Navigating Life's Challenges with God's Wisdom
Summary
### Summary
It is a joy to be with you all in Milton Keynes. My wife Stella and I have been pastoring for many years, and we have seen God's grace in our lives and ministry. Today, I want to talk about the twists and turns in life and how we can navigate them with God's wisdom. Life is full of challenges, but God is for us, not against us. Whether you are facing family struggles, financial difficulties, or other obstacles, God is with you, and He will provide the wisdom you need to overcome.
We must trust in the Lord entirely and not lean on our own understanding. Solomon, in his youth, asked God for wisdom to lead Israel, and God granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Similarly, we need to seek God's wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Trusting God means turning to Him first, not as an afterthought. Our human wisdom is limited and flawed, but God's wisdom is infinite and perfect.
In Malaysia, we face many challenges, but we have seen God work miracles. We have people from various backgrounds coming to know Jesus, and their lives are transformed. The same God who works in Malaysia is at work here in the UK. We need to seek His wisdom to navigate the twists and turns of life. Whether you are a refugee or a long-time resident, God has a plan for you, and He will provide the wisdom you need to succeed.
In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. This means seeking God's guidance in every decision and trusting that He knows what is best for you. Life is worth living with all its twists and turns because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Let us turn to Him and seek His wisdom in every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in the Lord Entirely: Trusting God means turning to Him first, not as an afterthought. Our human wisdom is limited and flawed, but God's wisdom is infinite and perfect. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart, we acknowledge that He knows what is best for us, and we rely on His guidance rather than our own understanding. [15:19]
2. Seek God's Wisdom: Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead Israel, and God granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Similarly, we need to seek God's wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Wisdom is essential to navigate the twists and turns of life, and it helps us make decisions that align with God's will. [12:22]
3. Submit to God in All Your Ways: In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. This means seeking God's guidance in every decision and trusting that He knows what is best for you. Submission to God involves acknowledging His sovereignty and allowing Him to direct our steps. [24:03]
4. God is for Us, Not Against Us: Whether you are facing family struggles, financial difficulties, or other obstacles, God is with you, and He will provide the wisdom you need to overcome. Life's challenges are not a sign of God's absence but an opportunity to experience His presence and power. [04:56]
5. Life is Worth Living with Jesus: Life is full of twists and turns, but it is worth living because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He provides the strength, wisdom, and grace we need to navigate life's challenges. By turning to Him, we find hope and purpose in every situation. [25:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - Introduction and Background
[01:36] - Praying for the UK
[02:20] - Family Introduction
[03:29] - Pastoring Journey
[04:12] - Family Background and Salvation
[04:56] - Encouragement for Families
[05:43] - Breakthroughs and Miracles
[06:32] - Power of Jesus in Lives
[07:29] - Twists and Turns in Life
[08:24] - Encouragement for Refugees
[10:13] - Signposts in Life
[11:22] - Believing vs. Trusting Jesus
[12:22] - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
[13:09] - Wisdom Calls Aloud
[14:00] - Living Wisely
[15:19] - Trust in the Lord Entirely
[16:35] - Avoiding Mistakes with Wisdom
[18:06] - Proof of Trusting God
[19:03] - God's Infinite Wisdom
[20:19] - Lean Not on Your Own Understanding
[21:52] - Fasting and Praying for Wisdom
[22:55] - True Wisdom from Heaven
[24:03] - Submit to God in All Your Ways
[25:34] - Life is Worth Living with Jesus
[26:01] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. 1 Kings 3:9-14 (NIV) - Solomon's prayer for wisdom.
3. James 1:5 (NIV) - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 instruct us to do in our relationship with God?
2. How did Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9-14 demonstrate his priorities as a leader?
3. According to James 1:5, what should we do if we lack wisdom, and what is God's promise to us when we ask for it?
4. In the sermon, Pastor Joe mentioned the importance of seeking God's wisdom first. What are some examples he gave of people relying on their own understanding instead? [18:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Solomon asked for wisdom instead of wealth or power? How does this reflect on his character and priorities? [12:22]
2. Pastor Joe emphasized trusting in the Lord entirely. What are some practical ways believers can demonstrate this trust in their daily lives? [15:19]
3. How does the concept of submitting to God in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6) challenge our natural inclinations to rely on our own understanding? [24:03]
4. Pastor Joe shared stories of people experiencing God's miracles in Malaysia. How do these stories illustrate the principle that God is for us, not against us? [04:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's wisdom first, or did you rely on your own understanding? How might the outcome have been different if you had sought God's guidance? [18:06]
2. Pastor Joe mentioned the difference between believing in Jesus and trusting Him. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust Jesus fully? [11:22]
3. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you submit this situation to God and trust that He will make your path straight? [24:03]
4. Pastor Joe spoke about the importance of seeking God's wisdom in every aspect of life. Identify one area where you need God's wisdom right now. How will you seek it this week? [12:22]
5. How can you encourage someone in your life who is struggling with family or financial difficulties to trust that God is for them and will provide the wisdom they need? [04:56]
6. Pastor Joe shared about the transformative power of Jesus in people's lives. How has Jesus transformed your life, and how can you share this testimony with others? [06:32]
7. Life is full of twists and turns, but it is worth living with Jesus. What specific steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth during difficult times? [25:34]
Devotional
### Day 1: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding
Description: Trusting in the Lord entirely means turning to Him first, not as an afterthought. Our human wisdom is limited and flawed, but God's wisdom is infinite and perfect. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart, we acknowledge that He knows what is best for us, and we rely on His guidance rather than our own understanding. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to seek God in prayer, study His Word, and listen for His voice in our daily lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with His perfect will and experience His peace and direction. [15:19]
Bible Passage: "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made based on your own understanding. How might the outcome have been different if you had sought God's wisdom first? What steps can you take today to ensure you turn to God first in future decisions?
