The God Who Does Things Differently: Trusting His Plan
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, and happy Memorial Day weekend! As we gather today, let's remember the true meaning of this holiday and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Now, let's dive into today's message, which is centered around the theme "The God Who Does Things Differently."
We began by reflecting on the nature of God's perspective. God has a 30,000-foot view of our lives. He knows what we are going through, what we will go through, and what is best for us. This understanding is crucial because it helps us trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't align with our own expectations. We sang about trusting in God, and this trust is foundational to our faith.
Today's passage is from Mark chapter 5, verses 21-43, which contains two interconnected stories. The first story is about Jairus, a synagogue leader, who pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. The second story is about a woman who has been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. These stories are a perfect example of what we call a "story sandwich," where one story is interrupted by another, only to be completed later.
The first principle we discussed is "God's Schedule." God's answers almost never come according to our schedule. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9. This principle is evident in the story of Jairus. As Jesus is on His way to heal Jairus' daughter, He is interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood. This delay must have been agonizing for Jairus, but it was part of God's plan.
The second principle is "More Than You Expected." When we go to Jesus, we often receive more than we bargained for. The woman who touched Jesus' cloak was healed not just physically but also spiritually. Her faith brought her salvation. Similarly, Jairus expected Jesus to heal his daughter, but he witnessed an even greater miracle when Jesus raised her from the dead.
The third principle is "Grace vs. World's Values." God's grace inverts the values of the world. In the story, we see a socially esteemed man, Jairus, and a socially outcast woman, both receiving Jesus' attention and healing. This shows that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their social status.
The fourth and final principle is "More Powerful and Personal." God is more powerful and personal than we can imagine. Jesus' interaction with both Jairus and the woman shows His deep personal care and His immense power. He tells Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe," and He calls the woman "daughter," affirming her faith and healing her completely.
In conclusion, we must trust in God's timing and His ways, even when they don't make sense to us. We need to let go of our need for control and allow God to work in our lives. This trust will lead us to experience His power and personal care in ways we never imagined.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Schedule: God's timing is different from ours, and His answers often come when we least expect them. This principle is evident in the story of Jairus, who had to wait while Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. Trusting in God's schedule requires patience and faith, knowing that His timing is perfect. [37:31]
2. More Than You Expected: When we approach Jesus, we often receive more than we anticipated. The woman who touched Jesus' cloak was not only healed physically but also received spiritual salvation. Similarly, Jairus witnessed a greater miracle than he had hoped for when Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. This teaches us to expect the unexpected when we place our faith in God. [52:18]
3. Grace vs. World's Values: God's grace turns the world's values upside down. In the story, both a socially esteemed man and a socially outcast woman receive Jesus' attention and healing. This shows that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their social status. It challenges us to see people through the lens of God's grace rather than societal norms. [59:11]
4. More Powerful and Personal: God is both powerful and personal. Jesus' interactions with Jairus and the woman demonstrate His deep personal care and His immense power. He tells Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe," and calls the woman "daughter," affirming her faith and healing her completely. This reminds us that God cares deeply about our individual stories and is capable of performing miracles in our lives. [01:04:12]
5. Trust in God's Plan: Trusting in God's plan means letting go of our need for control and allowing Him to work in our lives. This trust will lead us to experience His power and personal care in ways we never imagined. As we let go and trust in God, we will see Him make the impossible possible. [01:12:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:38] - Trust in God
[24:43] - Memorial Day Reflection
[31:54] - Summer Outreach and Activities
[37:31] - God's 30,000-Foot View
[39:24] - Principle 1: God's Schedule
[47:59] - Principle 2: More Than You Expected
[52:18] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[59:11] - Principle 3: Grace vs. World's Values
[01:04:12] - Principle 4: More Powerful and Personal
[01:12:19] - Trust in God's Plan
[01:15:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 5:21-43 - The stories of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood.
2. Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jairus' position in society, and how did he approach Jesus for help? ([40:52])
2. Describe the condition of the woman who had been suffering for twelve years. What did she do when she heard about Jesus? ([42:50])
3. How did Jesus respond to the woman who touched His cloak, and what did He call her? ([43:34])
4. What was Jesus' reaction when He was informed that Jairus' daughter had died? ([01:04:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the principle of "God's Schedule"? ([46:46])
2. In what ways did both Jairus and the woman receive "More Than They Expected" from Jesus? ([49:13])
3. How does Jesus' interaction with both Jairus and the woman challenge the "World's Values" and demonstrate God's grace? ([59:11])
4. What does Jesus' personal care for Jairus and the woman reveal about God's nature as "More Powerful and Personal"? ([01:12:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith and trust in Him? ([46:46])
2. Have you ever received more from God than you initially expected? Share an example and how it impacted your relationship with Him. ([49:13])
3. How can you apply the principle of seeing people through the lens of God's grace rather than societal norms in your daily interactions? ([59:11])
4. Jesus told Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe." What fears are you currently facing, and how can you apply this command in your life? ([01:04:12])
5. Think about a situation where you felt overlooked or insignificant. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood encourage you about God's personal care for you? ([43:34])
6. In what areas of your life do you need to let go of control and trust in God's plan? What steps can you take this week to surrender those areas to Him? ([01:12:19])
7. How can you be more attentive to the stories and needs of those around you, just as Jesus was with Jairus and the woman? ([57:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing
God's Schedule: God's timing is different from ours, and His answers often come when we least expect them. This principle is evident in the story of Jairus, who had to wait while Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. Trusting in God's schedule requires patience and faith, knowing that His timing is perfect. [37:31]
In our lives, we often find ourselves in situations where we are waiting for God's intervention. It can be challenging to remain patient and trust that God knows the best time to act. The story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that God's timing is always perfect, even when it seems delayed to us. Jairus had to wait while Jesus attended to the woman, but this delay was part of God's greater plan.
When we trust in God's timing, we acknowledge that His perspective is far greater than ours. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. This trust requires us to let go of our need for control and to have faith that God will act at the right time. As we learn to trust in His schedule, we will experience His perfect timing in our lives.
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 situation in your life where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect timing today?
Day 2: Expecting the Unexpected
More Than You Expected: When we approach Jesus, we often receive more than we anticipated. The woman who touched Jesus' cloak was not only healed physically but also received spiritual salvation. Similarly, Jairus witnessed a greater miracle than he had hoped for when Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. This teaches us to expect the unexpected when we place our faith in God. [52:18]
When we come to Jesus with our needs and desires, we often have specific expectations of how He will respond. However, God's ways are higher than ours, and He often exceeds our expectations in ways we could never imagine. The woman who touched Jesus' cloak sought physical healing, but she received so much more—spiritual salvation and a personal affirmation from Jesus. Jairus, too, experienced a greater miracle than he had hoped for when Jesus raised his daughter from the dead.
This principle reminds us to approach God with an open heart, ready to receive more than we could ever ask or think. When we place our faith in Him, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing His abundant blessings and miracles. God's generosity and love know no bounds, and He delights in giving us more than we expect.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God exceeded your expectations. How can you approach Him with an open heart and faith, ready to receive more than you anticipate?
Day 3: Seeing Through the Lens of Grace
Grace vs. World's Values: God's grace turns the world's values upside down. In the story, both a socially esteemed man and a socially outcast woman receive Jesus' attention and healing. This shows that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their social status. It challenges us to see people through the lens of God's grace rather than societal norms. [59:11]
In a world that often values people based on their social status, achievements, or outward appearances, God's grace offers a radically different perspective. The story of Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, and the woman with the issue of blood, a social outcast, illustrates that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their social standing. Jesus' attention and healing were extended to both individuals, demonstrating that His love and grace are not limited by societal norms.
This principle challenges us to see people through the lens of God's grace rather than through the world's values. It calls us to extend love, compassion, and acceptance to all, regardless of their background or status. By embracing this perspective, we reflect God's heart and become instruments of His grace in the lives of others.
James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: How can you challenge yourself to see and treat others through the lens of God's grace rather than societal norms? Think of a specific person or group you can extend grace to today.
