Finding Hope and Growth in Dry Seasons

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of navigating dry seasons in our lives and ministries. Drawing from Psalm 126, we delved into the reality that everyone experiences dry seasons, regardless of their spiritual maturity or faithfulness. These seasons are not indicative of God's absence or displeasure but are natural parts of our spiritual journey. We are reminded that even Jesus, while in the will of God, faced his own wilderness experiences.

The key to enduring these dry seasons lies in our ability to look back at God's past faithfulness. Just as the Israelites recalled their deliverance from Babylonian captivity, we too must remember the times God has intervened in our lives in miraculous ways. These memories serve as anchors, reminding us of God's power and love, and they fuel our hope for future deliverance.

Furthermore, we are encouraged to ask God to "do it again." This is not merely a plea for repetition but a declaration of faith in God's unchanging nature and His ability to transform our current circumstances. The imagery of the Negev desert transforming into a flowing stream after the rains is a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring life and abundance to our parched souls.

Lastly, we are called to sow seeds even in our dry seasons. The law of sowing and reaping assures us that our efforts, though seemingly futile at times, will yield a harvest if we do not give up. This is a call to remain productive, to continue working, learning, and growing, even when the results are not immediately visible. Our perseverance in these times is a testament to our faith and trust in God's promises.

Key Takeaways:

- Remember God's Past Faithfulness: In dry seasons, it's crucial to recall the times God has delivered and blessed us. These memories remind us of His power and love, serving as anchors for our faith. Just as the Israelites remembered their deliverance from Babylon, we must hold onto our own testimonies of God's goodness. [35:17]

- Ask God to Do It Again: When facing dry seasons, we should boldly ask God to repeat His past miracles in our lives. This is a declaration of faith in His unchanging nature and His ability to transform our circumstances, much like the Negev desert turning into a flowing stream. [46:13]

- Sow Seeds in Dry Seasons: The law of sowing and reaping assures us that our efforts will yield a harvest if we do not give up. Even in dry seasons, we must remain productive, continuing to work, learn, and grow, trusting that God will bring forth a bountiful harvest. [50:25]

- God's Blessings as a Testimony: Sometimes, God blesses us so that others can see His work in our lives and be drawn to Him. Our lives should be a testament to God's goodness, prompting even the unsaved to recognize His blessings and desire what we have. [41:18]

- Perseverance Leads to Joy: Despite the challenges of dry seasons, perseverance in faith and action leads to joy and fulfillment. By continuing to sow seeds and trust in God's timing, we will eventually experience the joy of a bountiful harvest. [52:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:23] - Introduction to Leaders and Legacy
- [25:05] - Kingdom Men Rising
- [26:36] - Introduction of Pastor James Meeks
- [27:38] - Prayer for Leaders
- [28:30] - Psalm 126: A Foundation
- [29:18] - Understanding Dry Seasons
- [31:11] - What to Do in Dry Seasons
- [35:03] - Look Back at God's Faithfulness
- [46:13] - Ask God to Do It Again
- [50:25] - The Law of Sowing and Reaping
- [54:40] - Be Productive in Dry Seasons
- [56:22] - Encouragement to Keep Working
- [57:07] - Closing Prayer
- [58:09] - Support for the Urban Alternative

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 126
- Galatians 6:9
- Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 126, what was the reaction of the Israelites when the Lord turned their captivity? How did this reflect their emotional state? [28:30]

2. According to the sermon, what are the five seasons mentioned by the old preachers, and what is the significance of the "due season"? [29:34]

3. How does the imagery of the Negev desert transforming into a flowing stream illustrate God's power to change circumstances? [47:35]

4. What does Galatians 6:9 say about the relationship between perseverance and reaping a harvest? How is this principle applied in the sermon? [30:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it important to remember God's past faithfulness during dry seasons, and how can this practice impact one's faith journey? [35:17]

2. How does the concept of asking God to "do it again" demonstrate faith in His unchanging nature? What does this reveal about the relationship between past experiences and future expectations? [46:13]

