Inviting God into Our Difficulties for Transformation
Summary
Joel Osteen delivers a message that emphasizes the importance of inviting God into one's difficulties rather than solely seeking escape from them. He suggests that while it is natural to pray for deliverance from challenges, there is significant value in asking God to enter into the midst of these situations. By doing so, individuals can experience God's presence and work in a more profound way, even before the resolution of their troubles.
Osteen illustrates this concept by referencing the biblical account of the three Hebrew teenagers who were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a golden idol. Despite the intense heat, they were not harmed because they believed God would deliver them. Their faith was so strong that they declared they would not bow down even if God chose not to save them. This story exemplifies the idea that God may not prevent every hardship, but He is present within those hardships, offering protection and companionship.
The message further explores the notion that adversities can serve a purpose in God's plan, helping to reveal His power and develop individual faith. Osteen encourages embracing difficulties with a positive attitude, trusting that God is in control and will bring about a favorable outcome in His timing. He points out that God's promise is not to keep us from all harm but to be with us through it, as stated in Isaiah: "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."
Osteen also discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible, who faced betrayal and injustice but remained faithful and excelled in every situation because the Lord was with him. Joseph's story is used to demonstrate that inviting God into one's difficulties can lead to unexpected favor and success, even in the most trying circumstances.
Throughout the message, Osteen emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy, peace, and a good attitude in the face of adversity. He suggests that this approach not only honors God but also positions individuals to receive His blessings and breakthroughs. By inviting God into their difficulties, people can experience supernatural strength and peace that surpasses understanding.
Osteen concludes by assuring listeners that God is fighting for them, protecting them, and working things out for their good. He invites them to trust in God's presence and power, regardless of the challenges they face, and to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that everything will ultimately be fine.
Key Takeaways:
- Inviting God into one's difficulties is a transformative approach that shifts the focus from seeking immediate escape to experiencing God's presence and work within the challenges. This perspective allows for spiritual growth and the development of a deeper relationship with God. [02:15]
- The biblical account of the three Hebrew teenagers in the fiery furnace serves as a powerful example of faith in action. Their unwavering belief in God's deliverance, regardless of the outcome, teaches that God's companionship in trials is more valuable than the avoidance of trials themselves. [08:19]
- Adversity can be a platform for God to display His power and glory. By facing and overcoming challenges with God's help, individuals can become living testimonies of His faithfulness and might, inspiring others and strengthening their own faith. [10:43]
- Maintaining a positive attitude and trust in God during difficult times is not only an act of faith but also a catalyst for divine intervention. A joyful and peaceful demeanor in the midst of trials can attract God's favor and lead to breakthroughs that would not be possible without His involvement. [17:17]
- The story of Joseph is a reminder that God's presence can lead to success and favor even in the worst circumstances. By inviting God into every situation, individuals can rise above their difficulties and fulfill their God-given destiny, just as Joseph did. [23:21]
Study Guide
Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
2. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
3. Daniel 3:24-25 (NIV)
"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?' They replied, 'Certainly, Your Majesty.' He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.'"
Observation Questions
1. What similarities can be found in the descriptions of God's presence during times of trouble in Isaiah 43:2 and Psalm 23:4?
2. In the account of Daniel 3:24-25, what is the significance of the fourth figure appearing with the three Hebrew teenagers in the fiery furnace?
Interpretation Questions
1. How might the promise of God's presence in Isaiah 43:2 provide comfort to someone facing a difficult situation?
2. Considering the image of the fourth figure in the fiery furnace, what might this suggest about the nature of divine companionship during trials?
Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might consciously inviting God into that situation have changed your perspective or approach?
2. Identify a current difficulty in your life. What is one specific prayer you can offer to invite God's presence into this challenge?
3. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by circumstances. How can you use the assurance from Psalm 23:4 to maintain peace the next time you encounter a similar situation?
4. Recall a moment when you witnessed someone else going through a hardship. What is one tangible way you can remind them of God's promise in Isaiah 43:2 this week?
5. Consider the story of the three Hebrew teenagers. What is one decision you can make today that demonstrates your trust in God's companionship, regardless of the outcome?
