Finding Gratitude in Life's Challenges
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound impact of gratitude, even in the most challenging seasons of life. Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared a time when my wife Allie and I faced significant hardships, from financial struggles to cramped living conditions. These moments, though difficult, taught us the importance of gratitude, not just for the good times but also for the lessons learned during the low points. This perspective shift is crucial as we navigate life's ups and downs.
We delved into the story of the Apostle Paul, who, despite being imprisoned, wrote the letter of joy to the Philippians. His ability to find gratitude and joy in such dire circumstances is a testament to the power of perspective. Paul understood that even in chains, God was working through him to advance the gospel. This mindset challenges us to see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the potential for God to work through our circumstances.
The concept of gratitude is not new; it is deeply rooted in scripture. As we approach Thanksgiving, many engage in gratitude challenges, but as believers, we are called to live a life of gratitude daily. This gratitude can transform our outlook, helping us to see God's hand in every situation, even when things seem bleak.
We also discussed the story of Chuck Colson, who, like Paul, found purpose and gratitude in the midst of personal turmoil. His transformation during the Watergate scandal led to the creation of a significant prison ministry, demonstrating how God can use our lowest moments for His glory.
Ultimately, the challenge is to shift our focus from our problems to God's possibilities. By doing so, we can find joy and gratitude in every season, trusting that God is at work, even when we can't see it. This perspective not only changes our outlook but also opens the door for God to do incredible things in and through us.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Gratitude in Hard Times: Even in our lowest moments, gratitude can transform our perspective. By focusing on what God is doing rather than our struggles, we can find joy and purpose. [09:46]
- Paul's Example of Joy: Despite being imprisoned, Paul wrote about joy and gratitude. His story reminds us that our circumstances don't define our ability to be grateful; our perspective does. [15:20]
- God's Work in Our Struggles: Like Paul and Chuck Colson, we can trust that God is working through our challenges. Our hardships can become opportunities for God's glory if we choose gratitude. [23:25]
- Shift Focus from Self to God: By focusing on God's possibilities rather than our problems, we can find peace and purpose. This shift allows us to see the beauty in everyday life, even in difficult times. [19:57]
- Small Victories Matter: God often works through small moments. By recognizing and pursuing these small victories, we can experience a cumulative impact that outweighs our struggles. [27:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:46] - Moving Back Home
- [04:35] - The Tiny House Struggle
- [08:11] - Gratitude Challenge Introduction
- [09:46] - Gratitude in Every Season
- [10:33] - Opening Prayer
- [11:08] - Introduction to Philippians
- [14:04] - Paul's Imprisonment and Joy
- [15:20] - Finding Gratitude in Chains
- [16:48] - The American Dream and Discontent
- [18:27] - A New Perspective on Life
- [19:57] - Focusing on God's Possibilities
- [22:24] - Chuck Colson's Transformation
- [23:25] - Choosing Gratitude Over Bitterness
- [25:11] - Personal Story of Gratitude
- [26:35] - Challenge to Find Good in Bad
- [28:54] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 1:3-6, 12-14
Observation Questions:
1. What circumstances was Paul facing when he wrote the letter to the Philippians, and how did he describe his feelings in those circumstances? [14:04]
2. How did Paul view his imprisonment in relation to the advancement of the gospel? [15:20]
3. What personal story did the pastor share about his own experience with gratitude during challenging times? [04:35]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's perspective on his imprisonment challenge common views on suffering and gratitude? [15:20]
2. In what ways did the pastor's story about living in a tiny house illustrate the concept of finding gratitude in difficult situations? [04:35]
3. How might Chuck Colson's transformation during the Watergate scandal serve as an example of finding purpose in adversity? [22:24]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenging situation. How did your perspective influence your ability to find gratitude during that time? [04:35]
2. Paul found joy and gratitude even while imprisoned. How can you apply this mindset to a current struggle in your life? [15:20]
3. The pastor mentioned shifting focus from personal problems to God's possibilities. What is one area in your life where you can make this shift? [19:57]
4. Consider the story of Chuck Colson. How can you find purpose and gratitude in a difficult situation you are currently facing? [22:24]
5. The pastor talked about small victories and their cumulative impact. Identify a small victory you can pursue this week and how it might change your perspective. [27:35]
6. How can you incorporate daily gratitude into your routine, especially during challenging times? What specific steps will you take to make this a habit? [09:46]
7. Reflect on the pastor's story about moving back home. How can you find gratitude in your current living situation, even if it's not ideal? [01:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude Transforms Perspective
In the midst of life's challenges, gratitude has the power to transform our perspective. When faced with hardships, it is easy to focus on the negative aspects and become overwhelmed by our struggles. However, by intentionally choosing gratitude, we can shift our focus from what is lacking to what is present. This shift allows us to see the lessons and growth opportunities that come from difficult times. Embracing gratitude in hard times is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect; rather, it is about acknowledging the presence of God in every situation and trusting that He is working for our good. [09:46]
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you find gratitude in that situation today, and what lesson might God be teaching you through it?
Day 2: Joy Beyond Circumstances
The Apostle Paul's life exemplifies finding joy and gratitude beyond circumstances. Despite being imprisoned, Paul wrote to the Philippians about joy, demonstrating that our external situations do not dictate our internal state. His ability to rejoice while in chains challenges us to look beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the potential for God to work through us. This perspective encourages us to focus on God's presence and purpose rather than our limitations, allowing us to experience joy even in the darkest times. [15:20]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a situation where you feel trapped or limited. How can you shift your perspective to find joy and gratitude in God's presence and purpose in that situation?
