Finding Hope Amidst Hardship: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "Hope in Hard Times," drawing from Jeremiah 29:11, a verse often quoted for its promise of a future and hope. However, we delved deeper into its context to understand its true significance. The Israelites were in Babylonian exile, facing severe hardship as a consequence of their idolatry and refusal to repent. Despite their disobedience, God assured them of His plans for their future, emphasizing that His promises are not contingent on their circumstances but on His unwavering faithfulness.
We discussed how hard times are a universal experience, affecting us financially, relationally, and spiritually. Yet, these challenges are not without purpose. They serve as opportunities for growth, resilience, and deeper trust in God. We often try to avoid or deny our hardships, but God calls us to face them with faith, knowing that He is a promise keeper.
In the midst of their exile, God instructed the Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city they were in. This teaches us that even in undesirable circumstances, we are to contribute positively and trust in God's timing and plans. We also touched on the dangers of false prophets who offer misleading promises, urging us to rely on God's Word and His true prophets.
Ultimately, we can find hope in hard times because God is a promise keeper, He has a plan for us, and His restoration comes with great results. This hope is not based on immediate deliverance but on the assurance that God is with us, working for our good, even when we can't see it.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Promises Are Unwavering: Despite the Israelites' disobedience, God assured them of His plans for their future. This teaches us that God's promises are not dependent on our circumstances but on His faithfulness. We can trust that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [40:34]
2. Hard Times Are Universal and Purposeful: Everyone faces hard times, whether financially, relationally, or spiritually. These challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. Instead of avoiding or denying them, we should face them with faith, knowing that God is with us. [45:06]
3. Contribute Positively in Difficult Circumstances: God instructed the Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city they were in, even during their exile. This teaches us to contribute positively and trust in God's timing and plans, even in undesirable circumstances. [56:09]
4. Beware of False Prophets: False prophets offer misleading promises that can lead us astray. We must rely on God's Word and His true prophets, discerning truth from deception. This helps us stay grounded in God's promises and avoid false hopes. [01:00:48]
5. Hope in God's Restoration: God's restoration comes with great results. He promises to visit, fulfill, hear, be found, and restore us. This hope is not based on immediate deliverance but on the assurance that God is with us, working for our good, even when we can't see it. [01:18:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:33] - Praising God Together
[32:15] - God's Greatness and Our Worship
[34:11] - God's Holiness and Our Unworthiness
[35:49] - Introduction to Hope in Hard Times
[37:33] - The Reality of Hard Times
[39:08] - Jeremiah 29:11 in Context
[40:34] - Understanding God's Promises
[41:53] - The Weeping Prophet
[43:24] - Disobedience and Discipline
[45:06] - Facing Hard Times with Faith
[46:45] - Inappropriate Responses to Hard Times
[48:23] - Managing Hard Times Well
[50:10] - The Victim Mentality
[51:59] - The Righteous and Hard Times
[53:38] - The Context of Jeremiah 29
[56:09] - Contributing Positively in Exile
[01:00:48] - Beware of False Prophets
[01:03:10] - The Era of Error
[01:07:34] - Finding Hope in Hardship
[01:18:15] - God's Restoration and Great Results
[01:24:58] - Be Out for Jesus in October
[01:28:07] - Fasting and Discipleship
[01:34:14] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hope in Hard Times
#### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
- Hebrews 12:15: "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."
- Proverbs 13:12: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances of the Israelites when God gave them the promise in Jeremiah 29:11? How does this context affect the understanding of the verse? [40:34]
2. According to the sermon, what are some inappropriate responses to hard times that people often have? [46:45]
3. What specific instructions did God give to the Israelites while they were in exile in Babylon? [56:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of false prophets during the Israelites' exile? [01:00:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God's promises are not dependent on our circumstances but on His faithfulness? How does this change our perspective on hard times? [40:34]
2. How can hard times serve as opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God, according to the sermon? [45:06]
3. What does it mean to contribute positively in difficult circumstances, and how can this be applied in our lives today? [56:09]
4. Why is it important to be wary of false prophets, and how can we discern true messages from God? [01:00:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did you see God's faithfulness during that period? How can this experience help you trust Him in future hardships? [40:34]
2. Identify a current hardship you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper trust in God? [45:06]
3. In what ways can you contribute positively to your community or workplace, even if you are in an undesirable situation? What specific actions can you take this week? [56:09]
4. Have you ever encountered teachings or promises that seemed too good to be true? How did you discern whether they were from God or not? What steps can you take to ensure you are grounded in God's Word? [01:00:48]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's promises during hard times? What practical steps can you take to keep His promises at the forefront of your mind? [01:07:34]
6. Think of someone in your life who is currently going through a hard time. How can you offer them hope and encouragement based on the principles discussed in the sermon? [01:18:15]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of trusting in God's timing and plans, even when immediate deliverance is not evident? What specific prayers or practices can help you develop this trust? [01:15:01]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Promises Are Unwavering
God's promises to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:11 were given during a time of great hardship and exile. Despite their disobedience and the consequences they faced, God assured them of His plans for their future. This teaches us that God's promises are not dependent on our circumstances but on His faithfulness. We can trust that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. This unwavering nature of God's promises provides a foundation of hope and assurance, even when we face our own difficult times. [40:34]
Jeremiah 32:40 (ESV): "I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does knowing that God's promises are unwavering, regardless of your circumstances, change your perspective on this promise today?
