Finding Hope and Purpose in Crisis Through God

 

Summary

In these uncertain times, fear and anxiety are prevalent as we face unique challenges both personally and globally. However, it's crucial to remember that nothing surprises God. Everything that happens in the physical world is preceded by something spiritual. To truly understand our current situation, we must look beyond the visible and investigate the spiritual realm. The current crisis, like the coronavirus, highlights deeper issues such as our need for unity and the conflicts we face. It also reminds us of the importance of serving one another and resisting selfishness. God uses circumstances to communicate with us, and right now, He is urging us to pay attention to Him. While we must take practical steps to ensure our health and safety, we must also turn back to God, who is speaking to us through this crisis.

God desires to be central in our lives, not just a peripheral figure. People are seeking hope and direction, and God offers a kingdom that cannot be shaken, providing stability amidst uncertainty. This is a time to draw near to God, as every crisis has a spiritual purpose. James 1 reminds us that trials are meant to draw our attention to what we cannot see. Although we cannot see the virus, we feel its effects, just as we cannot see God, but He wants His presence to be felt. In our current situation, we must turn to God, regardless of our fears and anxieties. When we feel anxious, it's a signal to pray. We should call on God not only for a cure to the virus but also for a cure to the spiritual viruses that have separated us from Him. By focusing on the spiritual, we can have a significant impact on the physical world.

Key Takeaways

- In times of crisis, it's essential to recognize that nothing surprises God. Everything visible and physical is preceded by something invisible and spiritual. By investigating the spiritual realm, we can gain a deeper understanding of our current situation and find peace amidst uncertainty. [00:44]

- The current crisis highlights our need for unity and the importance of serving one another. It calls us to resist selfishness and focus on the spiritual causes and cures of our challenges. By turning to God, we can address the deeper issues that affect our lives and communities. [01:06]

- God uses circumstances to communicate with us, and the current crisis is a call to pay attention to Him. While practical measures are necessary, we must also turn back to God, who offers stability and hope in uncertain times. [01:26]

- God desires to be central in our lives, not just a peripheral figure. By drawing near to Him, we can find stability and hope in His unshakeable kingdom, even amidst global uncertainty. [02:19]

- Trials and crises have a spiritual purpose, drawing our attention to what we cannot see. By turning to God in prayer, we can address not only the physical challenges we face but also the spiritual viruses that separate us from Him. [03:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Facing Uncertainty
[00:44] - The Spiritual Precedes the Physical
[01:06] - Unity and Service
[01:26] - God's Communication Through Crisis
[01:45] - Checking in with God
[02:00] - Inviting God into Our Lives
[02:19] - Centralizing God in Our Lives
[02:37] - Seeking Stability in God
[02:55] - Spiritual Purpose in Crisis
[03:12] - Feeling God's Presence
[03:31] - Turning to God in Prayer
[03:47] - Addressing Spiritual Viruses
[04:01] - Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
2. Daniel 4:26 - "The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does God use circumstances to communicate with us during crises? [01:26]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between the visible, physical world and the invisible, spiritual realm? [00:44]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of unity and service in addressing the current crisis? [01:06]
4. What does the sermon say about God's desire for His place in our lives and culture? [02:19]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does James 1:2-4 relate to the idea that trials have a spiritual purpose? What might this mean for how believers view current global challenges?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God is "screaming" for our attention during the coronavirus crisis? [01:26]
3. How does the concept of "Heaven rules earth" from Daniel 4:26 influence the way believers should respond to uncertainty and fear? [02:00]
4. What does it mean for God to be central in our lives, as opposed to being on the periphery, according to the sermon? [02:19]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious or fearful. How did you respond, and how might you incorporate prayer as a signal to turn to God in similar situations in the future? [03:31]
2. Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, resisting selfishness and promoting unity. How does this align with the sermon’s call to action? [01:06]
3. Consider the "spiritual viruses" mentioned in the sermon. What are some personal or communal "viruses" you feel need addressing, and how can you begin to tackle them? [03:47]
4. How can you make God more central in your daily life, rather than keeping Him on the periphery? What practical steps can you take to invite Him into your routines and decisions? [02:19]
5. Think about a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult period. How did that experience impact your faith, and how can you seek to feel His presence more in your current circumstances? [03:12]
6. What are some practical ways you can draw near to God during this crisis, as suggested in the sermon? How can this help you find stability amidst uncertainty? [02:55]
7. How can you encourage others to seek God’s unshakeable kingdom during these uncertain times? What conversations or actions can you initiate to share this message of hope? [02:37]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spiritual Precedes the Physical
In times of crisis, it's essential to recognize that nothing surprises God. Everything visible and physical is preceded by something invisible and spiritual. By investigating the spiritual realm, we can gain a deeper understanding of our current situation and find peace amidst uncertainty. The current global challenges remind us that there is more than meets the eye, and by seeking spiritual insight, we can navigate these times with a sense of calm and assurance. Understanding that the spiritual realm influences the physical world encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and seek divine wisdom. [00:44]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by physical circumstances? How can you seek spiritual insight and guidance to address this area today?


