Finding Hope and Guidance in Our Struggles
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of not giving up when faced with struggles and disorientation. The pastor used the story of Peter, who was disoriented and unsure of his identity after denying Jesus. However, Jesus knew exactly where Peter was and why he was there, and nothing caught Jesus by surprise. The pastor emphasized that even in our confusion and disorientation, Jesus knows exactly where we are and has a plan for us.
The pastor also highlighted the importance of making good decisions, as our decisions always have a ripple effect. We never go any direction in life alone; we're always taking someone with us. Our decisions can either help or hurt others, and when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, the collateral blessings are multigenerational. The pastor encouraged us to make right decisions that will bless not only us but also our future generations.
Key takeaways:
- Jesus knows exactly where we are in our struggles and disorientation, and He has a plan for us ([01:06:56]).
- Our decisions always have a ripple effect; we never go any direction in life alone ([01:08:15]).
- When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, the collateral blessings of our decisions are multigenerational ([01:08:53]).
- It's important to not give up when faced with struggles and disorientation, as Jesus knows our struggle and has a plan for us ([01:00:17]).
- We should always strive to make good decisions, as they can either help or hurt others ([01:13:52]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. God is calling us to consider our priorities and align them with His mission. We may be working hard, but if our efforts are not in line with God's will, we may find ourselves lacking. God is the one who provides for our needs and if we put His kingdom first, He will take care of us. [01:13:18] [01:13:52] [01:14:29] [01:15:04]
2. Jesus knows how to teach us. He gives us simple directives that may not seem significant, but they are meant to guide us and teach us to listen to Him. He is the one who can provide for our needs and lead us to where we need to be. [01:15:44]
3. In times of disorientation and confusion, we can turn to God's word for guidance. We can pray for God to teach us His ways and lead us in His truth. God promises to instruct us and guide us if we are willing to be taught. [01:16:21] [01:16:58] [01:17:34] [01:18:02] [01:18:35] [01:19:09]
4. Jesus invites us to come to Him, especially in times of disorientation. He is patient and loving, and He wants to guide us through our confusion and lead us towards His heart. [01:26:53] [01:27:31] [01:28:13] [01:28:50] [01:29:22]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Haggai 1
2. John 21
3. Psalm 25
4. Psalm 32
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Haggai 1, what does God say about the people's priorities and their consequences?
2. In John 21, how does Jesus guide and teach the disciples?
3. What do Psalm 25 and Psalm 32 say about God's guidance and instruction?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the message in Haggai 1 relate to our lives today? Are there areas where our priorities may not align with God's mission?
2. What can we learn from Jesus' interaction with the disciples in John 21 about how He guides and teaches us?
3. How can the prayers in Psalm 25 and Psalm 32 guide us in seeking God's instruction and guidance?
Application Questions:
1. How can we align our priorities with God's mission in our daily lives?
2. What are some simple directives from Jesus that we can follow in our lives? How can we better listen to His guidance?
3. How can we apply the prayers in Psalm 25 and Psalm 32 in our times of disorientation and confusion?
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Knows Where to Find Us
Jesus is always seeking us out, even when we feel lost or distant. Just like Zacchaeus in the Bible, who climbed a tree to see Jesus, we too can be found by Him in our moments of need.
Luke 19:5 - "When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. Can you identify a moment when you felt Jesus was reaching out to you, just like He did with Zacchaeus? How did that make you feel?
Day 2: Our Decisions Have a Ripple Effect
Our decisions, whether made to please our flesh or the Spirit, have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of others. We must always strive to make decisions that align with God's will.
Galatians 6:7-8 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
Reflection: Can you think of a decision you made recently that had a significant impact on your life or the lives of others? Was this decision made to please your flesh or the Spirit? What were the consequences and what did you learn from it?
Day 3: Jesus Knows How to Teach Us
God is our ultimate teacher. He uses our experiences and circumstances to teach us valuable lessons about His character and our relationship with Him.
John 14:26 - "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt God was teaching you something? How did you recognize this as a lesson from Him? How has this lesson impacted your understanding of God and your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Don't Give Up, Jesus Has the Final Victory
Even in our most challenging situations, we must remember that Jesus has already won the victory. This promise should encourage us to persevere and not give up.
John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you've faced recently. Did you feel like giving up? How did the promise of Jesus' victory over the world encourage you during this time?
Day 5: Jesus Invites Us to Come to Him
Jesus extends an open invitation to all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. His peace and rest are available to us if we choose to accept His invitation.
Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Reflection: When was the last time you felt weary and burdened? Did you take Jesus' invitation to come to Him for rest? If not, what held you back? If yes, how did you experience His rest and peace?
Quotes
1. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love." - 36:47
2. "Don't give up. If you're watching NFL or your favorite college football team and you had the ability to see in the future and you know that your team is going to win the game but at halftime they're behind and they're giving up and they're getting demoralized and they're losing motivation but you know the outcome, you would get into the halftime huddle, you'd get into the locker room, you guys I've seen the future you're going to win this game but you got to keep playing." - 01:05:42
3. "Jesus knows exactly where I am and he's brought me to where I am. I've lost my orientation and I might be confused for the moment but it's not a permanent confusion. He's not the author of confusion and he knows where I am." - 01:05:42
4. "When I get disoriented when I lose my way and come up in confusion and dizziness I come back to these scriptures because I don't want to find my way out, I want Jesus to teach me his way out. Teach me thy way oh Lord lead me in a plain path. My path is confusing and foggy and totally strown with weeds and thorns and I can't see my way. God show me a plain path." - 01:16:19
5. "Jesus knows how to fill my Nets. Simon gets to the seashore verse 10 I love this Jesus says bring of the fish which you have now caught. Who caught the fish? Jesus. Who gets the credit? Well, like who did Jesus give the credit to? Hey guys good job look at all those fish you caught bring them the net of the fish you guys caught wow impressive." - 01:23:00
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