Refined Through Trials: Trusting God's Perfect Timing
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of life, it's evident that despite the challenges and adversities faced, God's goodness prevails. The trials and tribulations we encounter are not meant to destroy us but to shape us into the individuals God has called us to be. Just as a diamond is formed under immense pressure and heat, so too are we refined through life's pressures. It's crucial to hold on to God, especially in difficult seasons, trusting in His unchanging nature and promises.
The story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John serves as a powerful reminder that it's not over until God says it's over. Jesus, despite knowing Lazarus was dead, delayed His visit to demonstrate His power and to strengthen the faith of His disciples. This narrative teaches us that God's timing is perfect, and His delays are not denials. Even when situations seem hopeless, like Lazarus being in the tomb for four days, Jesus shows that He can bring life to dead situations.
Faith is the key to witnessing God's glory. Often, our lack of faith hinders us from seeing the miraculous. We must believe that God will show up and turn things around, even when circumstances seem dire. The removal of obstacles, symbolized by the stone at Lazarus's tomb, is necessary for deliverance. Sometimes, we need to remove people or things from our lives that block our blessings.
God calls us by name, even when we are bound by life's challenges. Just as Lazarus was called out of the tomb, we too are called out of our dead situations. The enemy may try to kill the miracle God is working in our lives, but he cannot destroy what he did not create. We are eligible for miracles, and nothing in our past can disqualify us from God's blessings. Trust in God's voice, and let Him lead you to the deliverance and freedom He has prepared for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Life's pressures are not meant to crush us but to form us into who God has called us to be. Like a diamond, we are refined through trials, and these experiences are purposeful, building us into stronger individuals. [00:10:00]
- God's timing is perfect, and His delays are not denials. The story of Lazarus teaches us that even when situations seem hopeless, God can bring life to dead circumstances. Trust in His timing and His power to resurrect what seems lost. [01:07:32]
- Faith is essential to witnessing God's glory. Our lack of faith can hinder us from experiencing the miraculous. Believe that God will show up and turn things around, even when circumstances seem dire. [01:18:42]
- Removing obstacles is necessary for deliverance. Sometimes, we need to remove people or things from our lives that block our blessings. This act of faith allows God to work freely in our lives. [01:35:46]
- God calls us by name, even when we are bound by life's challenges. The enemy may try to kill the miracle God is working in our lives, but he cannot destroy what he did not create. Trust in God's voice and let Him lead you to freedom. [02:01:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10:00] - The Purpose of Pressure
- [00:20:00] - Holding On to God's Promises
- [00:30:00] - The Story of Lazarus
- [00:40:00] - God's Perfect Timing
- [00:50:00] - Faith and God's Glory
- [01:00:00] - Removing Obstacles to Deliverance
- [01:10:00] - God's Call to Freedom
- [01:20:00] - The Power of God's Voice
- [01:30:00] - Eligible for Miracles
- [01:40:00] - Trusting God's Plan
- [01:50:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [02:00:00] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 11:38-44
Observation Questions:
1. What was Jesus' initial reaction when He arrived at Lazarus's tomb, and what did He instruct to be done first? [01:07:32]
2. How did Martha and Mary react to Jesus' arrival, and what does this reveal about their faith at that moment? [01:07:32]
3. What was the significance of Jesus calling Lazarus by name when He commanded him to come out of the tomb? [01:18:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have delayed His visit to Lazarus, and what does this teach about God's timing in our lives? [01:07:32]
2. How does the story of Lazarus illustrate the concept that "it's not over until God says it's over"? [01:18:42]
3. In what ways does the removal of the stone from Lazarus's tomb symbolize the removal of obstacles in our spiritual lives? [01:35:46]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up due to life's pressures. How can the analogy of a diamond being formed under pressure encourage you to persevere? [01:07:32]
2. Consider a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you trust in God's perfect timing and power to bring life to that situation? [01:07:32]
3. Identify an area in your life where a lack of faith might be hindering you from witnessing God's glory. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in that area? [01:18:42]
4. Are there any "stones" or obstacles in your life that need to be removed for you to experience deliverance? What practical steps can you take to remove them? [01:35:46]
5. Think about a time when you felt bound by life's challenges. How can you listen for God's voice calling you to freedom, and what actions can you take to respond to that call? [02:01:43]
6. Reflect on the people or things in your life that might be blocking your blessings. How can you discern which relationships or habits need to be reevaluated or removed? [01:35:46]
7. How can you remind yourself daily that you are eligible for God's miracles, regardless of your past? What specific affirmations or practices can help reinforce this belief? [02:01:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Pressure as a Tool for Transformation
Life's pressures are not meant to crush us but to form us into who God has called us to be. Like a diamond, we are refined through trials, and these experiences are purposeful, building us into stronger individuals. The challenges we face are not random; they are part of a divine process that shapes our character and faith. Embracing this perspective allows us to see trials not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and transformation. When we trust in God's purpose, we can endure life's pressures with hope and resilience. [10:00]
"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance." (Psalm 66:10-12, ESV)
Reflection: What current pressure in your life can you view as an opportunity for growth, and how can you invite God into this process today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
God's timing is perfect, and His delays are not denials. The story of Lazarus teaches us that even when situations seem hopeless, God can bring life to dead circumstances. Trust in His timing and His power to resurrect what seems lost. When we face delays, it is easy to become discouraged, but these moments are often when God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for something greater. By trusting in His timing, we align ourselves with His divine plan and open our hearts to His miraculous interventions. [01:07:32]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you surrender this to Him today and rest in His perfect plan?
