Framing Life Through Faith and God's Purpose
Summary
God’s creation is a masterpiece of intentional design, from the precise distance of the earth from the sun to the unique purpose He has for each of our lives. Just as a frame gives shape, stability, depth, and perspective to a picture, so too does the way we “frame” our experiences, challenges, and identity shape the way we live and see God’s hand at work. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to choose how we will frame our circumstances—whether through the lens of faith, gratitude, and God’s promises, or through the limited and often negative perspective of the world.
Romans 8:28-31 reminds us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. This is not just a comforting thought, but a frame through which we are called to view every situation, even the difficult ones. The way we frame our lives—our identity, our trials, our blessings—determines whether we see ourselves as victims of circumstance or as people called and shaped by God’s purpose and grace. The story of the Shunammite woman, who declared “all is well” even in the face of tragedy, is a powerful example of framing life by faith rather than by fact alone.
Our words and attitudes are the tools by which we build these frames. God Himself framed the world by His word, and we are invited to frame our world by the words we speak and the faith we hold. When we focus on God’s promises, we protect and display His goodness in our lives, even when pain or disappointment tries to cloud our vision. The challenge is to continually renew our minds, to see not as the world sees, but as God sees—to be “faithists,” not just optimists or pessimists, believing for a life that is full and overflowing because of God’s abundance.
As we enter new seasons—whether it’s a new school year, a new job, or a new challenge—we are called to frame these experiences as “good,” trusting that God’s purpose is at work. Let us be intentional about the frames we use, choosing faith, gratitude, and God’s truth over fear, comparison, or negativity. In doing so, we not only honor God but also position ourselves to experience the fullness of His blessing and purpose.
Key Takeaways
- The way we frame our circumstances shapes our reality. Just as a physical frame gives shape and perspective to a picture, our spiritual and mental frames determine whether we see God’s hand at work or focus on what’s lacking. Choosing to frame life through faith allows us to see God’s purpose even in pain or disappointment. [04:20]
- Our identity must be framed by God’s truth, not by our past, failures, or the labels others give us. When we see ourselves as fearfully and wonderfully made, called according to God’s purpose, we are empowered to live with confidence and hope, regardless of our circumstances. [15:28]
- Faith is the lens that brings God’s perspective into focus. When we walk by faith and not by sight, we are able to frame our lives according to God’s promises rather than the world’s limitations. This means speaking life, declaring God’s goodness, and trusting that all things work together for our good. [30:58]
- Pain and challenges are opportunities to reframe our perspective. Like the father who chose gratitude when his child was spared from harm, or the Shunammite woman who declared “all is well,” we are called to look for God’s purpose in every situation, trusting that His grace is sufficient and His plans are good. [22:09]
- Our words have creative power to frame our world. Just as God framed the universe by His word, we frame our lives by the words we speak and the attitudes we hold. Speaking God’s truth, even when circumstances are difficult, aligns us with His purpose and releases His blessing into our lives. [39:59]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - God’s Design and Divine Appointments
[02:31] - The Power and Purpose of Frames
[04:20] - Romans 8:28 and Framing Life’s Circumstances
[13:34] - Framing Your Identity
[17:00] - God’s Unique Purpose for Each Person
[18:24] - The Shunammite Woman: Framing by Faith
[19:20] - Framed by Grace
[22:09] - Finding Purpose in Pain
[25:12] - The Value We Place: Stories of Framing
[28:51] - The Danger of Framing with the Wrong Perspective
[30:58] - Faith as the Right Lens
[32:55] - Psalm 73: Getting Back in Frame
[35:52] - The Function of Frames in Faith
[38:49] - Hebrews 11: Framing by Faith
[42:02] - Faith, Love, and Perseverance
[43:45] - Framing New Seasons and Challenges
[48:53] - Practical Reminders: Take Home a Frame
[49:51] - Full and Overflowing: The Faithist Perspective
[52:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[55:49] - Announcements and Ice Cream Social
[56:56] - Final Confession and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Framing Your Life by Faith”
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### Bible Reading
Romans 8:28-31 (ESV)
> And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)
> Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
2 Kings 4:18-26 (ESV) [Story of the Shunammite Woman]
> (Paraphrased for context) The Shunammite woman’s son dies, but when asked if she is well, she replies, “All is well,” choosing to frame her situation by faith rather than by the facts alone.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Romans 8:28-31, what does Paul say about how God works in the lives of those who love Him? How does he “frame” the challenges and circumstances believers face? [[04:20]]
2. According to Hebrews 11:3, how did God “frame” the world, and what does this teach us about the power of words and faith? [[38:49]]
3. In the story of the Shunammite woman, what was her response when tragedy struck, and how did her words reflect her faith? [[18:24]]
4. The sermon mentions that our identity can be framed by God’s truth or by our past and failures. What are some examples given of how people might frame their identity? [[15:28]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to “frame” your life through faith, and how is this different from simply being optimistic or pessimistic? [[49:51]]
2. The pastor shared stories about responding to difficult situations (like a child’s accident or a blown tire) with gratitude and faith. Why is the way we “frame” these moments so important for our spiritual growth? [[22:09]]
