Finding Purpose Through Pain and Forgiveness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the incredible work God is doing through our church, especially in the realm of world missions. We have a rich history of sending teams and supporting missionaries globally, and it’s a joy to see the fruits of our labor. Recently, we received several awards recognizing our contributions, including the Harvest Award for a 10% increase in worship attendance and the Global Impact Award for the largest missions giving in our conference. These accolades are a testament to your generosity and commitment to spreading the Gospel.
We also took a moment to pray for those in need of healing, believing in God's power to heal and restore. As we transition into a new sermon series called "Our Stories," I shared a deeply personal testimony about the trials and lessons my wife Stephanie and I have faced in ministry. We experienced betrayal, false accusations, and a season of homelessness, but through it all, God taught us invaluable lessons about forgiveness, trust, and purpose.
Forgiving others is more about freeing ourselves than it is about them. Trusting God doesn’t always make sense, but His ways are higher than ours. And finally, our purpose often emerges from our pain. These lessons have shaped us and brought us to where we are today, serving in Oklahoma with renewed faith and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Forgiveness is Freedom: Forgiving others is not just about releasing them from their wrongs but about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and anger. When we choose to forgive, we open the door for God’s healing in our own lives. This was evident when we forgave those who wronged us, leading to a sense of peace and closure. [56:55]
2. Trusting God Beyond Understanding: Trusting God doesn’t always align with our logic or understanding. Sometimes, God forces us into transitions we wouldn’t choose for ourselves, but these moments are often pivotal for our growth and alignment with His will. This was a hard lesson learned when we had to leave a church we loved, only to find our true purpose elsewhere. [01:00:33]
3. Purpose from Pain: Our deepest pains can become the foundation of our greatest purposes. God uses our trials to shape us and prepare us for the work He has planned. The hardships we faced in ministry have fueled our passion to support and mentor other pastors, turning our pain into a mission. [01:05:51]
4. God’s Grace is Sufficient: Throughout our journey, the song "Grace Greater Than Our Sins" has been a reminder of God’s overwhelming grace. His grace has sustained us through every trial, proving that it is greater than any sin or hardship we face. This grace is available to all who seek it. [44:13]
5. Community and Support: Being part of a church community that values missions and supports one another is crucial. Our church’s commitment to global missions and the support we received during our trials have been instrumental in our journey. This community is a testament to the power of collective faith and generosity. [30:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:48] - Tithes and Offerings
[25:42] - World Missions Emphasis
[26:26] - Denominational Affiliation and Awards
[28:25] - Global Impact Award
[29:25] - Celebrating Generosity
[31:28] - Giving Options and Prayer
[35:32] - Prayer for Healing
[38:37] - New Sermon Series: Our Stories
[39:32] - Importance of Knowing Each Other’s Stories
[41:24] - Pastor’s Personal Story
[45:16] - Lessons from Ministry Challenges
[56:55] - Lesson 1: Forgiveness
[01:00:33] - Lesson 2: Trusting God
[01:05:51] - Lesson 3: Purpose from Pain
[01:10:22] - Trust in the Lord
[01:17:08] - Invitation to Know Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. 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."
3. Ephesians 4:31-32: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 instruct us to do with our trust and understanding?
2. According to Isaiah 55:8-9, how do God's thoughts and ways compare to ours?
3. In Ephesians 4:31-32, what are we instructed to get rid of, and what are we encouraged to embrace instead?
4. How did the pastor describe the impact of forgiveness on his own life and ministry? ([56:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might it be challenging to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, as Proverbs 3:5-6 suggests?
2. How can understanding that God's ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) help us during difficult transitions or trials? ([01:00:33])
3. What are the potential consequences of holding onto bitterness and anger, according to Ephesians 4:31-32, and how does this relate to the pastor's experience with forgiveness? ([56:55])
4. How does the pastor's story illustrate the concept that our purpose can emerge from our pain? ([01:05:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God beyond your understanding. How did that experience shape your faith? ([01:00:33])
2. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive to free yourself from bitterness and anger? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? ([56:55])
3. How can you remind yourself of God's higher ways and thoughts when you face unexpected challenges or transitions? ([01:00:33])
4. Think about a painful experience you have gone through. How might God be using that pain to shape your purpose or to help others? ([01:05:51])
5. In what ways can you contribute to your church community to support others who might be going through trials? ([30:25])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's plan for your life, even when it doesn't make sense? ([01:00:33])
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are part of a supportive and mission-focused church community? ([30:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Forgiveness is Freedom
Forgiving others is not just about releasing them from their wrongs but about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and anger. When we choose to forgive, we open the door for God’s healing in our own lives. This was evident when we forgave those who wronged us, leading to a sense of peace and closure. Forgiveness is a powerful act that allows us to move forward without the burden of past hurts weighing us down. It is a gift we give ourselves, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's grace and love.
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when the wounds are deep. However, it is essential to remember that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event. It requires us to continually surrender our pain to God and trust Him to bring healing and restoration. As we forgive, we reflect God's character and demonstrate His love to others. Let us embrace the freedom that comes with forgiveness and allow God to work in our hearts.
