From Brokenness to Breakthrough: Embracing God's Work

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, ABC. It's wonderful to be back after a few weeks of vacation with my wife, Hope. Today, we welcome Pastor Ken and his family to our church, and we are excited about the newcomer's class with 87 people signed up. This is a testament to the strength and community of our church, which is not built on a single personality but on collective faith and leadership.

We are starting a new series called "Brokenness to Breakthrough," focusing on the book of Exodus, chapters 5 and 6. I began by asking if you've ever had a meltdown moment, where life feels overwhelming and out of control. I shared my personal journey of brokenness, from the early days of planting this church to dealing with insecurities, overwork, and personal loss. My story includes moments of doubt, frustration, and even anger towards God. Yet, through these experiences, I found that God uses our brokenness to bring about spiritual breakthroughs.

I recounted how our church started in living rooms, moved to school facilities, and eventually bought an old building. Despite the challenges, God continued to bless us. However, my insecurities and overwork led to a physical and emotional breakdown. I shared how I turned to food for comfort, gained weight, and struggled with depression. The turning point came when my family and church leaders supported me, allowing me to take a break and seek counseling.

I emphasized that God often uses our most broken moments to bring about the greatest spiritual growth. I also highlighted the importance of being honest with God about our struggles, as Moses did. Moses had false expectations that following God would be smooth sailing, but he faced significant challenges. Yet, God was always at work, even when Moses couldn't see it.

In conclusion, I encouraged everyone to be honest with God about their struggles and to remember that God is always working, even in our most challenging times. We are about to have communion, a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and remember that God loves us deeply, even in our brokenness.

### Key Takeaways

1. Honesty with God: Moses modeled the importance of being honest with God about our struggles. He didn't hide his doubts or frustrations but brought them directly to God. This kind of emotional honesty is crucial for spiritual growth and healing. God welcomes our laments and wants us to be real with Him. [11:19]

2. False Expectations: Many of us have false expectations that following God will lead to a trouble-free life. Moses thought that obeying God would result in immediate success, but he faced significant challenges. We must temper our expectations and understand that hardships are part of the journey. [59:13]

3. God's Continuous Work: Even when we can't see it, God is always at work. Moses' genealogy reminded him that God had been working long before he was called and would continue to work after him. This perspective helps us trust in God's plan, even when our circumstances are difficult. [01:22:36]

4. Community Support: During my breakdown, the support of my family and church community was crucial. They allowed me to take a break, seek counseling, and heal. This underscores the importance of a supportive community in our spiritual journey. [43:37]

