Renewing Strength Through Faith Amid Disappointment
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound truth that disappointment can stifle our faith. We began by reflecting on Isaiah 40:31, which reminds us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. This scripture underscores the importance of patience and trust in God, especially during times of weakness and discouragement. We explored the concept of treasure, defining it as something precious and invaluable, kept with careful and intentional attention. Our treasure, as believers, is the power of God within us, housed in our fragile, earthen vessels.
We discussed the reality that even the strongest among us can grow weary and fall, but those who wait on the Lord will find renewed strength. This waiting is not passive but involves hoping for and anticipating God's intervention. Disappointment, however, can lead to a loss of hope, making our hearts sick and causing us to lean on our own understanding rather than trusting in God.
We examined the dangers of forfeiting our treasure due to disappointment. Forfeiting means losing, surrendering, giving over, or neglecting our treasure. Disappointment can lead to fleshly reasoning and unbelief, which in turn can cause us to lean on our own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord with all our hearts, as Proverbs 3:5 instructs.
We also touched on the importance of recognizing our weaknesses, or "Achilles' heels," and being vigilant against the enemy's attacks. The enemy knows our weak spots and will exploit them to make us feel inadequate or unworthy. However, we must focus on who God is, what His Word says, and who He says we are. God is good, faithful, and His mercy endures forever.
Finally, we addressed the issue of praying for healing and the disappointment that can arise when our prayers seem unanswered. We looked at the example of Jesus, who experienced disappointment when He could not perform many miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief. Yet, He did not let this stop Him from continuing His ministry. We are encouraged to keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God's promises, regardless of past disappointments.
### Key Takeaways
1. Disappointment and Faith: Disappointment can stifle our faith, making us lose hope and lean on our own understanding. However, Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. This waiting involves active hope and anticipation of God's intervention. [10:15]
2. Treasure in Earthen Vessels: Our treasure is the power of God within us, housed in our fragile, earthen vessels. This power is invaluable and must be guarded against disappointment, which can lead to forfeiting this treasure. Forfeiting means losing, surrendering, giving over, or neglecting our treasure. [20:45]
3. Recognizing Weaknesses: We must recognize our weaknesses, or "Achilles' heels," and be vigilant against the enemy's attacks. The enemy knows our weak spots and will exploit them to make us feel inadequate or unworthy. By focusing on who God is and what His Word says, we can stand firm against these attacks. [45:30]
4. Praying for Healing: When praying for healing, we may face disappointment if our prayers seem unanswered. Jesus Himself experienced this when He could not perform many miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief. Yet, He continued His ministry. We must keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God's promises, regardless of past disappointments. [1:10:00]
5. Living Vigilantly: We must live vigilantly, always on guard against the enemy's schemes. This involves being sober and vigilant, recognizing our weaknesses, and relying on God's strength. By doing so, we can navigate disappointment in a way that builds us up rather than breaks us down. [1:30:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
[2:30] - Opening Scripture: Isaiah 40:31
[5:00] - Disappointment Stifles Faith
[10:15] - Renewing Strength Through Waiting on the Lord
[15:00] - Definition of Treasure
[20:45] - Treasure in Earthen Vessels
[25:00] - The Unsearchable Riches of God
[30:00] - Recognizing Our Weaknesses
[35:00] - The Impact of Disappointment
[45:30] - Navigating Disappointment Successfully
[55:00] - The Reality of Life's Afflictions
[1:05:00] - Praying for Healing and Facing Disappointment
[1:10:00] - Jesus' Experience with Disappointment
[1:20:00] - Keep Praying and Believing
[1:30:00] - Living Vigilantly Against the Enemy
[1:40:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
2. 2 Corinthians 4:7 - "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
3. Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 40:31 promise to those who wait upon the Lord? How does this relate to the concept of renewing strength? [5:00]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, what is the "treasure" that believers have, and where is it housed? [20:45]
3. How does Proverbs 3:5 instruct us to handle our understanding and trust in the Lord? [35:00]
4. What example from Jesus' life was given to illustrate dealing with disappointment in ministry? [1:10:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Isaiah 40:31 of renewed strength through waiting on the Lord challenge our natural response to disappointment and weariness? [10:15]
2. In what ways can believers guard the "treasure" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:7 against the threat of disappointment? [20:45]
3. How can leaning on our own understanding, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5, lead to forfeiting our spiritual treasure? [35:00]
4. Reflecting on Jesus' experience with disappointment in His hometown, how should believers respond when their prayers for healing or miracles seem unanswered? [1:10:00]
### Application Questions
1. Think of a recent time when you felt disappointed. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to wait upon the Lord and renew your strength? [10:15]
2. Identify a "treasure" in your life that you feel is under threat from disappointment. What practical steps can you take to guard this treasure? [20:45]
3. Are there areas in your life where you are leaning on your own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord? How can you shift your focus to trust God more fully? [35:00]
4. How do you typically respond to unanswered prayers? What can you learn from Jesus' example to keep praying and believing despite past disappointments? [1:10:00]
5. What are some of your personal "Achilles' heels" or weaknesses that the enemy might exploit? How can you be more vigilant in these areas? [45:30]
6. Reflect on a time when you prayed for someone's healing and it didn't happen as expected. How did this affect your faith, and what steps can you take to maintain hope and continue praying for others? [1:10:00]
7. How can you live more vigilantly against the enemy's schemes in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to stay sober and vigilant as instructed in the sermon? [1:30:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Renewing Strength Through Active Waiting
Disappointment can stifle our faith, making us lose hope and lean on our own understanding. However, Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. This waiting involves active hope and anticipation of God's intervention. [10:15]
Disappointment is a powerful emotion that can erode our faith and make us feel distant from God. When we face setbacks or unfulfilled expectations, it is easy to lean on our own understanding and lose sight of God's promises. Isaiah 40:31 offers a profound reminder that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. This waiting is not passive; it involves actively hoping for and anticipating God's intervention in our lives. By placing our trust in Him, we can find the strength to overcome our disappointments and continue our journey of faith.