Day 2: Hard Times Are Universal and Purposeful
Everyone faces hard times, whether financially, relationally, or spiritually. These challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. Instead of avoiding or denying them, we should face them with faith, knowing that God is with us. Hard times are not without purpose; they serve as a crucible for refining our character and strengthening our faith. By embracing these challenges, we allow God to work in us and through us, transforming our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. [45:06]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify a current hardship you are facing. How can you shift your mindset to see this challenge as an opportunity for growth and deeper trust in God?
Day 3: Contribute Positively in Difficult Circumstances
God instructed the Israelites to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city they were in, even during their exile. This teaches us to contribute positively and trust in God's timing and plans, even in undesirable circumstances. By engaging in constructive activities and seeking the welfare of those around us, we align ourselves with God's purposes and demonstrate our trust in His sovereignty. Our positive contributions can bring hope and transformation, even in the most challenging environments. [56:09]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Think of a difficult situation you are currently in. What is one specific way you can contribute positively to your environment or community today?
Day 4: Beware of False Prophets
False prophets offer misleading promises that can lead us astray. We must rely on God's Word and His true prophets, discerning truth from deception. This helps us stay grounded in God's promises and avoid false hopes. By being vigilant and discerning, we protect ourselves from being swayed by teachings that do not align with Scripture. It is crucial to test everything against the truth of God's Word and seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders. [01:00:48]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: Reflect on the sources of spiritual guidance you currently follow. How can you ensure that you are discerning truth from deception in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Hope in God's Restoration
God's restoration comes with great results. He promises to visit, fulfill, hear, be found, and restore us. This hope is not based on immediate deliverance but on the assurance that God is with us, working for our good, even when we can't see it. The process of restoration may take time, but it is filled with God's presence and purpose. Trusting in His restoration means believing that He is actively working in our lives, bringing about His perfect plan for us. [01:18:15]
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are seeking restoration. How can you trust in God's timing and presence as He works to restore this area for your good?
Quotes
1. "How many of y'all are just thankful for Jesus today? Online, in person. How many of y'all are just thankful we have a God that loves us, a God that cares for us, a God that's entering, a God who even takes time to engage us? He's so holy. He's so righteous. He's so pure. And he chooses to engage a holy, unrighteous, impure people, amen?" [34:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Hard times are spreading just like the flu. How many of you all know hard times are all across our country right now? And hard times are all across our world right now. You know, the reality is that many of us are insulated from how hard the times are for people. You know, we get a chance to go to our jobs. We get a chance to go to our celebrations. We go on our vacations. We eat the food that we want to eat." [35:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reality is all of us face hard times at some point in time or another, but there's this kind of resistance to hard times. You know, I want to do everything I can do not to encounter hard times. Let me tell you the bad news. In this life, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for he has overcome the world. No matter how good you are, no matter how many obstacles you face, you will have tribulation." [46:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can have hope in the midst of hard times because God knows the plans he has for you. even if you don't. Israel was in Babylon. Israel couldn't openly worship God. Israel, the Jewish people had lost their homes. They had lost their comforts. They had lost all they had built up. They had lost their heritage. And now God is saying, I've got a plan for you. Now, you may not know it. You may not be in on it, but I've got a plan for you." [01:15:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What happens is is that our culture has adopted a victim's mentality, and our culture celebrates a victim's mentality, and so now what sells is drama. What sells is how bad you were treated. What sells is what you've been through. What sells is, boy, how horrific your childhood was, but my question is, whatever happens, 517, if any man be in Christ, he's a new creation. All things have passed away, and behold, all things have become new." [50:10] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We can have hope in the midst of hardship because God's restoration comes with great results. On your iPads, I want you all to circle these I will statements. In verse 10, he says, I will visit. Verse 10b says, I will fulfill. In verse 12, he says, I will hear. In verse 14, he says, I will be found by you. In verse 14b, he says, I will restore your fortunes. In verse 17, he says, I will make them like fig trees. In verse 18, he says, I will pursue them with the sword." [01:18:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Isn't it good news to know our God is a restorer? Isn't it good news to know that when God comes and when God restores things that we will, he or him will be, he'll be found by us, he'll restore our fortunes and then he'll bring us back. God will bring us back. Isn't that good news? So next time you're in a hard time, don't say, I can only have hope if God changes this tomorrow. I can only have hope if God delivers me immediately." [01:23:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Mature Christianity says, God, things are extremely uncertain and unstable and unpredictable. But Lord, my faith is unwavering. Lord, I don't know what you're going to do. I just know you're going to do it. I don't know how you're going to do it. I just know you're going to do it. I just know you're going to do it, Lord. I just know you're going to do it, Father. Lord, I don't know how you're going to make a way. I just know, God, you're going to make a way." [01:15:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You can have hope in the midst of hard times because God has a plan for you, even if you don't know the plan. You guys at verse 11, for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Now watch this now. This was a declaration of God. It wasn't a desire of God. It's a declaration. Y'all still with me? See, a desire. Y'all should know my harsh desire and prayer for Israel is that Israel might be saved." [01:16:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "How do we deal with hard times in a way that glorifies God? You need instruction on how to manage hard times, and then you need the discipline to implement those instructions in the midst of hard times. Look at me. Online, look at me. Look at me. All right. Smiling. You're just silly. Watch this now. Watch this now. What happens is is that our culture has adopted a victim's mentality, and our culture celebrates a victim's mentality." [48:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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