Devotional
Day 1: Presence Over Escape
Inviting God into one's difficulties transforms the experience from seeking an immediate way out to finding strength and growth within the challenge. It's about recognizing that God's companionship during trials is a profound opportunity for spiritual deepening and reliance on divine support. [02:15]
Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Reflection: In what current difficulty could you shift your focus from escape to seeking God's presence?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Outcomes
The story of the three Hebrew teenagers in the fiery furnace teaches that faith is not contingent on being saved from trials but on the assurance of God's presence within them. Their example encourages believers to trust in God's companionship, regardless of the situation's outcome. [08:19]
Daniel 3:17-18 - "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you remained faithful despite not knowing the outcome? How did it strengthen your trust in God?
Day 3: Glory in Adversity
Adversity can be a platform for God to reveal His power and glory. By inviting God into our challenges and overcoming them with His help, we become living testimonies of His faithfulness and might. [10:43]
2 Corinthians 12:10 - "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: How can your current struggles be seen as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power in your life?
Day 4: Joyful Trust Attracts Favor
Maintaining joy and peace during trials is an act of faith that can lead to divine intervention and breakthroughs. A positive attitude in the face of adversity honors God and positions us to receive His blessings. [17:17]
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."
Reflection: What is one way you can maintain a joyful and peaceful heart today, even in the midst of difficulty?
Day 5: Success Amidst Trials
Joseph's story demonstrates that inviting God into every situation, no matter how dire, can lead to success and fulfillment of God's plan for our lives. His presence brings favor and triumph over trials. [23:21]
Genesis 39:21 - "The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."
Reflection: What difficult situation do you need to invite God into more fully, trusting that His presence will lead to success and favor?
Quotes
"YOU NEED TO START PRAYING GOD COME INTO THIS DIFFICULTY, GOD GIVE ME THE GRACE TO BLOOM WHERE I'M PLANTED, TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT FAIR, GOD SHOW ME YOUR FAVOR DESPITE WHO'S TRYING TO PUSH ME DOWN." [19:07] (Download)
"THE GOD WHO CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. NOW, DO YOUR PART, START THANKING HIM THAT HE'S FIGHTING YOUR BATTLES, START SHINING WHERE YOU ARE, BEING YOUR BEST IN SPITE OF THE DIFFICULTIES." [27:05] (Download)
"INSTEAD OF JUST TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE VALLEY, OUT OF THE TROUBLE, OUT OF THE FIRE, IF YOU'LL START SAYING GOD COME IN, LET ME FEEL YOUR PRESENCE IN THE FIRE, SHOW ME YOUR GREATNESS IN THIS TROUBLE, THEN YOU'LL HAVE A PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING." [07:50] (Download)
"HE USES ADVERSITIES TO MOVE US INTO OUR PURPOSE. WE WOULD NEVER KNOW HIS POWER IF WE WERE NEVER THROWN INTO A FIRE, SO TO SPEAK." [09:16] (Download)
"INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FIRE, START INVITING HIM INTO THE FIRE. WHEN HE'S WITH YOU, YOU CANNOT BE DEFEATED. YOU AND GOD ARE A MAJORITY." [10:11] (Download)
"WITHOUT GREAT TEST, YOU WON'T HAVE A GREAT TESTIMONY. WITHOUT BIG BATTLES, WE WON'T SEE BIG VICTORIES." [10:43] (Download)
"WHEN YOU'RE IN THE FIRE, YOU CAN'T COMPLAIN, BE DISCOURAGED, GOD, IT'S NOT FAIR. TRY A DIFFERENT APPROACH. GOD COME INTO THIS FIRE WITH ME, GOD HELP ME TO DO THE RIGHT THING, CHANGE ME WHERE I NEED TO CHANGE." [21:22] (Download)
"WHAT'S MORE POWERFUL THAN GOD BRINGING YOU OUT IS WHEN GOD COMES IN AND BEGINS TO CHANGE THINGS. HE COMES IN AND GIVES YOU FAVOR DESPITE WHO'S TRYING TO PUSH YOU DOWN." [02:44] (Download)
"EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE IF YOU'LL START INVITING GOD INTO THE FIRE. HE'S ALREADY PROMISED HE'LL BE WITH YOU, MAYBE HE'S JUST WAITING FOR YOUR INVITATION." [05:35] (Download)
"WHEN YOU INVITE GOD INTO YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOU'LL FEEL HIM BREATHING IN YOUR DIRECTION, EMPOWERING YOU, ENABLING YOU, FAVORING YOU." [06:03] (Download)
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