Finding Purpose in Trials: God's Work in Us

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Growth Through Trials

When faced with trials, it is natural to ask, "Why, God?" However, a more transformative question is, "What is God building in me?" This shift in perspective allows us to see our challenges as opportunities for growth and maturity in our faith. God uses our struggles—whether they are financial, emotional, relational, or mental—to perfect and mature us. By focusing on what God is doing in us, we can find purpose and meaning even in the most difficult circumstances. This perspective helps us to trust in God's plan and to see our trials as a part of His greater work in our lives. [37:36]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective from asking "Why?" to asking "What is God building in me through this?"

Day 2: Witnessing God's Work in Our Community

The story of Michelle, who found a new home in our church and gave her life to Christ, is a powerful reminder that God is actively working through us to reach others. Our faith and actions can have a profound impact on those around us, leading them to a transformative relationship with Jesus. This serves as an encouragement to be open to how God might use us in the lives of others. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing our faith, or simply being present, we can be instruments of God's love and grace. [41:07]

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (ESV): "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything."

Reflection: Reflect on someone in your life who might be impacted by your faith. How can you be more intentional in sharing God's love with them this week?

Day 3: Vigilance in Anticipation of Jesus' Return

Jesus warned His disciples to be vigilant and not be deceived by false prophets. He emphasized the signs of His return, such as wars, natural disasters, and global unrest. These signs, while daunting, are indicators of the nearness of God's kingdom. As believers, we are called to stay alert and prepared for Jesus' return, living with a sense of urgency and purpose. This means being grounded in God's Word, discerning the times, and not allowing ourselves to be led astray by false teachings. [49:23]

2 Peter 3:10-12 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God."

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to stay vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return? How can you incorporate these steps into your daily routine?

Day 4: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Chaos

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we are called to stand strong in our faith. By grounding ourselves in God's Word and trusting in His promises, we can remain steady and unshaken, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good. This steadfastness is not about ignoring the realities of our world but about finding our anchor in Christ. It is about trusting that God is sovereign and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. [52:30]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: Identify a specific area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by chaos or uncertainty. How can you ground yourself in God's Word and promises to stand firm in your faith?

Day 5: Staying Sober and Vigilant in a Distracting World

We must not allow the distractions and worries of this life to dull our spiritual senses. Instead, we are to stay sober and vigilant, keeping our eyes on Jesus and being ready for His return. This requires a conscious effort to remain focused on the eternal rather than the temporal. It means prioritizing our spiritual growth, being mindful of the influences we allow into our lives, and continually seeking God's guidance and presence. By doing so, we can live with a sense of purpose and readiness, fully aware of the times we are in. [01:19:57]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: What are some distractions or worries that are currently dulling your spiritual senses? How can you take practical steps to stay sober and vigilant, keeping your focus on Jesus?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth that God is always at work, even in the midst of our trials and uncertainties. We began by acknowledging the various struggles we face—financial woes, emotional breakdowns, relational strains, and mental battles. Yet, in these moments, God invites us to shift our focus from asking "Why?" to asking "What?"—what is He building in us through these trials? This shift in perspective allows us to see our challenges as opportunities for growth and maturity in our faith.

We also celebrated the incredible work God is doing in our community, including the planting of a new campus and the life-changing impact it has had on individuals like Michelle, who found a new home in our church and gave her life to Christ. This serves as a reminder that God is actively working through us to reach others.

As we delved into Luke 21, we discussed the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return. Jesus warned His disciples not to be deceived by false prophets and to stay vigilant. He emphasized the signs of His return, such as wars, natural disasters, and global unrest, and encouraged us to stand strong in our faith. We were reminded that while these signs may seem daunting, they are also indicators of the nearness of God's kingdom.

We concluded with a call to stay sober and vigilant, not allowing the distractions and worries of this life to dull our spiritual senses. Instead, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, grounded in His Word, and ready for His return. This message is a call to action for all of us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope and security lie in Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. E10mbsuk&t=2256s'>[37:36]
2. God is Actively Working Through Us
The story of Michelle, who found a new home in our church and gave her life to Christ, reminds us that God is actively working through us to reach others. Our faith and actions can have a profound impact on those around us, leading them to a transformative relationship with Jesus.

3. Be Prepared for Jesus' Return
Jesus warned His disciples to be vigilant and not be deceived by false prophets. He emphasized the signs of His return, such as wars, natural disasters, and global unrest. These signs, while daunting, are indicators of the nearness of God's kingdom.

4. Stand Strong in Your Faith
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we are called to stand strong in our faith. By grounding ourselves in God's Word and trusting in His promises, we can remain steady and unshaken, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good.

5. Stay Sober and Vigilant
We must not allow the distractions and worries of this life to dull our spiritual senses. Instead, we are to stay sober and vigilant, keeping our eyes on Jesus and being ready for His return. This requires a conscious effort to remain focused on the eternal rather than the temporal.

