Finding Peace in Disruption: Trusting God's Plan
Summary
In the sermon delivered on 12/24/23 titled "Worship Live Stream," the speaker explores the themes of love, peace, and the acceptance of God's plan in the face of life's disruptions, particularly during the Advent season. The sermon begins with a reflection on the significance of lighting the candle of love, symbolizing the arrival of Jesus and the love God demonstrated by sending His son into the world. The congregation is encouraged to shine this love onto others.
The speaker then delves into the human tendency to react to life's events in various ways, often with fear or anger. However, they offer an alternative perspective based on Romans 8:28, suggesting that believers should trust that God has a greater purpose and that He can use all experiences, even tragedies, for good. This trust in divine providence is further emphasized with the story of the shepherds and the birth of Jesus, where the shepherds are urged not to fear but to embrace the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings.
Personal anecdotes are shared by the speaker to illustrate the struggle to maintain peace when plans are disrupted, such as when their children fell ill during Christmas. The speaker admits to feeling grumpy and having their peace stolen but underscores the importance of finding peace in Jesus rather than in perfect circumstances.
The sermon also contrasts the reactions of the shepherds, who willingly changed their plans to visit Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph, who faced an unexpected pregnancy that disrupted their future plans. The speaker invites the congregation to reflect on their own responses to such disruptions.
Two truths are highlighted for holding onto when plans are disrupted: trusting that God has a purpose for the disruption and recognizing that our disrupted plans may be God's plan under construction. The speaker also acknowledges the emotional toll of disrupted plans and offers support through the church's therapist.
Finally, the speaker discusses the inevitability of plans being disrupted, as illustrated by their own experience during Christmas when their family's routine was interrupted. They present common reactions to disruptions, such as freaking out, lashing out, or shutting down emotionally, and emphasize the importance of finding healthy ways to cope with unexpected changes.
Key Takeaways:
- The Advent season is a time to reflect on the love of God, which is most profoundly demonstrated in the sending of His son, Jesus Christ. This love is a light that believers are called to shine onto others, illuminating the darkness of the world with the hope and joy of Christ's coming. [46:32]
- Life's events can be interpreted through the lens of faith, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of our trials. Romans 8:28 serves as a reminder that God's sovereignty extends over all circumstances, and He is capable of weaving even our deepest pains into a tapestry of ultimate good for those who love Him. [01:01:59]
- Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ. The Christmas story, with its angels proclaiming peace to the shepherds, invites us to find our peace in Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, rather than in the transient calm of life's circumstances. [52:58]
- Our response to disrupted plans reveals our faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Like Mary and Joseph, who faced an unexpected pregnancy, we too can choose to trust in God's greater narrative for our lives, even when our own scripts are rewritten. [57:52]
- Disruptions to our plans can be divine opportunities for growth and reliance on God. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that prevails. Embracing this truth can transform our perspective on the unexpected and help us to see God's hand at work in our lives. [59:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
3. Luke 2:10-14 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 8:28 say about how God uses our experiences, even the difficult ones?
2. According to Proverbs 19:21, whose purpose ultimately prevails over our plans?
3. In Luke 2:10-14, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds, and how did it change their plans? [54:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Romans 8:28 provide comfort during times of disruption and uncertainty? [01:01:59]
2. What does Proverbs 19:21 teach us about the nature of our plans versus God's plans? How can this perspective change our reaction to unexpected events? [59:51]
3. Reflecting on the shepherds' response to the angel's message in Luke 2:10-14, what can we learn about embracing God's interruptions in our lives? [54:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent time when your plans were disrupted. How did you react, and how might you apply the truths from Romans 8:28 to that situation? [01:01:59]
2. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that God's purpose prevails. How can you remind yourself of this truth when your plans don't go as expected? [59:51]
3. The shepherds changed their plans to visit Jesus after hearing the angel's message. What steps can you take to be more open to God's interruptions in your daily life? [54:46]
4. The sermon mentioned that peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ. How can you cultivate a sense of peace in your life, even when circumstances are chaotic? [52:17]
5. The speaker shared a personal story about disrupted Christmas plans. Can you share a time when your plans were disrupted and how you found peace in Jesus during that time? [49:50]
6. How can you support others in your community who are experiencing disrupted plans, especially during the Advent season? [47:16]
7. Reflect on the two truths mentioned in the sermon: trusting that God has a purpose for the disruption and recognizing that our disrupted plans may be God's plan under construction. How can you apply these truths to a current situation in your life? [59:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Love Illuminates the World
God's love, as shown through Jesus, is a beacon that transforms darkness into light. Believers are called to reflect this divine love, shining it upon others to bring hope and joy. This love is not just a feeling but an active force that seeks to uplift and heal, mirroring the love God has for humanity. [46:32]
1 John 4:11-12 - "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate God's love to someone in your community this week?
Day 2: Trusting God's Sovereign Design
Life's trials are not random but are part of God's sovereign plan. By trusting in His purpose, believers can find comfort and meaning in all circumstances, knowing that God is weaving a greater narrative that includes both joy and suffering. [01:01:59]
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Recall a difficult situation where you later saw God's purpose at work. How did that experience strengthen your trust in Him?
Day 3: Christ, Our Peace in the Storm
True peace is found not in the absence of conflict but in the presence of Jesus. The Christmas story reminds us that peace comes from Christ within us, offering solace and strength regardless of external circumstances. [52:58]
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What current situation is disrupting your peace, and how can you invite Jesus into that space to find His peace?
Day 4: Embracing God's Narrative for Our Lives
When our plans are disrupted, it's an opportunity to trust in God's grand story for us. Like Mary and Joseph, we can choose to embrace the unexpected, seeing it as part of God's unfolding plan. [57:52]
Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."
Reflection: What personal plans have been disrupted recently, and how can you surrender to God's greater plan for your life?
Day 5: Growth Through Divine Disruption
Disruptions can be divine opportunities for growth, teaching us to rely more on God. Recognizing that our plans are subject to God's will can transform our perspective and help us see His hand at work. [59:15]
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."
Reflection: How can you view a recent disruption in your life as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God?
Quotes
"Peace is not in the absence of problems but it's found in the presence of Jesus and that's why we talk about peace at Christmas." [51:40]
"If my peace is dependent on having all my children healthy and all my plans coming true, I am bound to miss out on peace." [52:17]
"But if my peace does not depend on everything going just right like a Christmas movie but instead is dependent on the presence of Jesus, then my peace can be lasting in the midst of every storm." [52:17]
"You do not have to understand the disruption to trust that God has a purpose." [59:51]
"Your plan's disruption may be God's plan under construction." [01:01:16]
"You have to make a decision that you're not going to let anything take away your peace." [53:32]
"Are we going to interpret the stuff that happens to us as a chance to freak out, or are we going to say, 'maybe there's something I don't understand but it's God's will to use it for His purpose'?" [01:01:59]
"God takes this vomit and this tragedy and this trauma and this loss and he says, 'I will use this to move my plan forward,' even this tragedy, even the hell that happens on Earth." [01:02:47]
"The Shepherds were able to see that and they changed their plans on purpose but can you imagine Mary and Joseph, this newly engaged couple, they had some plans." [55:23]
"A disruption happened. I want to know how you respond when your plans are disrupted." [56:04]
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