### Day 2: Seeking Divine Wisdom
Description: Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead Israel, and God granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Similarly, we need to seek God's wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Wisdom is essential to navigate the twists and turns of life, and it helps us make decisions that align with God's will. Seeking wisdom involves prayer, reading Scripture, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a daily pursuit that requires humility and a willingness to learn and grow. [12:22]
Bible Passage: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need God's wisdom. Spend time in prayer today asking God for His guidance and commit to seeking His wisdom through Scripture and godly counsel.
### Day 3: Submitting to God's Sovereignty
Description: In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. This means seeking God's guidance in every decision and trusting that He knows what is best for you. Submission to God involves acknowledging His sovereignty and allowing Him to direct our steps. It requires us to let go of our own plans and desires and to trust that God's plans are better. This submission is a daily act of surrender, where we choose to follow God's lead rather than our own. [24:03]
Bible Passage: "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
### Day 4: Recognizing God's Presence in Challenges
Description: Whether you are facing family struggles, financial difficulties, or other obstacles, God is with you, and He will provide the wisdom you need to overcome. Life's challenges are not a sign of God's absence but an opportunity to experience His presence and power. When we face difficulties, we can choose to see them as opportunities to grow in faith and to rely more deeply on God. He promises to be with us in every situation, providing the strength and wisdom we need to navigate through them. [04:56]
Bible Passage: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite God into this situation and rely on His presence and wisdom to guide you through it?
### Day 5: Finding Purpose in Jesus
Description: Life is full of twists and turns, but it is worth living because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He provides the strength, wisdom, and grace we need to navigate life's challenges. By turning to Him, we find hope and purpose in every situation. Jesus' presence in our lives transforms our perspective, giving us a sense of purpose and direction even in the midst of uncertainty. He is our constant source of hope and the reason we can face each day with confidence. [25:34]
Bible Passage: "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on how Jesus has been the author and finisher of your faith. How does knowing that He is in control give you hope and purpose in your current circumstances? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Quotes
1. "For those of you who've got families and you're struggling, let me tell you, it's not because you are not Christian enough. It's not because you don't love God enough. It's not that God doesn't love you enough. Listen, we will go through life as normal human beings, we face challenges, but God is for us, not against us." [04:56] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're having troubles in your home, let me tell you, the devil is messing with the wrong people. Because God is going to give you the breakthrough. You are going to have breakthroughs after breakthroughs in Jesus' name, even before this year ends. That's great. It's going to be miracles. We sang just now, we are in the house of miracles. Why not? Because God is in the house, and he is for you." [05:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's so inevitable that there is a change that happens, because Jesus will not tolerate any demon in your life. And I don't think that you and I should tolerate anything that is not from God. You are a child of God. You are saved by the blood of Jesus, by the grace of God. And that's what I tell and challenge many of our people in our congregation." [06:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Life is full of twists and turns. But you've got to make a decision that you will seek God's wisdom in your life. Don't look at yourself as a refugee. Now you are here on refugee status under the UN. But you are a Christian. So if you sit down. If you sit down in our services, I'm not going to pamper you. I love you. I will do all that I can. Our church will do all that we can to help you. But first and foremost, you are a child of God." [08:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Now many Christians affirm that Jesus loves them. They say, yes, I believe in Jesus. I believe that if I die, I am going to heaven. So they believe in Jesus, but they have a tough time trusting Jesus. There is a big difference between believing in Jesus and trusting Him. And so I pray that somehow today the Holy Spirit will speak to us. Because wisdom is so necessary to negotiate through life's journey and through the path." [12:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Trust in the Lord entirely. That's all. We know you believe in the Lord. We know you believe in God. We know if you die you're going to heaven. Especially you are a Christian believer. But it says trust in the Lord. Entirely. We know that as Christians it's our job to go to church. To read our Bibles. To sing our songs and worship God. But many times our mind tells us well the Bible is kind of old fashioned. It's not relevant today." [15:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The proof that we don't trust God. Is that we turn to other sources first. The proof that we don't trust God first. Is that we. Many times I made that horrible mistake. I've been there. I've done that. I'm old enough. I'm strong enough. I'm smart enough. I'm surrounded by people. Who know about the situation. So I'll trust myself. And then really regret later on. Why should I trust God first?" [18:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God is our source. He is the same God in the Bible. And he is the same God working in Malaysia. And in Great Britain. So often people will say. Well God has given you a brain. Use it. Of course we use our brains. God has given you common sense. We should use it. Shouldn't we? Of course. But make sure that our brain and our common sense. Is tied into God's supervision." [21:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "There is certain wisdom. That does not come from God. But is earthly. Sensual. And demonic. So there's another voice that's constantly speaking. To interrupt the voice of God. Satan if he could talk angels out of heaven. He will talk you out of going to heaven. He will do his best. So there are things that are earthly. Sensual or unspiritual. And demonic. But God also. Says. But true wisdom that comes from heaven. Is pure. Is peace loving. Considerate. Submissive. And full of mercy." [22:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Life is worth living. With all its twists. And turns. Because the author and finisher. Of life and of our faith. Is Jesus. So we can turn to him. Amen. Praise God. Amen." [25:34] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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