching Sunday school and confirmation, volunteering at VBS and going on retreats, I grew in my relationship with the Lord and learned how to serve others with humility and love." [20:40] ( | | )

- "I was able to break the chains of sin that kept me from becoming who a God had called me to be. This forgiveness counseling was biblical and allowed the Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf." [22:22] ( | | )

- "I experienced God's grace and peace like I've never experienced before through you, the church body, that living word, and Holy Redeemer." [22:22] ( | | )

- "We may only have today. So what you do with this day matters. Love, forgive, and most of all seek Christ." [24:14] ( | | )

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Transcript
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