Gratitude Amid Trials: Seeking God in All Circumstances
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of gratitude, even amidst life's trials and tribulations. Drawing from Luke 17, we reflected on the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, yet only one returned to give thanks. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, not just when life is favorable, but through all circumstances. Despite the recent disheartening election results and personal losses, such as the passing of my mother, I stand firm in my conviction that there is still so much to thank God for. The election revealed deep divisions and moral challenges within our nation, yet it also reinforced the need for us, as a church, to hold steadfast in our faith and continue to seek God earnestly.
The lepers' story teaches us that God sees us in our struggles and that our obedience to His word can lead to miraculous transformations. Even when God's instructions seem illogical, like telling the lepers to show themselves to the priest while still afflicted, our faith and obedience can lead to healing and restoration. This is a call to action for us to pursue Jesus actively, not waiting for Him to come to us, but seeking Him with determination and faith.
In our personal lives, we may face seasons of pain and uncertainty, but through it all, God remains faithful. We are encouraged to compare our past pains with the blessings we have received, recognizing that God has never left us nor forsaken us. Our gratitude should be evident in every season, whether in joy or sorrow, health or sickness. As we reflect on our lives, we realize that we have so much to thank God for, and this gratitude should propel us to live lives of praise and thanksgiving.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude in All Circumstances: True gratitude is not contingent on favorable circumstances. It is a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's goodness and sovereignty, even when life is challenging. This perspective allows us to maintain hope and faith, knowing that God is always working for our good. [01:15:52]
- Active Pursuit of Jesus: The story of the ten lepers teaches us the importance of actively seeking Jesus. We should not wait passively for divine intervention but should approach God with boldness and faith, trusting that He sees our condition and is willing to act on our behalf. [01:22:18]
- Obedience Leads to Transformation: Obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical, can lead to profound transformation. The lepers' healing occurred as they obeyed Jesus' command to show themselves to the priest, illustrating that faith in action can bring about miraculous change. [01:31:53]
- God Sees and Cares: In our moments of doubt and despair, we must remember that God sees us and cares deeply about our struggles. His awareness of our condition assures us that we are not alone and that He is actively working to bring about our healing and restoration. [01:23:59]
- The Power of Testimony: Sharing our testimonies of God's goodness can inspire others and reinforce our own faith. When we reflect on how God has delivered us in the past, it strengthens our resolve to trust Him in the present and future. [01:33:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10:13] - Scripture Reading: Luke 17
- [01:12:11] - Prayer for Anointing
- [01:13:42] - Reflections on Election Results
- [01:15:04] - Concerns for the Nation's Future
- [01:15:52] - Gratitude Despite Circumstances
- [01:17:36] - Seeking God in Difficult Times
- [01:19:24] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
- [01:21:37] - Encountering a Good God
- [01:22:18] - Actively Seeking Jesus
- [01:23:59] - Jesus Sees Our Condition
- [01:31:53] - Obedience and Transformation
- [01:33:59] - The Power of Testimony
- [01:38:32] - Invitation to Gratitude
- [01:43:18] - Offering Jesus to the Congregation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 17:11-19
Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial reaction of the ten lepers when they saw Jesus, and what did they ask of Him? [01:10:55]
2. How did Jesus respond to the lepers' request, and what was the result of their obedience? [01:23:59]
3. Among the ten lepers who were healed, how many returned to thank Jesus, and what was significant about this individual? [01:10:55]
4. What does Jesus' question, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?" reveal about His expectations? [01:10:55]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the ten lepers illustrate the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God? [01:15:52]
2. In what ways does the lepers' obedience to Jesus' command, despite its seeming illogicality, demonstrate faith? [01:31:53]
3. How can the leper who returned to thank Jesus serve as a model for expressing gratitude in our own lives? [01:33:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of gratitude in maintaining hope and faith during challenging times? [01:15:52]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenging situation in your life. How can you find reasons to be grateful to God despite the difficulties? [01:15:52]
2. The sermon emphasizes actively seeking Jesus. What steps can you take this week to pursue a closer relationship with Him? [01:22:18]
3. Consider a time when you obeyed God's direction even when it didn't make sense. How did that experience impact your faith? [01:31:53]
4. How can you share your testimony of God's goodness with others to inspire and strengthen their faith? [01:33:59]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to see God's presence. How can you remind yourself that God sees and cares for you in that situation? [01:23:59]
6. Think of someone in your life who may be going through a difficult time. How can you encourage them to see God's faithfulness and express gratitude? [01:19:24]
7. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a habit of gratitude in your daily life, regardless of your circumstances? [01:15:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude Beyond Circumstances
In life, gratitude is often associated with favorable conditions, but true gratitude transcends circumstances. It is a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of trials. This perspective allows individuals to maintain hope and faith, knowing that God is always working for their good. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrates this beautifully. Despite being healed, only one leper returned to express gratitude, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's hand in every situation. This narrative encourages believers to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, regardless of life's challenges, and to trust in God's unwavering presence and purpose. [01:15:52]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you express gratitude to God for His presence and guidance during that time?