The act of waiting on the Lord requires patience and trust. It means believing that God is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see immediate results. This kind of faith is essential for navigating life's challenges and maintaining our spiritual vitality. When we wait on the Lord, we are not just biding our time; we are actively engaging in a relationship with Him, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His perfect timing.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment you have faced. How can you actively wait on the Lord and trust in His timing for this situation?
Day 2: Guarding the Treasure Within
Our treasure is the power of God within us, housed in our fragile, earthen vessels. This power is invaluable and must be guarded against disappointment, which can lead to forfeiting this treasure. Forfeiting means losing, surrendering, giving over, or neglecting our treasure. [20:45]
As believers, we carry a precious treasure within us—the power of God. This treasure is housed in our fragile, earthen vessels, symbolizing our human frailty. The power of God within us is invaluable and must be guarded with great care. Disappointment can pose a significant threat to this treasure, as it can lead us to forfeit it by losing hope, surrendering to despair, or neglecting our spiritual well-being.
Forfeiting our treasure means allowing disappointment to overshadow our faith and trust in God. It means giving in to fleshly reasoning and unbelief, which can cause us to lean on our own understanding rather than relying on God's wisdom. To guard this treasure, we must remain vigilant and intentional in our spiritual practices, continually seeking God's presence and reminding ourselves of His promises.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to guard the treasure of God's power within you, especially in the face of disappointment?
Day 3: Recognizing and Addressing Our Weaknesses
We must recognize our weaknesses, or "Achilles' heels," and be vigilant against the enemy's attacks. The enemy knows our weak spots and will exploit them to make us feel inadequate or unworthy. By focusing on who God is and what His Word says, we can stand firm against these attacks. [45:30]
Every believer has weaknesses, often referred to as "Achilles' heels," that the enemy seeks to exploit. These weaknesses can make us feel inadequate, unworthy, and distant from God. Recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining our spiritual health and standing firm against the enemy's attacks. The enemy is well aware of our weak spots and will use them to sow seeds of doubt and discouragement.
To combat these attacks, we must focus on who God is and what His Word says about us. God's Word is a powerful weapon against the lies of the enemy. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and reminding ourselves of God's promises, we can counteract feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. God's truth affirms our identity in Christ and empowers us to overcome our weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Identify one of your weaknesses that the enemy often exploits. How can you use God's Word to stand firm against these attacks?
Day 4: Persevering in Prayer Despite Disappointment
When praying for healing, we may face disappointment if our prayers seem unanswered. Jesus Himself experienced this when He could not perform many miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief. Yet, He continued His ministry. We must keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God's promises, regardless of past disappointments. [1:10:00]
Prayer is a vital aspect of our relationship with God, but it can also be a source of disappointment when our prayers seem unanswered. This is especially true when we pray for healing and do not see immediate results. Even Jesus experienced disappointment when He could not perform many miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief. Despite this, He did not let it deter Him from His ministry. He continued to pray, believe, and trust in God's plan.
As believers, we are called to persevere in prayer, even when we face disappointment. This perseverance is an expression of our faith and trust in God's promises. It means continuing to pray, believe, and trust in God's goodness, regardless of past experiences. By doing so, we demonstrate our reliance on God and our commitment to His will.
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a prayer request that has gone unanswered. How can you renew your commitment to pray, believe, and trust in God's promises for this situation?