### [37:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:02] - Shifting from "Why?" to "What?"
[37:36] - God's Work in Our Trials
[38:14] - Trusting God's Promises
[39:21] - Celebrating Community Impact
[40:10] - Planting a New Campus
[41:07] - Michelle's Story
[44:00] - Introduction to Luke 21
[45:17] - The Importance of Vigilance
[49:23] - Signs of Jesus' Return
[52:30] - Standing Strong in Faith
[53:45] - Wars and Global Unrest
[55:28] - Natural Disasters and Disease
[60:11] - Persecution as Opportunity
[79:57] - Staying Sober and Vigilant
[86:09] - Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 21:9-11 (NIV) — > "When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven."

2. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
> "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."

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)
> "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Observation Questions

What are some of the signs mentioned in Luke 21 that indicate the nearness of God's kingdom? ([49:23])
According to James 1:2-4, what should be our attitude towards trials and why?
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, what events are described that will happen when the Lord returns?
How did the story of Michelle illustrate God working through the church community? ([41:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize not being deceived by false prophets and staying vigilant in Luke 21? How can this vigilance be practically applied in our daily lives? ([49:23])
How does shifting our question from "Why?" to "What?" change our perspective on trials according to the sermon? ([37:36])
What does it mean to "stand strong in your faith" in the context of global unrest and personal trials? ([52:30])
How can the story of Michelle's transformation inspire us to be more active in our faith and community outreach? ([41:07])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How can you shift your perspective from asking "Why?" to "What is God building in me through this?" ([37:36])
In what ways can you be more vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return in your daily life? Are there specific distractions you need to address? ([49:23])
How can you actively participate in God's work within your community, similar to how the church impacted Michelle's life? ([41:07])
What steps can you take to stand strong in your faith amidst the chaos and uncertainties of the world? ([52:30])
Identify one area in your life where you need to stay sober and vigilant. What practical steps can you take this week to remain focused on Jesus? ([01:19:57])
How can you use your current challenges as opportunities to share your testimony and faith with others? ([01:00:11])
Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them to stay strong and vigilant? ([52:30])

Sermon Clips

1. "There's someone in here right now. Here's what you've been asking. Why, God? The only question that's looping in your mind right now is why, God? Why did this happen, God? Why? Why did my parents get a divorce? Why did I get sick? Why did you allow that to happen? It's why. It's why. It's a loop in your mind. But God wants to change the why to what? It's a subtle shift, but it's a loop. It's a loop in your mind." [37:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I really believe this. Right now, globally, God is perfecting and maturing the church. It's happening all over the place. And so I came to just bring good news. He's not done with you yet. He says count it joy when you find yourself in various trials because he's perfecting your faith." [38:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are a simple church. We really, we don't do this because it's a profession or we have to. We do this because we simply want you to experience God's best for your life. We don't, it's not a tagline. When Denise and I left Fort Lauderdale, Florida 16 years ago and the rest of the amazing team here, we assembled for you, Jesse, for other people." [42:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You can debate the Bible. You can't debate a changed life. And I see it all over the place. I see changed life after changed life. So that's what we came to do, man. And we're expanding, man, online. People are getting saved right and left. It's crazy." [43:29] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus could come back at any time. This is so wild, but it's true. And don't take my word for it. Be a Berean. Read the Bible, and you'll see it very clearly. Jesus will come back. The Bible actually says in the same way that he went to heaven, he'll come back the same way, which always blows my mind." [50:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus is going to respond to the disciples. And number one, he's going to say, make sure you see the signs. It's been over 2,000 years. There's some signs. But the frequency and the intensity of these signs are going to get more and more chaotic. And more and more intense as it gets closer to the time that he's going to come back." [52:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "By standing firm, you will win your souls. And the New King Jimmy version, I love it. By your patience, possess your souls. Now, obviously, the way to save your soul is to give your life. To Christ, right? I'm not trying to earn my way into heaven by my good works. I'm trusting in the perfect work of Christ and his death on the cross to atone for my sin." [01:04:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "He who is in you is greater than he who's in the world. And this is one of the most radical concepts of Christianity, but it's true. The moment that I say yes and surrender my life to Christ, what happens? By faith, I receive the very presence of God called the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in me." [01:08:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "When you start seeing these different signs, when you start seeing it, you got to know it's near. Verse 32, I tell you the truth. This generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will disappear. That blows my mind. But my words will never disappear. Isn't that great news?" [01:10:26] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it. And then the end will come. So think about that for a second. In our timeframe that you've been alive, not maybe you young whippersnappers, but the rest of us old people. Have we seen a complete shift in the ability for the entire world to get a message real time on a device?" [01:17:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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