5. Spiritual Breakthroughs in Brokenness: God often uses our most broken moments to bring about the greatest spiritual breakthroughs. My personal journey of brokenness led to a deeper understanding of God's love and a more effective ministry to others struggling with similar issues. [45:32]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[23:27] - Introduction of Pastor Ken and Family
[24:16] - Newcomer's Class Excitement
[25:06] - Starting the New Series: Brokenness to Breakthrough
[25:59] - Personal Meltdown Moments
[27:23] - Planting the Church and Early Challenges
[28:12] - Running from God's Call
[29:32] - Church Growth and Insecurities
[30:14] - Building Challenges and God's Blessings
[32:05] - Overwork and Personal Struggles
[33:28] - Emotional and Physical Breakdown
[34:13] - Family Tragedy and Support from Pastor Randy
[35:09] - Funeral Challenges and Emotional Toll
[36:09] - Breaking Point and Family Impact
[37:22] - Realization and Need for Change
[38:32] - Church Leadership Meeting and Vulnerability
[40:32] - Honest Confession and Community Support
[42:06] - Unexpected Support and Healing
[43:37] - Seeking Counseling and Spiritual Breakthrough
[45:32] - Testimonies of God's Faithfulness
[46:08] - God's Love in Times of Brokenness
[47:00] - Different Causes of Meltdown Moments
[48:32] - Mental Health Struggles and God's Presence
[49:23] - Introduction to Moses' Story
[50:30] - Moses' Identity Crisis and Calling
[51:34] - Moses' Mountaintop Experience and Challenges
[52:52] - Pharaoh's Rejection and Increased Burden
[54:56] - From Bad to Worse: Pharaoh's Orders
[56:23] - Moses' Leadership Undermined
[57:36] - Israelites' Frustration with Moses
[58:45] - Moses' Doubts and False Expectations
[59:39] - False Expectations of a Trouble-Free Life
[01:00:37] - The Reality of Following Jesus
[01:01:35] - Prosperity Gospel and Its Dangers
[01:02:34] - The Truth About Hardships
[01:03:04] - Preparing for Hardship
[01:03:43] - Jesus' Promise of Trouble and Peace
[01:04:39] - Jesus' Preparation for His Disciples
[01:05:14] - Jesus' Overcoming the World
[01:06:30] - Temporary Nature of Our Struggles
[01:07:00] - Jesus' Promise of a New Kingdom
[01:07:40] - The Holy Spirit's Presence and Power
[01:08:11] - Unexplainable Peace and Joy
[01:08:45] - Jesus' Gift of Peace
[01:09:18] - Don't Be Troubled or Afraid
[01:10:18] - Moses' Migraine Moment
[01:11:19] - Moses' Honest Lament to God
[01:11:46] - The Importance of Emotional Honesty
[01:12:25] - Moses' Friendship with God
[01:13:09] - The Value of Authentic Relationships
[01:14:33] - Learning to Lament
[01:15:22] - What Lamenting Is Not
[01:16:04] - The Importance of Authenticity
[01:16:58] - Leaning Into God
[01:17:38] - Not Walking Away
[01:18:19] - Biblical Examples of Lament
[01:19:06] - Moses' Friendship with God
[01:19:49] - Jesus Restores Friendship with God
[01:20:41] - Communicating with God
[01:21:15] - Moses' Continued Struggles
[01:21:51] - God's Response: A Genealogy
[01:22:36] - Remembering God's Continuous Work
[01:23:23] - Preparing for Communion
[01:24:26] - Reflecting on Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:25:19] - Confession and Repentance
[01:26:05] - Instructions for Communion
[01:26:56] - Open Communion and Final Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 5:1-23 - Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, leading to increased burdens on the Israelites.
2. Exodus 6:1-13 - God reassures Moses of His covenant and promises deliverance.

### Observation Questions
1. What was Pharaoh's initial reaction when Moses and Aaron asked him to let the Israelites go? ([53:39])
2. How did the Israelites respond to the increased workload imposed by Pharaoh? ([57:36])
3. What was Moses' emotional state after his initial encounter with Pharaoh, and how did he express it to God? ([01:11:19])
4. How did God respond to Moses' lament and doubts in Exodus 6? ([01:21:51])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses had false expectations about the ease of following God's command? How did these expectations affect his faith? ([59:13])
2. How does Moses' honesty with God in his lament reflect the nature of their relationship? What does this teach us about our own relationship with God? ([01:11:46])
3. In what ways did the support of the community play a role in the pastor's personal journey of brokenness and healing? ([43:37])
4. How does the genealogy in Exodus 6 serve as a reminder of God's continuous work and faithfulness? ([01:22:36])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had false expectations about your faith journey. How did you handle the challenges that arose? What did you learn from that experience? ([59:13])
2. Moses was honest with God about his struggles and doubts. How can you practice this kind of emotional honesty in your prayer life? ([01:11:46])
3. The pastor shared his experience of overwork and emotional breakdown. Are there areas in your life where you are overextending yourself? What steps can you take to find balance and seek support? ([32:05])
4. Community support was crucial for the pastor during his breakdown. How can you be a source of support for someone in your church or community who is going through a difficult time? ([43:37])
5. The sermon emphasized that God is always at work, even when we can't see it. How can you remind yourself of God's continuous work in your life during challenging times? ([01:22:36])
6. The pastor mentioned turning to food for comfort during his struggles. Are there unhealthy coping mechanisms you rely on? What healthier alternatives can you adopt? ([33:28])
7. Reflect on the importance of being part of a supportive church community. How can you contribute to creating an environment where people feel safe to share their struggles and receive support? ([46:08])

Devotional

Day 1: Emotional Honesty with God
God desires our honesty, even in our struggles and doubts. Moses exemplified this by openly expressing his frustrations and doubts to God. He didn't hide his feelings but brought them directly to God, which is crucial for spiritual growth and healing. This kind of emotional honesty allows us to build a deeper relationship with God, who welcomes our laments and wants us to be real with Him. When we are honest with God, we open the door for Him to work in our lives in profound ways. [11:19]

Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been holding back your true feelings from God? Take a moment today to pour out your heart to Him, expressing your doubts, fears, and frustrations.

