Prepared for Purpose: Trusting God's Timing and Provision

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the theme of being prepared for purpose, drawing from John 21:1-14. This passage recounts the story of Jesus appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection. The disciples, led by Peter, had returned to fishing, a familiar activity, after experiencing the highs of Jesus' ministry and resurrection. Despite their efforts, they caught nothing until Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in an abundant catch. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is always preparing something greater for us, even when we revert to old habits or familiar comforts.

The essence of our time together was to encourage everyone to trust in God's process and timing. Just as the disciples were reminded of Jesus' power and provision, we too are called to remember that God is actively working in our lives, preparing blessings and opportunities that align with our purpose. The challenge is to resist the urge to return to old ways when faced with uncertainty or delay. Instead, we are invited to trust that God is "cooking" something special for us, and our role is to remain patient and faithful.

We also celebrated the importance of community and mentorship, as seen in the relationship between Peter and John. Having people around us who can remind us of God's past faithfulness is crucial. This community aspect was highlighted through the various church activities and events mentioned, emphasizing the role of fellowship in our spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust in God's Timing: Just as the disciples had to wait for Jesus' instruction to cast their nets, we must trust that God is preparing something for us, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Our patience and faith are crucial during these times of waiting. [01:04:50]

2. Avoid Reverting to Old Habits: When faced with uncertainty, it's tempting to return to familiar comforts. However, God calls us to move forward in faith, trusting that He is preparing new opportunities and blessings for us. [01:19:31]

3. Community and Mentorship: Having people around us who can remind us of God's faithfulness is vital. Just as John reminded Peter of Jesus' presence, we need community to help us stay focused on God's promises. [01:33:57]

4. God's Provision is Abundant: The disciples' abundant catch after following Jesus' instruction illustrates that God's provision exceeds our expectations. When we align with His purpose, we experience His blessings in ways we couldn't imagine. [01:40:47]

5. God Uses Our Raw Offerings: God invites us to bring our raw, unrefined selves to Him. He takes what we offer, no matter how imperfect, and transforms it into something beautiful and purposeful. [01:43:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00:12] - Introduction to John 21
- [01:04:50] - Trusting God's Process
- [01:19:31] - Avoiding Old Habits
- [01:33:57] - Community and Mentorship
- [01:40:47] - God's Abundant Provision
- [01:43:37] - Offering Our Raw Selves
- [01:46:05] - Invitation to Trust Jesus
- [01:50:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Fellowship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 21:1-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the disciples doing when Jesus appeared to them by the Sea of Galilee, and what was the result of their efforts before Jesus intervened? [01:00:12]

2. How did the disciples recognize that it was Jesus on the shore, and what was Peter's immediate reaction upon realizing it was Him? [01:33:57]

3. What specific instruction did Jesus give to the disciples, and what was the outcome when they followed it? [01:40:47]

4. Describe the scene that the disciples encountered when they reached the shore. What was Jesus doing, and what did He invite them to do? [01:43:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might the disciples have chosen to return to fishing after experiencing Jesus' resurrection, and what does this suggest about human nature when faced with uncertainty? [01:19:31]

2. How does the interaction between Jesus and the disciples in this passage illustrate the importance of community and mentorship in recognizing God's presence and work in our lives? [01:33:57]

3. In what ways does the abundant catch of fish serve as a metaphor for God's provision and the blessings that come from aligning with His purpose? [01:40:47]

4. What does Jesus' invitation to bring their raw fish and His provision of a prepared meal signify about how God uses our offerings, no matter how imperfect they may be? [01:43:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to revert to old habits or comforts during a period of uncertainty. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to trust in God's timing? [01:19:31]

2. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. Who are the "Johns" in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness, and how can you strengthen these relationships? [01:33:57]

3. Identify an area in your life where you feel God is "cooking" something special for you. What steps can you take to remain patient and faithful during this process? [01:04:50]

4. Think about a situation where you experienced God's abundant provision. How did this experience shape your understanding of His blessings, and how can you share this testimony with others? [01:40:47]