Day 2: Actively Seeking Jesus
The story of the ten lepers teaches the importance of actively pursuing Jesus. Rather than waiting passively for divine intervention, believers are encouraged to approach God with boldness and faith, trusting that He sees their condition and is willing to act on their behalf. This active pursuit involves seeking God earnestly, even when His instructions seem illogical or challenging. The lepers' obedience to Jesus' command to show themselves to the priest, despite still being afflicted, exemplifies the transformative power of faith in action. This takeaway calls believers to seek Jesus with determination, knowing that He is attentive to their needs and desires to bring healing and restoration. [01:22:18]
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively seek Jesus today, rather than waiting for Him to come to you?
Day 3: Obedience Brings Transformation
Obedience to God's word, even when it seems illogical, can lead to profound transformation. The healing of the ten lepers occurred as they obeyed Jesus' command to show themselves to the priest, illustrating that faith in action can bring about miraculous change. This takeaway emphasizes the importance of trusting God's instructions, even when they defy human logic or understanding. By stepping out in faith and obedience, believers open themselves to the possibility of experiencing God's transformative power in their lives. This narrative encourages individuals to embrace obedience as a pathway to spiritual growth and renewal. [01:31:53]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey, even if it seems illogical? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 4: God Sees and Cares
In moments of doubt and despair, it is crucial to remember that God sees and cares deeply about our struggles. His awareness of our condition assures us that we are not alone and that He is actively working to bring about healing and restoration. The story of the ten lepers serves as a reminder that God is attentive to our needs and desires to intervene in our lives. This takeaway encourages believers to trust in God's compassion and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. By recognizing God's presence and care, individuals can find comfort and hope in the midst of life's challenges. [01:23:59]
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded that God sees and cares for you? How can you invite Him into that area today?
Day 5: The Power of Testimony
Sharing testimonies of God's goodness can inspire others and reinforce one's own faith. Reflecting on how God has delivered us in the past strengthens our resolve to trust Him in the present and future. The story of the ten lepers highlights the importance of acknowledging and sharing God's work in our lives. By testifying to His faithfulness, believers can encourage others and build a community of faith and gratitude. This takeaway calls individuals to reflect on their own experiences of God's goodness and to share those stories as a means of inspiring and uplifting others. [01:33:59]
"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!" (1 Chronicles 16:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where you experienced God's goodness. How can you share this testimony with someone today to encourage them in their faith?
Quotes
Father, we thank and praise you and magnify and glorify you. We thank you for this day, this time, that we're able to stand behind this, your sacred desk. God, to proclaim your word that you're still in the saving business, still in the healing business, still in the delivering business. Father, send your anointing. Send your anointing upon preacher and upon pew. [01:11:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And although I'm concerned about the direction of this nation for the next four years, I must also admit to you today that despite the outcome of the election, despite how I'm feeling, I can stand here today and tell you unequivocally that I still... I still have so much to thank God for. [01:16:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The Bible teaches us in all things to give thanks because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. Despite the election results of this past Tuesday, I can still say that God is good and God still sits high and he still looks low. And as long as God is on the throne and we keep our hand, in his unchanging hand, I have a funny feeling that everything is going to be all right. [01:16:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because what this has taught us is that giving thanks to God should not only happen when things are going the way we want them to, but we should be able to give God praise and thanks through all of our circumstances. [01:17:19] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We cannot allow the demise, of this nation to keep us from looking to the hills from where our help comes from. Because we're reminded that all of our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and who made earth. [01:17:45] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
These 10 lepers didn't wait for Jesus to come to them. They came and met him. And I need somebody here today not wait for Jesus to show up. You go get him. You make up in your mind today that, Lord, I'm not leaving here until I have an encounter with you. Until you change my situation. Until you change my heart. Until you change what I'm going through. I came here to meet Jesus. Nice sitting next to your neighbor, but I didn't come here for you. I came here to meet Jesus. [01:22:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I want you to meet him this morning. The Bible says, all you have to do is confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead and you shall be saved. [01:46:41] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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