Finding Hope Through Tears, Prayers, and Deeds

In today's discussion, we delve into the profound concerns of a young mother, Alex, who is grappling with the uncertainties surrounding her infant son's health and salvation. Her journey reflects a common struggle among Christian parents who embrace reformed theology and face the reality that their children may or may not be elect in Christ. Alex's heartfelt question centers on finding hope for her son amidst his significant health issues and the uncertainty of his eternal destiny. She acknowledges the comfort she finds in her own salvation and the temporary nature of her trials, yet she yearns for assurance regarding her son's future.

The core of this exploration is the tension between accepting God's ultimate good purpose and the personal cost it may entail, such as the potential loss of a loved one. It's crucial to recognize that in this world, we are not meant to be fully satisfied with sickness, death, and lostness. This dissatisfaction is a reflection of the holy longing for the age to come when all will be made right. The New Testament suggests that we should not expect complete satisfaction in this life, as we are still in a world marred by sin and imperfection.

The discussion is framed around three key elements: tears, prayers, and deeds. Tears represent the deep sorrow and unceasing anguish that believers like Paul experienced over the lostness of others. This sorrow coexists with joy, highlighting the complexity of Christian emotions. Prayers signify the holy dissatisfaction with the world as it is, urging believers to pray for change and healing. Deeds emphasize the call to action, to make a difference in the world through good works that glorify God.

For Alex, the persistence of her prayers is a testament to her faith and hope. Until God provides clear evidence of His purposes, she is encouraged to continue praying, trusting that her prayers are not in vain. The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 serves as a reminder to pray and not lose heart. Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement to push against the darkness with tears, prayers, and deeds, while trusting in God's presence and purpose.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Holy Dissatisfaction: In this world, we are not meant to be fully satisfied with sickness, death, and lostness. This dissatisfaction is a reflection of our longing for the age to come when all will be made right. It is a reminder that our ultimate hope lies in the future restoration of all things. [02:26]
• 2. Tears and Joy Coexist: The Christian life involves a complex interplay of emotions, where deep sorrow over the lostness of others can coexist with joy in the Lord. This tension is a testament to the depth of our faith and the reality of living in a fallen world. [04:12]
• 3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful expression of our holy dissatisfaction with the world as it is. It is a call to ask God for change, healing, and salvation, trusting that our prayers can make a difference in the lives of others. [06:32]
• 4. Active Faith Through Deeds: Our faith is not passive; it calls us to action. Through good deeds, we can bring about change in the world, reflecting God's love and glory. Every act of kindness and service is a step towards transforming the world. [07:54]
• 5. Persistent Hope: The persistence of our prayers is a testament to our faith and hope. Until God provides clear evidence of His purposes, we are encouraged to continue praying, trusting that our prayers are not in vain. The parable of the persistent widow reminds us to pray and not lose heart. [09:12]
  ** [09:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Introduction to Alex's Question
• [00:50] - Alex's Struggle with Her Son's Health
• [01:29] - The Tension of God's Purpose
• [02:00] - Holy Dissatisfaction with the World
• [03:10] - Tears: Paul's Sorrow and Joy
• [04:53] - Prayers: Seeking Change
• [05:56] - The Role of Prayer in Healing
• [07:19] - Deeds: Making a Difference
• [08:38] - Encouragement for Alex
• [09:32] - Prayer for Alex and Her Son
• [10:32] - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Submit Questions

1. Romans 9:1-3
2. Philippians 3:18
3. Luke 18:1

1. In Romans 9:1-3, Paul expresses a deep sorrow and unceasing anguish for his kinsmen. What does this reveal about his emotional state and priorities? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on tears and joy coexisting? [03:51]
2. Philippians 3:18 mentions Paul weeping over those who walk as enemies of the cross. What does this tell us about his perspective on those who reject Christ? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on holy dissatisfaction? [04:53]
3. In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells a parable to encourage persistent prayer. How does this parable relate to the sermon’s message about the power of prayer and not losing heart? [09:12]
4. The sermon mentions the concept of "holy dissatisfaction" with the world. How is this dissatisfaction reflected in the actions and emotions of believers according to the sermon? [02:26]

1. How does Paul’s expression of sorrow in Romans 9:1-3 challenge or affirm the way believers today view their emotional responses to the lostness of others? [03:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that tears and joy can coexist in a believer’s life? How might this coexistence impact a believer’s faith journey? [04:12]
3. The sermon discusses the role of prayer in expressing dissatisfaction with the world. How does this perspective on prayer influence the way believers might approach their own prayer life? [06:32]
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on deeds as a response to dissatisfaction with the world challenge or support the idea of active faith? What might this look like in practical terms? [07:54]

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a deep sorrow similar to Paul’s in Romans 9:1-3. How did you navigate those emotions, and what role did your faith play in that process? [03:51]
2. Consider the concept of holy dissatisfaction. Is there an area in your life or community where you feel this dissatisfaction? How might you channel that feeling into positive action or prayer? [02:26]
3. The sermon encourages persistent prayer, as illustrated by the parable of the persistent widow. Identify a situation in your life where you need to apply this persistence. What steps can you take to remain steadfast in prayer? [09:12]
4. Think about a person or group you know who might be walking as enemies of the cross, as mentioned in Philippians 3:18. How can you respond to them with both tears and joy, as the sermon suggests? [04:53]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of deeds in reflecting God’s love and glory. What is one specific action you can take this week to make a difference in your community or family? [07:54]
6. Reflect on the tension between trusting God’s ultimate purpose and the personal cost it may entail, as discussed in the sermon. How can you find peace in this tension in your own life? [02:00]
7. The sermon encourages believers to push against darkness with tears, prayers, and deeds. What is one area of darkness in your life or community that you feel called to address, and how can you begin to take action? [09:32]