Seizing Divine Moments: Trusting God's Timing and Call
Summary
In the midst of this extraordinary season, I am reminded of the profound power of God's Word and its application to our daily lives. As I delve into the Scriptures, I am not merely preparing sermons; I am seeking to live out the truths I encounter. It is from this place of authentic living that I am able to share and teach. This weekend, as I observed the bustling activity at the Joseph Storehouse, I was struck by the dedication of our volunteers, individuals who serve without seeking recognition, embodying the essence of true servanthood.
The story of Gideon resonates deeply with me. Gideon, who saw himself as the least in his family, was called by God to lead Israel against the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitation, Gideon's story is a testament to God's ability to use anyone who is willing to step into the moment and embrace what God is doing. The Midianites, who had oppressed Israel by destroying their crops, were a constant reminder that just as we are on the verge of breakthrough, challenges often arise. Yet, it is in these moments that we must seize the opportunity to trust in God's provision and timing.
The account of Gideon's army being reduced to 300 men teaches us that God equips those He calls. The strategy given to Gideon was unconventional—breaking pitchers to reveal light, blowing horns, and shouting. It was not the might of the army but their obedience and God's power that brought victory. This narrative encourages us to let our light shine and to trust that God is working even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
The urgency of seizing the moment is paramount. We are called to be aware of what God is doing in the present and to engage intimately with His purposes. We must lay aside distractions and the pursuit of our own agendas to fully embrace God's plan. This is a time of abundance, and we are to ask for rain in the time of rain, to be expectant and ready to receive what God is pouring out.
As I pondered what God wanted to convey to us, the phrase "If not now, when?" emerged. This is a call to action, to not delay in responding to God's prompting. It is a reminder that time is never free; it always costs us something. Therefore, we must redeem the time, making the most of every opportunity to follow God's leading.
In closing, I invite anyone who does not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior to seize this moment. There is no need for hesitation or delay; the time to follow Jesus is now. As we embrace what God is doing, we will experience the overflow of His abundance in every area of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- God uses ordinary individuals who are willing to step into their divine moments, just as He did with Gideon. When we are called, we must trust that God will equip us for the task at hand, no matter how inadequate we may feel. Victory comes not from our strength but from our obedience to God's commands. [42:44]
- The concept of seizing the moment is not just a call to action but a call to spiritual awareness. We must be vigilant and ready to participate in what God is doing. Like the soldiers who lapped water with alertness, we too must remain attentive to God's presence and direction in our lives. [36:23]
- The power of unity in the body of Christ cannot be overstated. When we come together with a shared spirit and purpose, we reflect the love of God and amplify the impact of our collective service. This unity is essential for the church to move forward in its mission. [17:13]
- Time is a precious commodity that we must steward wisely. Redeeming the time means actively choosing how we will spend our moments rather than being passively spent by them. In doing so, we prioritize our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [25:51]
- The invitation to know Jesus is an open and urgent one. There is no better time than the present to accept Him as Lord and Savior. In making this decision, we are not just choosing a new path but stepping into the fullness of life that God offers. [50:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 6:11-16 (The Call of Gideon)
2. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (A Time for Everything)
3. Zechariah 10:1 (Ask for Rain in the Time of Rain)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Gideon's initial reaction when the angel of the Lord called him a "mighty man of valor"? How did he view himself? (Judges 6:11-16)
2. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, what is there an appointed time for? How does this concept relate to the sermon’s message about seizing the moment?
3. In Zechariah 10:1, what are we instructed to ask for during the time of rain? How does this instruction apply to our spiritual lives?
4. What was the unconventional strategy that God gave Gideon to defeat the Midianites, and what does this teach us about God's methods? [42:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose Gideon, who saw himself as the least in his family, to lead Israel? What does this tell us about God's criteria for choosing leaders? (Judges 6:11-16)
2. How does the concept of "an appointed time for everything" in Ecclesiastes 3:1 challenge our understanding of God's timing versus our own? [10:12]
3. What does it mean to "ask for rain in the time of rain" in Zechariah 10:1, and how can this principle be applied to recognizing and participating in God's current work in our lives? [11:44]
4. How does the story of Gideon's army being reduced to 300 men illustrate the importance of obedience and trust in God's power rather than relying on our own strength? [42:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can Gideon's story encourage you in similar situations? [31:34]
2. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from fully engaging with God's purposes? How can you lay these aside to seize the moment and follow God's leading? [07:51]
3. In what ways can you be more spiritually aware and vigilant, like the soldiers who lapped water with alertness? What practical steps can you take to remain attentive to God's presence and direction? [36:23]
4. How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your church? What specific actions can you take to foster a shared spirit and purpose among your fellow believers? [17:13]
5. Time is a precious commodity. How can you better steward your time to prioritize spiritual growth and alignment with God's will? What changes can you make in your daily routine to redeem the time? [25:51]
6. The invitation to know Jesus is urgent and open. If you have not yet accepted Him as your Savior, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this urgency with others in your life? [50:49]
7. Think of a current challenge or obstacle in your life. How can you trust in God's provision and timing, as Gideon did, to overcome it? What steps of obedience can you take this week to align with God's plan? [42:44]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its truths to their daily lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be prepared to share your own experiences and insights as well.