3. In what ways does the law of sowing and reaping encourage believers to remain productive during dry seasons? How does this principle challenge common perceptions of success and failure? [50:25]

4. How can the blessings in a believer's life serve as a testimony to others, particularly those who do not share the same faith? What role does this play in evangelism? [41:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "dry season" in your life. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to maintain your faith and productivity? [31:11]

2. Identify a specific instance of God's past faithfulness in your life. How can recalling this memory help you navigate your current challenges? [35:17]

3. What is one area in your life where you need to ask God to "do it again"? How can you express this request in your prayers this week? [46:13]

4. Consider the seeds you are currently sowing in your life. Are there areas where you need to increase your efforts or change your approach to ensure a future harvest? [50:25]

5. How can you make your life a testimony of God's goodness to those around you? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God's work in your life to others. [41:18]

6. Think of a situation where you felt like giving up. What steps can you take to persevere and find joy in the process, even if the results are not immediately visible? [52:17]

7. How can you remain productive during a dry season? Choose one new skill or habit you can develop this month to prepare for future opportunities. [54:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Anchored by God's Past Faithfulness
In the dry seasons of life, it is essential to remember the times when God has shown His faithfulness and love. These memories serve as anchors for our faith, reminding us that God has been with us in the past and will continue to be with us in the future. Just as the Israelites recalled their deliverance from Babylonian captivity, we too must hold onto our own testimonies of God's goodness. These recollections are not just nostalgic reflections but powerful reminders of God's unchanging nature and His ability to intervene in our lives. By looking back at God's past faithfulness, we can find hope and strength to endure the present challenges. [35:17]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Think of a specific time when God intervened in your life in a significant way. How can recalling this memory strengthen your faith in your current situation?


Day 2: Boldly Asking God to Do It Again
When we face dry seasons, we are encouraged to ask God to repeat His past miracles in our lives. This is not just a plea for repetition but a declaration of faith in God's unchanging nature and His ability to transform our circumstances. The imagery of the Negev desert turning into a flowing stream after the rains is a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring life and abundance to our parched souls. By asking God to "do it again," we express our trust in His power to renew and restore us, no matter how desolate our current situation may seem. [46:13]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God to "do it again"? How can you express your faith in His ability to transform this situation today?


Day 3: Sowing Seeds in Dry Seasons
The law of sowing and reaping assures us that our efforts will yield a harvest if we do not give up. Even in dry seasons, we must remain productive, continuing to work, learn, and grow, trusting that God will bring forth a bountiful harvest. This is a call to perseverance, to keep sowing seeds even when the results are not immediately visible. Our faithfulness in these times is a testament to our trust in God's promises and His timing. By continuing to sow seeds, we demonstrate our belief that God will bring life and abundance in due time. [50:25]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to sow seeds in your current dry season? How can you remain faithful in this effort, trusting in God's promise of a future harvest?


Day 4: Living as a Testimony of God's Blessings
Sometimes, God blesses us so that others can see His work in our lives and be drawn to Him. Our lives should be a testament to God's goodness, prompting even the unsaved to recognize His blessings and desire what we have. By living as a testimony of God's blessings, we become a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for others. Our lives can serve as a powerful witness to God's love and faithfulness, drawing others to seek Him and experience His goodness for themselves. [41:18]

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: How can you live in a way that reflects God's blessings to those around you? What specific actions can you take to be a testimony of His goodness today?


Day 5: Perseverance Leads to Joy
Despite the challenges of dry seasons, perseverance in faith and action leads to joy and fulfillment. By continuing to sow seeds and trust in God's timing, we will eventually experience the joy of a bountiful harvest. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing we have remained faithful to God's calling. Our perseverance is a testament to our faith and trust in God's promises, and it ultimately leads to a harvest of joy and abundance. [52:17]

James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to persevere in faith and action? How can you find joy in the process, trusting that God will bring about a bountiful harvest in His timing?