Day 3: Faith as the Key to Witnessing Miracles
Faith is essential to witnessing God's glory. Our lack of faith can hinder us from experiencing the miraculous. Believe that God will show up and turn things around, even when circumstances seem dire. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and power. When we cultivate a strong faith, we position ourselves to see God's hand at work in our lives, transforming the impossible into the possible. [01:18:42]
"And Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea," it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.'" (Matthew 21:21-22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to exercise more faith? How can you actively trust God in this area today?
Day 4: Removing Obstacles to Experience Deliverance
Removing obstacles is necessary for deliverance. Sometimes, we need to remove people or things from our lives that block our blessings. This act of faith allows God to work freely in our lives. Identifying and removing these obstacles requires discernment and courage, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's deliverance. By clearing the path, we make room for God's blessings to flow into our lives unhindered. [01:35:46]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one obstacle in your life that you need to remove to allow God's blessings to flow freely? How can you take a step towards removing it today?
Day 5: Hearing God's Call to Freedom
God calls us by name, even when we are bound by life's challenges. The enemy may try to kill the miracle God is working in our lives, but he cannot destroy what he did not create. Trust in God's voice and let Him lead you to freedom. God's call is personal and powerful, inviting us to step out of our limitations and into the abundant life He has prepared for us. By listening to His voice, we can break free from the chains that hold us back and walk confidently in His promises. [02:01:43]
"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'" (Isaiah 43:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to hear God's call to freedom? How can you respond to His voice and step into the freedom He offers today?
Quotes
"As I look back over my life And I start to think things over Lord I can testify this morning That the enemy had Against my life It has failed Because Lord You've been So good To me That when I was down And didn't think I could get back up Lord you lifted me And I can testify That Lord you've been" [00:36:37] (45 seconds)
"trials and tribulations will come to us all it doesn't make a difference how saved you are how much you come to church it doesn't make a difference how educated you are or are not or how much money you have in your pocket or in the bank we will all have our shares of trials and tribulations the question is not about if we will have trials but the question is how we handle those trials" [01:00:58] (30 seconds)
"jesus stays where he is two additional days and he tells his disciples that we need to go to judea and they remind jesus very quickly jesus they were just trying to kill you in judea why in the world would you go back there he tells them that lazarus my friend is asleep and they said to him well if lazarus is asleep he'll wake up again ain't no need for us to put ourselves at risk of death if lazarus is just sleep let him sleep and he'll be all right" [01:06:05] (36 seconds)
"jesus reminds her very quickly martha you will see your brother again she said i know i'll see him again in the resurrection jesus said baby i am the resurrection and the life you're looking at the resurrection i know you're heated but i still can rise him up again word gets to mary i'm doing the best i can thank you mary gets word that jesus is in town and mary is a little bit more salty than martha is" [01:09:31] (35 seconds)
"jesus gets there he's deeply deeply moved so show me show me where you laid them they tell jesus jesus it's too late the body is well decomposed after four days and he stinks i want you to know that jesus specializes in stinky situations i know your situation stink but jesus not afraid of the odor off your stuff that that jesus will show up in your stinky situations there's not a situation you face in your life is that it's too messy for jesus to reach down and get his hands dirty" [01:11:56] (52 seconds)
"That sometimes we can't see God's glory because our faith gets in the way. Or should I say our lack of faith gets in our way. But when we have faith in God, I believe I'm going to see his glory. I'm just crazy enough to believe that God is going to bless me. I don't know when, I don't know how, but I know God is going to show up for me." [01:14:11] (24 seconds)
"Because the stone is going to hinder the deliverance. I'll ask the question, what's blocking your deliverance? What won't you move out of the way so God can deliver you? Let me ask you the different way. Who won't you move? Who won't you move? Out of the way. So God can deliver you. If you drop some people out of your life, you may see deliverance coming." [01:16:59] (36 seconds)
"Jesus says, they take the stone away and Jesus says in a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. Come out. Come here. Jesus doesn't say, come. Doesn't say, come out. Get up. He says, Lazarus, come out. Jesus had to call him by name. Because you don't want every dead thing to get up. There are some dead things" [01:19:41] (44 seconds)
"still hear him calling my name and although i can't see where he's taking me i know that he's calling me so i just keep following his voice so i can get to the deliverance that has my name on it i i just ain't for everybody this just for a few of us that need to be delivered from some dead stuff i i'm just wondering do you hear him what do you hear him calling he comes out of the tomb and jesus says i like king james version better jesus says loose them and let him go" [01:22:37] (44 seconds)
"eligible for a miracle that would eliminate you from being eligible for a miracle right now no let me give you a definition of a miracle a miracle is something that nobody else can do but God you've tried to fix it you've tried to do it you've helped you asked other people to help you you you solicit everybody else's stuff and nobody has been able to help you like you needed to help but God says you are miracle eligible today" [01:37:26] (50 seconds)
"Father in the name of Jesus thank you that our past has not stolen our opportunity to be miracle eligible thank you God that you would even think about blessing a wretch like me as messed up and jacked up and tore up as I am God thank you that you still calling my name thank you Lord that you love me enough not to leave me bound and not to leave me in the tomb thank you Lord because I'm coming out I'm coming out bound but I'm coming out God I'm coming out messed up but I'm coming out" [01:39:46] (52 seconds)
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