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Moments Await Our Response
In the story of Gideon, we see a powerful example of how God uses ordinary individuals who are willing to step into their divine moments. Gideon, who considered himself the least in his family, was called to lead and achieved victory through God's strength, not his own. This narrative invites us to consider our own lives and the moments where we may feel inadequate or unprepared. It is precisely in these times that God's power is made perfect in weakness. When called, one must trust that God will provide the necessary tools and wisdom for the task at hand. Victory is not a result of personal might or capability but rather a consequence of obedience to God's commands and faith in His sovereign power.
"Then the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?'" (Judges 6:14 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate, and how can you step forward in faith, trusting that God will equip you for the task?
Day 2: Spiritual Vigilance in God's Timing
The concept of seizing the moment is a call to spiritual awareness and readiness. It is about being vigilant and prepared to participate in what God is doing. The soldiers with Gideon who lapped water with alertness serve as a metaphor for how we should live our lives—attentive to God's presence and direction. This means laying aside distractions and the pursuit of personal agendas to fully engage with God's plan. It is a reminder to be expectant and ready to receive what God is pouring out, to ask for rain in the time of rain, and to be present in the abundance of the current season.
"And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life and be more attentive to His direction?
Day 3: Unity Amplifies Divine Purpose
The power of unity within the body of Christ is a force that cannot be overstated. When believers come together with a shared spirit and purpose, they reflect God's love and amplify the impact of their collective service. This unity is essential for the church to move forward in its mission. It is a call to set aside differences and work together, recognizing that each person has a unique role to play in the larger story that God is writing. In unity, there is strength, and through it, the church can achieve far more than any individual could alone.
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:14 ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to foster unity within your community or church body?
Day 4: Redeeming Time for God's Glory
Time is a precious commodity that must be stewarded wisely. Redeeming the time means actively choosing how to spend our moments rather than being passively spent by them. This involves prioritizing spiritual growth and alignment with God's will over worldly distractions. It is about making the most of every opportunity to follow God's leading and to grow in faith. By doing so, one can live a life that is rich in purpose and meaning, one that honors God and reflects His love to others.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)
Reflection: What is one time-consuming activity you can reduce this week to make more room for spiritual growth or service to others?
Day 5: The Urgency of Embracing Christ
The invitation to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is an open and urgent one. There is no better time than the present to accept Him. This decision is not merely choosing a new path but stepping into the fullness of life that God offers. It is a call to action, to not delay in responding to God's prompting. Embracing what God is doing leads to experiencing His abundance in every area of life. The urgency is clear: "If not now, when?" Time always costs us something, and the cost of delaying this decision is too great.
"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)
Reflection: What has been holding you back from taking a step closer to Jesus, and how can you overcome it to embrace Him fully today?
Quotes
"If not now, when? Seize the moment. Don't miss what God is doing right now." [07:51] (Download | )
"Ask for rain from the Lord at the time of rain... This is a good time to say I receive the abundance." [13:32] (Download | )
"There's power in unity... When we come together with a shared spirit and purpose, we reflect the love of God." [17:13] (Download | )
"Time's never free; it always costs you... Redeem the time by telling time how you will be spent rather than allowing time to spend you." [25:05] (Download | )
"God is about to use you to change an entire generation... if you will step into the moment and seize the moment." [32:14] (Download | )
"Those that lap the water like a dog out of their hand... they're looking, they're watching, they're aware." [36:23] (Download | )
"Whatever God calls you to, He equips you for... Just show the light, let your light so shine before men." [42:44] (Download | )
"I receive every bit of it. I receive every bit of it God, just like you have put health in my marriage, I believe you're putting health in every other marriage in here right now." [47:51] (Download | )
"My only job every day is to follow Him... Nothing else really matters, I just want to follow Him." [49:19] (Download | )
"If you really want to know Him, He's available right now and He's here right now and He's ready for you if you will seize the moment." [51:23] (Download | )
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