Day 4: Experiencing God's Power and Personal Care
More Powerful and Personal: God is both powerful and personal. Jesus' interactions with Jairus and the woman demonstrate His deep personal care and His immense power. He tells Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe," and calls the woman "daughter," affirming her faith and healing her completely. This reminds us that God cares deeply about our individual stories and is capable of performing miracles in our lives. [01:04:12]
God's nature is both powerful and deeply personal. In the story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood, we see Jesus' immense power to heal and perform miracles, as well as His deep personal care for each individual. Jesus' words to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe," and His tender address to the woman as "daughter" highlight His intimate involvement in their lives and His desire to bring healing and restoration.
This principle reminds us that God is not distant or detached from our struggles. He is intimately aware of our needs and cares deeply about our individual stories. His power is not just a distant force but is actively at work in our lives, bringing about transformation and miracles. As we trust in His power and personal care, we can experience His presence in profound and life-changing ways.
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's personal care and power in your life. How can you trust in His intimate involvement in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Letting Go and Trusting God's Plan
Trust in God's Plan: Trusting in God's plan means letting go of our need for control and allowing Him to work in our lives. This trust will lead us to experience His power and personal care in ways we never imagined. As we let go and trust in God, we will see Him make the impossible possible. [01:12:19]
Trusting in God's plan requires us to relinquish our need for control and to place our faith in His wisdom and sovereignty. This can be challenging, especially when we face uncertainties or when God's plan does not align with our own expectations. However, as we let go and trust in Him, we open ourselves to experiencing His power and personal care in ways we never imagined.
The story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrates the importance of trusting in God's plan. Jairus had to let go of his urgency and trust that Jesus knew what was best. The woman had to step out in faith, believing that touching Jesus' cloak would bring healing. Both experienced God's miraculous intervention as they trusted in His plan.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
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?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Remember 30,000 foot view. You have to let it go of the control and allow God to take full control. Don't be afraid. Just believe. And let's finish this. Verse 37 through 43. It says this: He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion with people crying and wailing loudly. He went and said to them, 'Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.' Can I take, put that sentence in your life? It may not, that exact sentence may not pertain to you, but if you change it up a little bit, it's the same principle. She's not dead, but she's just asleep. The marriage isn't over, it's just asleep. Your relationship with this person, with your kids, whatever, it's not over. It's not dead, it's just asleep. Your finances, your physical things, whatever's going on, whatever storm is in your life, it's not dead, it's just asleep. So stop the commotion. Stop the commotion. Stop the wailing. Stop this, this, this show." [01:06:28]
2. "When we come to Jesus and we wait and there's some delay, if that's his choosing, and we're in the middle of a storm, we could experience not only the miracle that we're looking for, the answer we're looking for, but something even bigger that will blow our minds. It's like, wow, that's amazing. There's so many stories, y'all, that our family has been through with adoption, church planting, or whatever, where we're like, you know, we just feel like we need to do this. We need to feel like we need to bring, you know, three kids from Ukraine into our family. We don't know how we're going to pay for it, but we feel like God's going to provide. And he went over, above, and beyond and did something that was amazing." [50:11]
3. "I want to listen to your story. I care about your story. Because if it matters to you, it matters to me. That's how God acts. That's what we see in Jesus. We see that. I'm not making that up. It's right there. Jesus cares about your story. He does. Going through whatever you're going through, relationship problems, financial problems, health problems, you know, whatever. Whatever you're going through, he wants you to sit at his feet and tell him everything that's on your heart and mind." [57:21]
