Finding Support and Healing Through Life's Challenges
Summary
Six years ago, I stepped into the role of lead pastor at New Life Church during a season of chaos, turbulence, and uncertainty. It was a challenging time for both my wife and I, as we were also dealing with personal issues such as infertility. However, we were fortunate to have someone come alongside us, providing a safe space for us to process our feelings and doubts. This support was a catalyst for change, marking the beginning of a turnaround in our lives and ministry.
Today, by the grace of God, we have three children and our church is thriving. We attribute our current state of health and happiness to the support we received during that difficult time. We were asked hard questions, encouraged to grieve, and given the space to work through our pain. This process allowed us to heal and grow, and we are now in a position to enjoy our lives and ministry more fully.
Key Takeaways:
- It's important to have a support system during challenging times, especially when stepping into a new role or dealing with personal issues. This can provide a safe space to process feelings and doubts ([34:86]).
- Support can act as a catalyst for change, marking the beginning of a turnaround in one's life and ministry ([75:479]).
- Asking hard questions and encouraging grieving can be an essential part of the healing process ([118:56]).
- Going through a difficult process can lead to growth and a greater ability to enjoy life and ministry ([118:56]).
Study Guide
Since there are no specific Bible passages mentioned in the sermon, I will use general themes from the Bible to guide the discussion.
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
2. James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.
3. Romans 8:28 - God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Observation Questions:
1. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, who is the source of comfort and why does He comfort us?
2. What does James 1:2-4 teach us about facing trials and tribulations?
3. How does Romans 8:28 provide hope during times of uncertainty and chaos?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the comfort from God in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 extend to others?
2. What does it mean to consider trials as "pure joy" as mentioned in James 1:2-4?
3. How can we understand and apply the promise in Romans 8:28 in our lives?
Application Questions:
1. Can you share a time when you experienced God's comfort during a difficult season and how you were able to extend that comfort to others?
2. How can you apply the teaching of James 1:2-4 in your current situation? What is one trial you are facing and how can you view it with joy?
3. Reflecting on Romans 8:28, can you identify a situation in your life where you saw God working things out for good? How did that experience strengthen your faith?
4. How can you support and comfort others in your community who are going through a difficult time?
5. How can you actively trust in God's promise of Romans 8:28 in your current circumstances?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Chaos
In our lives, we often encounter seasons of chaos, turbulence, and uncertainty. These periods, while challenging, are not without purpose. They are opportunities for growth, for deepening our faith, and for learning to lean on God's strength rather than our own. In these moments, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles ([00:34]).
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent season of chaos in your life. How did it deepen your faith and reliance on God?
Day 2: The Power of Community
During our darkest hours, the presence of a supportive community can be a beacon of hope. When we share our burdens with others, we find that we are not alone in our struggles. This sense of community can be a powerful catalyst for change and healing ([01:15]).
Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Reflection: How has your community supported you during a difficult time? How can you offer that same support to others?
Day 3: Embracing the Journey
Our spiritual journey is not always smooth. There are times of doubt, times of questioning, and times of pain. But it is through these experiences that we grow and mature in our faith. Embracing the journey, with all its ups and downs, is a crucial part of our spiritual development ([01:58]).
Bible Passage: 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: Reflect on a time when you doubted or questioned your faith. How did that experience ultimately strengthen your relationship with God?
Day 4: The Gift of Grace
In our struggles, we often forget the incredible gift of grace that God has given us. This grace is not dependent on our circumstances or our actions. It is a gift freely given, a reminder of God's unending love for us ([00:34]).
Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's grace in your life? How can you extend that grace to others?
Day 5: The Power of Generosity
Generosity is not just about giving of our resources. It's about giving of ourselves, our time, our love, and our compassion. When we give generously, we reflect the love of Christ to those around us ([01:58]).
Bible Passage: Proverbs 11:25 - "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life? How has someone else's generosity impacted you?
Quotes
1. "Six years ago when we went on our first retreat I just stepped into the role as lead pastor and I was stepping in during a season of chaos of turbulence and of uncertainty and it was so incredible to have someone come alongside us and care for us and listen and to let us know that we're not alone in what we're going through." - Pastor Matt, 00:00
2. "We were really hurt by what had happened at our church and grieving on the loss of what we thought it was going to look like and we were also struggling with infertility and just began medication on that trip and we were held in such a safe space it was truly a breath of fresh air for us to be cared for so well." - Erin, 00:34
3. "It was a time where I feel like spiritually were under attack our marriage was under attack our calling was beginning to be doubted it was right in that moment that standing Stone met us came alongside us gave us a place to process a place to share a place to work things out and it was honestly the Catalyst to a lot of change." - Pastor Matt, 01:15
4. "Now six years later by the grace of God we have three kids our church is still going strong we're still seeing Jesus move in the Kingdom advance and we're just so grateful for standing Stone in the role they played." - Pastor Matt, 01:15
5. "We wanted to thank you guys for your generosity for the support that you did without people like you we wouldn't have been able to go on the trip and in large part we might not be here as we are where we are today we're two of the faces that were so greatly impacted by your generosity." - Erin, 01:58
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