Day 3: Trusting God's Work in Our Struggles
Like Paul and Chuck Colson, we can trust that God is working through our challenges. Our hardships can become opportunities for God's glory if we choose gratitude. Chuck Colson's transformation during the Watergate scandal led to a significant prison ministry, showing how God can use our lowest moments for His glory. By trusting in God's work, we can find purpose and meaning in our struggles, knowing that He is using them to shape us and advance His kingdom. [23:25]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a personal struggle you are currently facing. How can you trust that God is working through this situation for His glory and your growth?
Day 4: Focusing on God's Possibilities
Shifting our focus from our problems to God's possibilities allows us to find peace and purpose. By concentrating on what God can do rather than what we cannot, we open ourselves to His transformative power. This shift in focus helps us see the beauty in everyday life, even in difficult times, and encourages us to trust in God's plan and provision. By embracing this perspective, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that God is at work in every aspect of our lives. [19:57]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel limited. How can you shift your focus to God's possibilities and trust in His power to work through you?
Day 5: Recognizing Small Victories
God often works through small moments, and by recognizing and pursuing these small victories, we can experience a cumulative impact that outweighs our struggles. These victories may seem insignificant at first, but they contribute to our overall growth and transformation. By celebrating these moments, we acknowledge God's presence and work in our lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude and hope. This practice encourages us to remain faithful and attentive to God's leading, trusting that He is using every moment for our good and His glory. [27:35]
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small victory you have experienced recently. How can you celebrate this moment and recognize God's hand in it, allowing it to encourage you in your journey?
Quotes
Before we dive in though today, as always, I got a question I want to ask you. Does anyone here, do you have maybe a moment in your life that you can look back on and you can say straight up, like, that was my low moment? Anybody? Does that make sense? Do you have maybe like a time period or maybe even like one particular event in particular that in hindsight you can say, that was the lowest I have ever been. That was my proverbial rock bottom. Anybody have a moment like that? And when me and Allie, when we first got married, we were actually living up in Mesa. [00:00:26] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So for the series that we're in right now, it's my goal that as we enter this Thanksgiving season, that we can dive into God's word and we can see how as we practice a godly gratitude in our lives, I believe it can absolutely change everything. It might not actually change our circumstances, but changing our perspectives can change everything about our lives. [00:09:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And fun fact about this book, the book of Philippians, it's actually commonly known to many in faith circles like this as the letter of joy. The letter of joy. In this letter, Paul, he talks about the topic on five separate times within in four chapters. In it, he also uses the word rejoice a total of seven times. In fact, within the first couple verses of the book, after introducing himself, he tells us this in verses three through six. He says, I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [00:11:58] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But despite all that he was going through, despite the fact that he was in literal chains, that he could lose his very life any day now, he writes this letter of joy. Why? Because despite everything, Paul was still grateful. He was grateful. He says why in verses 12 through 14. He says, Now I want you to know, brothers, and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually... served to advance the gospel. [00:14:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Even though Paul's in prison, right, he still feels thankful. He still feels gratitude. And it's because to Paul, even though he was in a pretty objectively terrible situation, we're not arguing that, but he still knew that bad things can turn into good things. That good things can still happen in bad situations. And he still knew that good things can still happen in bad situations. And he still knew that good things can still happen in bad situations. And to Paul, again, even though he was in literal chains, he knew that God could still take this situation and do something good with it. That God could still do something awesome for him, even if he was a prisoner. [00:15:40] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But a conclusion I've come to in light of everything happening across our world today, I think if we can view our lives like Paul, as this opportunity to honor God, as this opportunity to share the good news of Jesus, if we can see life like Paul did, then it doesn't really matter what happens in this life, as long as you continue following that purpose. [00:18:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When we focus on things like, I don't like helping and loving others, I think it begins to put things into a little bit more perspective. And it lets us begin to notice the beauty that comes from everyday life. Even in moments that hurt. even in moments that aren't good, even in moments that leave us disappointed. [00:19:35] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And just like Paul, I think Chuck was faced with a choice. Because he could have been bitter, right? He could have been angry. He could have thought things like, man, I'm so stupid. Why did I make that choice? He could have beat himself up. He could have thought that things were unfair and unjust and that there was no point to anything. Or he could be grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to be used by God, even in the midst of this awful circumstance. [00:22:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We can either become angry and bitter and disheartened, or we can look at whatever bad is in front of us as a chance for God's good to shine through it. We can rejoice in any opportunity to be closer to God and to speak to God. Spread his gospel. [00:24:08] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Honestly, that's exactly, if I'm being real, that's exactly what happened in mine in Alley's Rock Bottom that I talked about earlier. During this rough time in our lives, I started attending this church, which I eventually began to serve at. I started to pursue God more and started sharing his gospel and ministering to his people. And to make an incredibly long story short, this church, which was called Safford First Assembly, [00:25:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So as we close our services today, my challenge for you is this. I'm landing the plane, I promise. Regardless of what's going on in your life, whether you're in a good season or maybe a bad season, I don't know. But regardless of what is going on in your life, I urge you to start looking for ways that God can bring good out of the situation. [00:26:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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