4. "If you want peace in the middle of your storm, you gotta let go and get rid of the commotion. Get rid of all the other stuff, the freaking out. Stop freaking out. Allow the prince of peace to come in and bring peace. You've heard me say this about the Holy Spirit. What I've learned about the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit is extremely powerful. Extremely powerful. But I also believe that the Holy Spirit is almost like a child who will go hide in a corner somewhere when there's so much freaking out, when there's so much, you know, sin, and we're not following God, and we're being disobedient, and we're also, there's a storm, and we're freaking out, and there's so much commotion. The Holy Spirit's like, you know, I'm just, I'm just gonna go over here. Just let me know when all this is over. And when it is, the Holy Spirit brings peace, brings power." [01:10:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "This is again, go back to our first point, God's schedule, God's timing. There will be times, many times, in the middle of your storm, there will be delays. We don't like delays. I don't like delays. I like for things to happen. And sometimes when God doesn't step in soon enough, Frank thinks of a solution to the problem. I do. And I've got myself in trouble time and time again. I'm still learning my lesson. I'm doing better. But it's so easy to step in and to say, you know what, God, if you're not going to do this, I need to find another way. But in the delay, God is still there. And there's a reason why this is happening. We're going to see this. There is a reason. We have the reason, this mindset that God really loves us and he would never delay at a time when we need him the most. But there are things God wants to do in us during the delays." [46:46]
2. "When we release control, when that's it starts the journey of receiving. And yes, there's lots of examples we can talk about, but it's a divine paradox. It's a divine paradox. What we think and what Jesus does, what God does, are different. So grace is different than what the world thinks. The grace of God is different. So the four principles, God says, God's schedule, God's timing is different than ours. We're going to get more than we expect, more than we bargained for, but we're also going to have to give more than we bargained for. We're going to have to make sacrifices. There's a contrast between grace and the world. What we think will happen when you ask God to help you in a storm, it most likely will be different than what you imagine. It's going to be. Just be ready for that. Be ready for different. Be ready for different." [01:02:24]
3. "Some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. 'Your daughter is dead. That's it. Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher anymore?' Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, told Jairus, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' I believe, I just, I can't imagine that because God's word is alive. God's word is alive today as it was back then. This scene can be pushed, put into your life as Jesus is looking at Jairus and saying, 'Look, don't be afraid; just believe.' He's talking to you. He's talking to you. He's talking to me. 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' Jairus, Jairus, I can imagine just, he's not even home with his daughter. He wasn't there when she died. And he's looking at, and he's distraught, and he could be on the ground. He could die. Definitely tears are flowing. And Jesus, he just looks at him and said, 'Jairus, don't be afraid; just believe.' He says those same words to us today. 'Don't be afraid. What's going on in your life, what storms you're going through right now, or what storms you've been through, you have got to just believe and do not be afraid. Just believe. Believe. How do you do that? You quit trying to figure it out. That's what you do. You quit trying to figure it out. Stop trying to understand because his ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.'" [01:04:12]
4. "Because that miracle was for Jairus and his wife. That's your miracle. This is personal to you. There's no reason for you to share all this. She's gonna be fine. Look, but this right here is your miracle. God cares about you so much. He's ready to do something that's for you, a miracle that is for you, that is just for you because he's powerful and he's personal. So as close, and as we just recap, God's schedule, God's timing is different than ours. We're gonna get more than what we bargained for. We're gonna have to give more than we bargained for. Grace is different than how the world is inverted. And then he is powerful and he is personal. But the fact that you've had a delay in your storm does not mean that he doesn't care, that he doesn't love you, or that he is not going to do it. It simply means he's working in a totally different way in order for God to do something in you. Or let me reverse that. In order for God to do something for you, most often he's gotta do something in you. And that's why the delay is there. And it's okay. Allow him to do something in you." [01:12:19]
5. "And we don't understand it sometimes, obviously, but he will take, and we see this, he will take what we think, oh yes, surely Jesus is going to do this. No, he's going to flip it. Let's take these two stories, Jairus and the woman who was bleeding for 12 years. So you had two stories, very similar. The girl was 12 years old. The woman was bleeding for 12 years. You had an adult, you have a young child. We think, oh child, all day long, we want to save the children, right? You have a man who he has a need, and you have a woman. Back then, the man trumped the woman every day. The man, Jairus, was at the top of his game. I mean, he was a leader in a synagogue. This woman was at the bottom of her life. This man was socially sought after. People liked having him around. They would invite him to parties, right? Oh, we can't forget, we can't forget Jairus. He's a synagogue leader. We're going to invite him. And we're going to invite him. Like when you have a party, you want to invite the pastor, right? Can't forget about Pastor Frank. But the woman was a social outcast. Why? Bleeding. Wasn't supposed to be there. Jairus helped lead worship. The woman was banned from worship. The man was rich. She was poor. Everything, everything about that culture." [59:11]
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