Day 5: Living Vigilantly Against the Enemy
We must live vigilantly, always on guard against the enemy's schemes. This involves being sober and vigilant, recognizing our weaknesses, and relying on God's strength. By doing so, we can navigate disappointment in a way that builds us up rather than breaks us down. [1:30:00]
Living a vigilant life means being constantly aware of the enemy's schemes and guarding against them. The enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses and lead us into disappointment and despair. To live vigilantly, we must be sober-minded and alert, recognizing our vulnerabilities and relying on God's strength to overcome them. This vigilance is essential for navigating life's challenges and maintaining our spiritual well-being.
By living vigilantly, we can turn disappointment into an opportunity for growth rather than allowing it to break us down. This involves staying connected to God through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. It means being proactive in our spiritual practices and continually seeking God's guidance and strength. By doing so, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks and remain steadfast in our faith.
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: How can you be more vigilant in your daily life to guard against the enemy's schemes and navigate disappointment in a way that strengthens your faith?
Quotes
1. "Disappointment stifles faith. And for those of us that are here, we've been here, you know, we've been in this, in this sitting under the teachings of this house. Not just me, but there's great, greater preachers than I am. But I'm just saying the preachers in this house we've been sitting under, we know what we're talking about when we say faith. We know. We're not talking about a denomination or a religion. We're talking about a relationship. A trust relationship with God is really what faith is. It's a trust relationship with Goddesse." [00:02:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Treasure means something counted, precious and invaluable, kept with careful and intentional attention. Let me say that again. Treasure means something counted, precious and invaluable, kept with careful and intentional attention. Don't forfeit your treasure." [00:05:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What that means is as long as you are living on the earth in your physical body, you will never, ever know all there is to know about God. You will never have all the answers to all the questions. You can't because he's unsearchable. The Bible says there is no searching of his understanding. You're never gonna tap it all out and have everything. That's why you need me. That's why I need you. That's why we need each other. Because we as individuals will never have everything and have all the answers." [00:06:00] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Disappointment can cause fleshly reasoning that can cause unbelief to set in and a leaning to our own understanding. Let me say it again. Disappointment can cause fleshly reasoning that can cause unbelief to set in and a leaning to our own understanding. But we understand. We don't got to go there. But we understand in proverbs, chapter three, verse five that it declares, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Somebody say all your heart. Say it again. All your heart." [00:20:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some things we won't understand or have answers to until we see him face to face in the eternity of eternities. And a preacher that would lead you to believe that they have all the answers, run from that preacher. There are some things. This is just a raw reality. There are some things we won't understand or have answers to until we see him face to face in the eternities of eternity. But that's why we need him. Amen. That's why we're dependent on him. That's why we lean on him. That's why we look to him. Because he is the only one who can explain everything. He is the only one who has all the answers." [00:22:00] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "How do we keep hope alive in the face of disappointment? We must focus on who God is. And the biggest trick of the enemy is he wants to loom so large in front of us that he wants us to see nothing but what's in front of us. And that's my friend. When we have to go inward, we have to. If we're going to live, we've got to go inward. If we're going to survive trial, battle, affliction, we've got to go inward. We've got to. What the enemy wants to do is, and the only thing he can bully you with is what's on the outside. That's the only thing he can bully you with." [00:30:00] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You got to know what your weakness is. You got to know what your achilles. Some people, it's offense. They get offended at the slightest thing. You look at them half cockeyed, and they're offended. You know what I'm saying? And then when they get offended, it takes them forever to get over it, and all they want to do is rehearse the offense, talk about the offense. Have you ever talked to somebody and you love them, but you kind of want to steer away from them? Because when they talk, all they do is talk about who hurt them." [00:40:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How do we keep hope alive in the face of disappointment? We must focus on who God is, what his word says, and who God says we are. God is good and his mercy endures forever. Church. Church. I said, God is good and his mercy endures forever. Church. You didn't hear me. I said, God is good and his mercy endureth forever. That's psalm 100, verse five. God is faithful. I don't understand why that happened the way it did, but God is faithful. No, it didn't go the way I believed for it or the way I wanted it to go. But God is faithful." [01:00:00] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So we see here in Matthew chapter 13, verse 58, Jesus could not do many miracles because of their unbelief. But guess what? He didn't stop. So he was disappointed. But he didn't let his disappointment turn into a heart sickness. He didn't let his disappointment strip him of hope because the Bible goes on to say in Matthew chapter 14 that he did some major healing. He had a major healing success. So after Matthew chapter 13. Let's read it real quick. Just one verse. Matthew 1414. Real quick. Matthew 1414." [01:20:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So see, the enemy knows that if you keep on praying, you're going to see some extraordinary miracles. That's why he's trying to stop you. Because he knows if you keep, you're dangerous. You are dangerous. Hell is nervous about you and your existence. The devil knows if you keep praying, some blind eyes gonna be open. The devil knows if you keep praying, some lame person is gonna walk. The devil knows if you keep praying. He wants to stop you from believing. God, listen to what it says. Be you strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." [01:30:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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