Day 2: Unity and Service
The current crisis highlights our need for unity and the importance of serving one another. It calls us to resist selfishness and focus on the spiritual causes and cures of our challenges. By turning to God, we can address the deeper issues that affect our lives and communities. In these times, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the strength found in community. Serving others not only helps those in need but also brings us closer to God's purpose for our lives. By prioritizing unity and service, we can overcome the divisions that separate us and work towards a more harmonious existence. [01:06]

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

Reflection: Who in your community is in need of support or encouragement today? How can you reach out and serve them in a meaningful way?


Day 3: God's Communication Through Crisis
God uses circumstances to communicate with us, and the current crisis is a call to pay attention to Him. While practical measures are necessary, we must also turn back to God, who offers stability and hope in uncertain times. This is a moment to listen for God's voice and discern His message for us. By tuning into His guidance, we can find clarity and direction amidst the chaos. God's communication is not always loud or obvious, but it is always present, inviting us to draw near and seek His wisdom. [01:26]

"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: What is one way you can intentionally listen for God's voice today? How might He be using your current circumstances to communicate with you?


Day 4: Centralizing God in Our Lives
God desires to be central in our lives, not just a peripheral figure. By drawing near to Him, we can find stability and hope in His unshakeable kingdom, even amidst global uncertainty. This involves making a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with God and allowing His presence to influence our daily decisions. When God is at the center, we experience a profound sense of peace and purpose that transcends our immediate challenges. By inviting God into every aspect of our lives, we align ourselves with His will and experience the fullness of His love and grace. [02:19]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to make God more central in your life? How can this change impact your daily routine and mindset?


Day 5: Turning to God in Prayer
Trials and crises have a spiritual purpose, drawing our attention to what we cannot see. By turning to God in prayer, we can address not only the physical challenges we face but also the spiritual viruses that separate us from Him. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God's heart and aligns our desires with His. In moments of anxiety and fear, prayer becomes a refuge, offering comfort and strength. By committing to a life of prayer, we open ourselves to God's transformative power and invite His presence into our lives. [03:31]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific concern or fear you can bring to God in prayer today? How can you make prayer a more consistent part of your daily life?

Quotes

"These are uncertain days, aren't they? There's a lot of fear, worry, anxiety, because we're facing something very unique, personally, as well as nationwide and worldwide. This did not catch God by surprise. Nothing happens in history that doesn't start by being allowed in eternity. Everything visible and physical is preceded by something invisible and spiritual." [00:06:15]

"This virus has called attention to deeper issues. Our need for unity, the nature of the world and the conflicts that we face. It's also brought back the need for us to serve one another and resist our selfishness. There are spiritual underlining causes and cures." [00:55:53]

"The Bible says that God uses circumstances to speak and right now with this coronavirus, He's screaming and He's saying pay attention to Me. Yes, you've got to do the things that will promote health and well-being and safety. But you've also got to look back to me because I'm doing the talking here." [01:23:24]

"When life gets bad and the nation is in trouble and the world is confused, that's time for a check-in with the deity since Daniel four says, 'Heaven rules earth.' And what God is trying to communicate to us through this crisis is that he wants to invite us to invite Him back into our life and into our world." [01:17:87]

"He doesn't just want to be a deity on the periphery, He wants to be centralized in our heart, in our lives, in our families, in our churches, and yes, even in our culture. And so, people are calling for prayer, people are turning on their televisions to get hope. They're listening to the leaders for direction." [02:00:00]

"Well, God is saying, 'Listen to me because I offer you a kingdom that cannot be shaken, a stability that transcends your uncertainty.' This is the time, while we are doing all the other things, to draw near to God. Because when He allows a crisis, there is always a spiritual purpose attached to it." [02:39:99]

"James one says God brings about a trial, He's calling attention to something that you cannot see. This virus, we do not see but we feel the effects. You don't see God but he wants His effect to be felt because He's gotten our undivided attention because He's allowed us to be in something that we can't resolve on our own." [03:01:45]

"In the midst of this, turn to God, no matter how uncertain you feel, no matter how fearful you are, like the Bible says, when you get anxious, that's a signal to pray. Well, let's call on God not only for the cure to the virus but to the cure to our viruses. Our sin viruses, our rebellion viruses, the things that have separated us." [03:26:85]

"Let's get back to the spiritual because that will have a great impact on what happens in the physical." [03:53:71]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?