Day 2: Adjusting False Expectations
Many of us have false expectations that following God will lead to a trouble-free life. Moses thought that obeying God would result in immediate success, but he faced significant challenges. It's important to understand that hardships are part of the journey. By adjusting our expectations, we can better navigate the difficulties we encounter and remain steadfast in our faith. Recognizing that following God doesn't exempt us from trials helps us to rely more on His strength and less on our own understanding. [59:13]

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: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your expectations of a trouble-free life affect your response? How can you adjust your expectations to better align with the reality of following God?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Continuous Work
Even when we can't see it, God is always at work. Moses' genealogy reminded him that God had been working long before he was called and would continue to work after him. This perspective helps us trust in God's plan, even when our circumstances are difficult. Understanding that God is continuously at work in our lives and in the world around us can provide comfort and assurance during tough times. [01:22:36]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you struggled to see God's hand at work. How can you remind yourself of His continuous work and trust in His plan, even when it's not immediately visible?

Day 4: The Importance of Community Support
During times of personal breakdown, the support of family and church community is crucial. They can provide the necessary encouragement and resources to help us heal and grow. This underscores the importance of being part of a supportive community in our spiritual journey. When we are vulnerable and open with our struggles, we allow others to come alongside us, offering the support and love we need to overcome our challenges. [43:37]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support in your current struggles? How can you also be a source of support for someone else in need?

Day 5: Spiritual Breakthroughs in Brokenness
God often uses our most broken moments to bring about the greatest spiritual breakthroughs. Personal journeys of brokenness can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and a more effective ministry to others struggling with similar issues. Embracing our brokenness and allowing God to work through it can result in significant spiritual growth and transformation. It's in these moments of vulnerability that we often experience God's grace and power most profoundly. [45:32]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (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. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced brokenness. How did God use that experience to bring about spiritual growth or a breakthrough in your life? How can you share this testimony to encourage others?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Have you ever had a meltdown moment where you just feel like you're so broken? Like, God, I don't know about this. I don't know what to do about this. I don't know about you right now. I don't know about the church. I don't know about people. I don't know about anything. I don't know about any of this." [26:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I want you to know that if you are in a meltdown moment that many of your pastors have had those too. We're not... We're just like you. We're just people." [34:13] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I want you to know because the enemy is going to tell you God doesn't love you in times of brokenness. And he's going to try to get you to believe that. And I want you to know because I'm going to show you in the Scripture that God does love you right now." [46:08] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus doesn't leave it at your promised hardship. He also promises his presence. And he promises his power in your hardship. He promises not this escape from the hardship. But that he is with you. And that he will equip you and empower you to get through whatever the hardship is." [01:06:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said, I came for this. So what do you need to tell him about today? What do you need to lament? You didn't get the job. You're struggling with infertility. Talk to him about it. You're sick right now. Or someone you love is sick. Talk to him about it. He wants you to communicate with him." [01:20:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I was doing too much. I was never resting. I wasn't taking a day off hardly ever. And I kind of had a messiah complex where I thought I was supposed to be everything for everybody. And I never said no to anybody. And it was just like wearing me out." [32:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I want you to know the spiritual breakthrough wasn't all of the circumstances changing. The breakthrough was a spiritual breakthrough that began to happen within me." [43:37] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Some of the most committed followers of Jesus. That I know. Have still experienced. Great loss in their life. I've seen it right here in our own church. Some of the most committed followers of Jesus. That I know. Have been fired from their job. Because they did the right thing." [01:01:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Moses is modeling getting real with God. Moses is showing us that this kind of conversation is something that God welcomes. He's honest. He's not a fake. He's authentic. He's not pretending. It's almost like Moses and God are friends." [01:12:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "One of the reasons that I began to heal was because I finally decided to get emotionally honest. finally decided to take a step and experience. Again, it's one of the core values around here is this holistic health. And when you hear that, I don't want you to think it's some hippie kind of thing or whatever. When we talk about that, what we're talking about is it's all connected." [01:14:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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