3. How does the idea that “God framed the world by His word” challenge us in the way we speak about our own lives and circumstances? [[39:59]]
4. The Shunammite woman said, “All is well,” even when her son had died. What does this teach us about faith and the difference between facts and God’s truth? [[18:24]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent challenge or disappointment in your life. How did you “frame” it—with faith and gratitude, or with frustration and negativity? What would it look like to reframe that situation according to Romans 8:28? [[04:20]]
2. The sermon says our words have creative power to frame our world. What is one area of your life where you need to start speaking God’s promises instead of your fears or doubts? [[39:59]]
3. When you introduce yourself or think about your identity, do you focus more on your past mistakes, your struggles, or on being “fearfully and wonderfully made” and called by God? How can you begin to reframe your identity this week? [[15:28]]
4. The pastor described being a “faithist”—not just an optimist or pessimist, but someone who sees life as “full and overflowing” because of God’s abundance. What would change in your daily attitude if you adopted this perspective? [[49:51]]
5. Is there a specific area (work, school, family, health, etc.) where you tend to frame things negatively or with fear? What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally frame that area with faith and gratitude? [[43:45]]
6. The story of the Shunammite woman and the father whose child was spared both show choosing faith in the face of pain. Can you share a time when you had to choose to “frame” a painful situation by faith? What helped you do that? [[22:09]]
7. The pastor encouraged everyone to take home a physical frame as a reminder. What is one verse, promise, or truth about God that you want to “frame” in your mind and heart this week? How will you remind yourself of it daily? [[48:53]]
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Closing Thought:
Let’s remember that the way we “frame” our lives—our words, our attitudes, our identity—shapes our reality and our ability to see God’s hand at work. Let’s encourage each other to choose faith, gratitude, and God’s truth as our frame, no matter what we face.
Devotional
Day 1: All Things Work Together for Good
God’s sovereignty means that every circumstance—good or bad—can be reframed as part of His divine purpose for your life. When you encounter challenges, setbacks, or even moments of pain, you have the choice to frame them through the lens of faith, trusting that God is actively working for your good. This perspective doesn’t ignore the reality of hardship, but it anchors you in the assurance that God’s love and calling are the true context of your story. Instead of focusing on what is against you, focus on the One who is for you, and let that shape your response to every situation. [04:20]
Romans 8:28-31 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Reflection: Think of a recent difficulty or disappointment—how can you intentionally reframe it today, trusting that God is working it for your good and His purpose?
Day 2: Frame Your Life by Faith, Not by Sight
The way you see your life is shaped by the frame you choose—will you look through the world’s lens or through the eyes of faith? When you focus on what you lack or what others have, it’s easy to slip into discouragement or envy, but God calls you to live by faith, not by sight. Faith gives you a new perspective, allowing you to see beyond your circumstances and to trust in God’s promises, even when you can’t see the outcome. Your words and your focus have the power to shape your reality, so choose to frame your life with faith-filled vision. [30:58]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been relying on what you see instead of what God has promised? How can you shift your focus to faith today?
Day 3: Enter the Sanctuary—Refocus on God’s Perspective
When you find yourself discouraged by the apparent success of others or overwhelmed by your own struggles, remember that true perspective comes from entering God’s presence. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, it’s easy to get out of frame and focus on what’s wrong or unfair, but everything changes when you step into the sanctuary and see things as God sees them. In God’s presence, your vision is restored, your priorities are realigned, and you are reminded of His goodness and ultimate justice. [35:52]
Psalm 73:1-3, 17 (ESV)
1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ... 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.
Reflection: When you feel yourself slipping into comparison or discouragement, what practical step can you take today to “enter the sanctuary” and regain God’s perspective?
Day 4: Your Words Frame Your World
Just as God framed the world by His word, your words have the power to frame your life—speaking life, hope, and faith, or negativity and defeat. The way you talk about your circumstances, your future, and even yourself sets the boundaries and possibilities of your experience. Choose to speak words that align with God’s truth, declaring His promises over your life and the lives of those around you. Let your words build up, encourage, and reflect the faith that God has placed in your heart. [39:59]
Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Reflection: What is one negative or limiting phrase you often say about yourself or your situation? How can you replace it with a faith-filled declaration today?
Day 5: You Are Framed by Grace and Made for Purpose
You are not an accident or a product of chance—God has uniquely designed you, framed you by His grace, and given you a distinct purpose. No matter your past, your failures, or your current circumstances, you are loved, cherished, and called to live a life that reflects His image. Embrace your identity as one who is fearfully and wonderfully made, and let God’s grace shape your perspective, your choices, and your future. [17:00]
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed past mistakes or labels to define you? How can you begin to see yourself today as framed by God’s grace and created for His purpose?
Quotes
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