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV): "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today? [56:55]
Day 2: Trusting God Beyond Understanding
Trusting God doesn’t always align with our logic or understanding. Sometimes, God forces us into transitions we wouldn’t choose for ourselves, but these moments are often pivotal for our growth and alignment with His will. This was a hard lesson learned when we had to leave a church we loved, only to find our true purpose elsewhere. Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than ours, even when we cannot see the full picture.
In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to lean on God's promises and remember that He is in control. Trusting God requires us to let go of our need for control and surrender our plans to Him. It is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness. As we trust God, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is working all things for our good.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits? [01:00:33]
Day 3: Purpose from Pain
Our deepest pains can become the foundation of our greatest purposes. God uses our trials to shape us and prepare us for the work He has planned. The hardships we faced in ministry have fueled our passion to support and mentor other pastors, turning our pain into a mission. When we allow God to use our pain, we can find meaning and purpose in our suffering.
It is often through our struggles that we discover our true calling. God does not waste our pain; instead, He redeems it for His glory and our good. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can offer hope and encouragement to others who are going through similar challenges. Let us trust that God is using our pain to fulfill His greater purpose in our lives.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Reflect on a painful experience in your life. How might God be using that pain to shape your purpose and help others? [01:05:51]
Day 4: God’s Grace is Sufficient
Throughout our journey, the song "Grace Greater Than Our Sins" has been a reminder of God’s overwhelming grace. His grace has sustained us through every trial, proving that it is greater than any sin or hardship we face. This grace is available to all who seek it. God's grace is not just a one-time gift but a continual source of strength and comfort in our lives.
God's grace is sufficient for every need and every situation. It empowers us to overcome challenges and live victoriously. When we rely on God's grace, we can face any obstacle with confidence, knowing that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Let us embrace the sufficiency of God's grace and allow it to transform our lives.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace? How can you remind yourself of His sufficiency daily? [44:13]
Day 5: Community and Support
Being part of a church community that values missions and supports one another is crucial. Our church’s commitment to global missions and the support we received during our trials have been instrumental in our journey. This community is a testament to the power of collective faith and generosity. A strong church community provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.
God designed us to live in community, and it is through our relationships with others that we grow and thrive. Being part of a supportive church family allows us to share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and serve together in God's mission. Let us cherish the gift of community and actively participate in building a loving and supportive church environment.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a supportive and loving community within your church? What steps can you take to encourage and support others today? [30:25]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want you to know that when you give, your finances, your giving, your generosity here at Harvest Church is making a global difference. It's not just impacting people here, but it's impacting people all around the world. And I wanted you to understand that when you give, that's what you give to. That is part of everything that we do as a church." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We believe that God is a healer. Amen. We believe that. We stand on it. And so, we just believe, man, we celebrate that baby's testimony. And we just believe that God highlights something. He wants to do it." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Trusting God when life doesn't seem right doesn't mean that you're going to be able to do it. It doesn't make sense. But what we learned is it doesn't have to. That God is good when people aren't. And God is good when life is hard." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes the things that are the worst and most painful things of your life were simply God forcing you to walk away from something that in the natural you never would have walked away from." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God will take everything that you go through and he will turn it for your good and for his glory. He will redeem every hurt and every pain, every mistake. He will turn it around if we let." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We learned that forgiving others is about freeing ourselves. I remember when all this went down as a young pastor, completely green, no experience, and really some bad modeling that I had gone through. I had looked at some bad models. I was sitting in my office. We didn't sleep a wink that entire week that all of this was transpiring. When I say we didn't sleep a wink, I mean we literally sat in bed, laid in bed, with our eyes open, and about every hour, one of us would go, 'Are you still awake?'" (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We learned through the season of our lives that God will take an idea in your head and he will turn it to a conviction in your heart. And the pathway that it comes most of the time is through the pain that you endure. And that's not easy. And that's not something we want to hear. But that is life. Because what I have learned is God will take everything that you go through and he will turn it for your good and for his glory. He will redeem every hurt and every pain, every mistake. He will turn it around if we let." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "April 2011. Stephanie and I were pastoring a thriving church in Charleston, South Carolina. It was the church that Stephanie had grown up in. We had served as the associate pastors for two years. When we were thrust into leadership. Because our pastor felt God's call to lead another congregation in Columbia, South Carolina. We'd gone to a denominational meeting. They used to have these district revivals. And he was going to our district revival. And he asked if Stephanie and I would want to go. And so, we were like, yeah. And so, we went to this district revival. And we had sat through service. And everything was good. And afterwards, he was like, hey, why don't you guys come to eat with us? We'll buy your dinner. Well, we were associate pastors. We were young. And we were broke. And so, anything greater than peanut butter and jelly and bologna." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We were happy. I was fully content living the rest of my life in Charleston, South Carolina. Retiring in Charleston, South Carolina and living out my days in Charleston, South Carolina. Oklahoma was nowhere on my radar. You guys have tarantula, you guys tarantulas, and you guys have tornadoes. We didn't want that. Right? Sometimes God forces us into transition because He knows that we're just not open to it." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We were just back in North Carolina and in South Carolina for a season. And I saw a lot of friends that I went to college with and a lot of denominational officials and that kind of thing. And all of them know that we're from the East Coast and so all of them know that we're from the East Coast. All of them always, if we see them, will come up and go, when are you ready to come back home? To which we reply, we are." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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