5. What raw offerings do you have in your life that you can bring to God for transformation? How can you trust Him to turn these into something beautiful and purposeful? [01:43:37]

6. How can you actively resist the urge to return to familiar comforts when faced with challenges, and instead move forward in faith? What practical steps can you take this week to align with God's purpose for your life? [01:19:31]

7. Reflect on the importance of mentorship in your life. How can you be a mentor to someone else, helping them to see God's work in their life as John did for Peter? [01:33:57]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in Divine Timing
In moments of waiting, it can be challenging to trust that something greater is being prepared for us. The disciples, after a night of fruitless fishing, were reminded of this truth when Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. Their obedience led to an abundant catch, illustrating that God's timing and instructions are perfect. We are encouraged to trust in God's process, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Our patience and faith during these times of waiting are crucial, as God is actively working behind the scenes to align blessings and opportunities with our purpose. [01:04:50]

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel like you're waiting on God? How can you practice patience and trust in His timing today?


Day 2: Moving Beyond Familiar Comforts
When faced with uncertainty, it's natural to revert to familiar habits and comforts. The disciples returned to fishing, a familiar activity, after Jesus' resurrection. However, Jesus called them to move forward in faith, leading to a miraculous catch. This serves as a reminder that God is preparing new opportunities and blessings for us, and we are invited to step out of our comfort zones and trust in His guidance. By resisting the urge to return to old ways, we open ourselves to the new paths God is creating for us. [01:19:31]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: Identify a habit or comfort you tend to revert to when uncertain. How can you take a step of faith today to embrace the new opportunities God is preparing for you?


Day 3: The Power of Community and Mentorship
The relationship between Peter and John highlights the importance of having a supportive community and mentors who remind us of God's faithfulness. In times of doubt or uncertainty, having people around us who can point us back to God's promises is vital. This community aspect is crucial in our spiritual journey, as it helps us stay focused and encouraged. By engaging in fellowship and surrounding ourselves with those who uplift us, we can better navigate the challenges of life and remain anchored in our faith. [01:33:57]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who in your life serves as a spiritual mentor or encourager? How can you strengthen your connection with them or seek out new mentors to support your faith journey?


Day 4: Experiencing God's Abundant Provision
The disciples' abundant catch after following Jesus' instruction is a testament to God's provision exceeding our expectations. When we align ourselves with His purpose and follow His guidance, we experience blessings in ways we couldn't imagine. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide for our needs abundantly. By seeking His will and being obedient to His instructions, we open ourselves to the fullness of His blessings and provision. [01:40:47]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His continued provision?


Day 5: Offering Our Raw Selves to God
God invites us to bring our raw, unrefined selves to Him, trusting that He will transform what we offer into something beautiful and purposeful. Just as the disciples brought their catch to Jesus, we are encouraged to present our lives, with all their imperfections, to God. He takes what we offer and uses it for His glory, shaping us into vessels for His purpose. This act of surrender allows us to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives. [01:43:37]

2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

Reflection: What part of your life do you feel is too imperfect to offer to God? How can you take a step today to surrender it to Him, trusting in His transformative power?

Quotes

"Come on, why don't y 'all put your hands together for our young people, I pray. Come on, why don't y 'all put your hands together for our young people, I pray. See how God can use you or see what's being provided so that you can be blessed and you'll see how God wants to work for you. Come on, proceed with our announcements now. Good morning," [00:29:57]

"And I know y 'all looking like, I got my own cornbread recipe. I see it on your face. Well, whatever it is you have, one of the things we know is that both music and meals have been a part, a cornerstone of who we are. We'll talk about that. We want to make sure we keep that, keep that a part of who we are. How many of y 'all had some real good conversations around the table? You learned some things and gained some wisdom. Amen. So, again, we want to hold that as part of our cornerstone." [00:44:12]