Quotes


"Everybody listening to me all of us all of you under the sound of my voice are familiar with seasons we all know the seasons the old preachers say that there are five seasons there's winter there's spring there's summer there's fall pastor what's the fifth season the old preachers say do Galatians chapter 6 verse 9 says let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." [00:29:25]

"Many people want to know when are they going to get their blessing many people want to know when are things going to turn around many people want to know when they're going to get their breakthrough I don't have a time for you I can't tell you when I don't know the date I don't know the place all I know is those of us who trust in god those of us who hope our hope is in god those of us who are believing in god in due season we shall reap if we faint not." [00:30:07]

"Just as sure as we have some good times in ministry just as sure as we have some times when things are really going well we have times when things are really okay we're going to have in ministry and in this life we're going to have some dry seasons I don't care how saved you are I don't care how much in the will of god you are I don't care how faithful you are you are going to have some dry seasons those of you who are in the dry season don't think that god has cursed you." [00:31:32]

"Remember now you have a history with god this ain't your first rodeo you got a history with god he's the one that's called you you've got some things that you can recollect or that you can call upon these worshipers decided to pull out of their memory banks something that god has done for the nation of Israel in the past they recounted the time watch this that Israel was held captive by the Babylonians." [00:35:21]

"Have you ever had a time in your life when god did something for you and what god did was so big what god did was so amazing until every time you think about that moment that moment brings joy to your soul maybe it was a job you got a job and you know that you shouldn't have gotten it you wasn't qualified but god did it maybe it was a house god did it you you you got that loan god did it." [00:38:49]

"God just loves it when unsaved people recognize his blessings on our life god just loves it when unsaved people say you know god's really working in their life have you ever thought about this fact have you ever thought about the fact that god blesses us sometimes so that unsaved people can see god at work in us and unsaved people will want what we got did you hear what I said that's why god blesses us sometimes not necessarily for us for but for the other people around so that they can see it." [00:41:18]

"Ask god to do it again ask god to do it again look back at the verse turn again our captivity oh lord as the streams in the south when you're in a drought when you're in a dry season ask god to do again what you've seen him do before as I said he's the same god when we know what god has done when we've seen with our own eyes what god has done we have experience in our lives and we know that god is capable of doing that thing again." [00:46:13]

"During certain seasons god would send the latter reigns and what once was dry what once was parched what once was cracked was an overflowing stream I tell you you'll never get out of a dry place unless you get some pictures and expectations of god in your mind they had a picture of what god used to do with the geography with the land that once parched dry desert wasn't a couple of times a year once or twice a year was an ever flowing stream." [00:48:07]

"Let's work for a little while you got to believe in the law of sowing and reaping is going to be our future I said the law of sowing and reaping is our future this is what they're saying uh those who go through the toil in a dry season that's what I'm trying to convince you to do now those who keep planting those who keep trying those who keep working in a dry season even though that soil is hard and rough those who keep watch this raising their children and making them do right." [00:50:25]

"Don't waste your time in dry season don't waste your dry season don't just sit around crying and doing nothing while you're crying okay let me tell you what I'll give you permission to cry cry go ahead and cry but while you're crying save some money while you're crying go back to school while you're crying learn a new skill while you're crying learn another language while you're crying write a book while you're crying create a new stream of income." [00:52:29]

"When your seeds germinate and they will germinate when your seeds grow when your seeds are harvested you are going to be able to rejoice when you bring home all the blessings that those seeds will produce those seeds that you sow even in dry season are going to reap a harvest it's going to produce a blessing look at what verse 126 in the message bible says and I'm done with you uh verse 126 in the message bible and now god do it again okay here it goes so those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing with armed loads of blessing." [00:54:40]

"Church leader listen to me now you got to know in your dry season be productive in your dry season have some productivity because your productivity will result in a harvest and you'll be so glad that you didn't waste that time you'll be so glad that while you were waiting on god you were working and you discovered that god was blessing the work that you were putting in even in dry season." [00:56:22]

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Transcript
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