"One of the things that we know is that our world is as has always been, just kind of up and down, topsy -turvy. And as we go to this moment of giving, we come honoring God. And so we give for so many reasons. We give because we trust God. We come because we believe God's word, that the tithe is at 10%. And there are so many areas of life that you can withhold. Hold, you can maybe hold back on. One thing you don't want to do is hold out on God. How many of y 'all know God keeps applying for you no matter what you go through? Come on, anybody? Yeah, not just financially, but he does it holistically." [00:44:12]

"Philippians 419 is a scripture we stood on month after month, week after week, year after year. Our church is 40 years plus, 41, so decades we stood on this. And it says, and my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Listen, you're giving your 10 % and stewarding the 90 % and then giving over and beyond an offering. It's one of the many ways that we are able to experience, not God blessing us, but experience how much God has for us holistically. It's not just money giving, money giving back. It is your connection with him. It is one of the ways that we operate in our faith. We give, not because we have, but we have because we give." [00:44:12]

"First of all, we ask that you would multiply our giving. We ask that you would help our hearts understand what our hands are doing. They're more than just releasing money, releasing a card or releasing an envelope. God, we are giving over to you all that we struggle with, all that we challenge with. We're giving to you, God, the blessing from the gifts you've given us, the physical ability you've given us, the mind that you've given us. So now, take it as seed. Grow it for your kingdom building so that lives are changed and ministry can be going forward and programs can be built and communities can be blessed. We believe you will do it. And so we thank you in advance. We ask this prayer and this blessing over our giving and every giver. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Amen. Come on, let us worship God and give and receive our young people as they lead us." [00:44:12]

"Listen, we have been walking through purpose. We have been trying to find purpose, repurpose, align purpose. This week we've been activating purpose. And I want to kind of stay in that vein today, looking at John chapter 21. John chapter 21. Now, I'm going to be honest. We're going to read a little bit, but we're going to try to break it down. John 21. We're going to start at verse 1, and we're going to conclude at verse 14." [00:58:44]

"John 21, beginning at verse 1, and we're concluding at verse 14. Amen. You there already? I got there quick. You there? If you're with us online, type it in the chat. If you're with us on site, just remind me that you have it so you can read it later on this week. Come on, what book you in? John. John, what chapter? 21. 21, we'll start reading at verse 1, and stop at verse." [01:00:12]

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, Friends, haven't you any fish? No, they answered. He said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple, whom Jesus loved, said to Peter, It is the Lord." [01:01:52]

"As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, It is the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him, for he had taken it off and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals, there with fish on it and some bread." [01:02:15]

"Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish you have just caught. So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples, after he was raised from the dead. You may be seated. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. There are a number of verses we're going to highlight." [01:02:15]

"Verse 9 says, When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals, there with fish on it, and some bread. We've been talking about purpose, realigning purpose, activating purpose, living out your purpose. I want to maybe just kind of tag our time together. I want to talk about you being prepared for purpose. That's it. You are prepared for purpose. You are prepared for purpose. It's you Sunday, so I have a self -title. I just want to shout out, Let Them Cook." [01:02:15]

"Come on, somebody, somebody real quick, just shout out, Let Them Cook. Let Them Cook. Father, we thank you for this time, and we pray. Pray, first of all, that everything we've experienced already, the God that... our spirit soak that in. We want to leave here still echoing that you have melodies from heaven that trouble will not last always. We want to leave here, God, still lifting up our voices in song. We want to leave here knowing that our prayers have been answered. We want to walk out with answers to our solutions, answers to our problems, healing for our hurts. God, we want to walk out knowing that we've been with you. We showed up the church and we're excited about being among the people, but God, we want to know we've got a word from you to hold on to, something that will encourage us, something we can share with others, something that will keep us focused, not on everything, but on what you called us to. So, Father, now in the name of Jesus, I pray that all of who I am be decreased so you get honor and glory from this moment. You've used our young people. You've sung through our praise and worship team. You've sat us around people, God, who know how good you are. Now, God, take this moment. Teach us your will. Show us your way." [01:02:15]

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Transcript
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