Thriving Faith Amidst Crisis: Trusting God for Wisdom
Summary
In these challenging times, it's crucial to cultivate a faith that remains steadfast even when life seems to falter. The current global crisis has disrupted our lives, leaving many feeling anxious and uncertain. However, this is an opportunity to develop a faith that not only endures but thrives amidst adversity. This faith is not passive; it actively engages with life's difficulties, providing hope, purpose, and even joy in the midst of trials.
The journey begins by understanding the typical reactions to a crisis, which often progress through stages such as denial, dismissal, defiance, delayed acceptance, disruption, distress, and finally, determination. The goal is to reach a place of determination, where, with God's grace, we resolve to navigate through the crisis together.
Life is a series of choices, and the decisions we make shape our future. Trusting God can make these tough choices easier. James 1:5-8 offers guidance on how trusting God can provide the wisdom needed for decision-making. A tough choice is not necessarily significant but is characterized by options that are equally favorable or unfavorable. In such situations, it's essential to seek God's wisdom rather than relying on chance.
To gain wisdom, we must first put God first in our lives, practice His Word, and surround ourselves with godly people. These steps help us make wise decisions and avoid the pitfalls of second-guessing ourselves. Trusting God frees us from the torment of self-doubt and allows us to move forward with confidence.
Moreover, when we trust God, He acts on our behalf. Our faith determines the extent of His blessings in our lives. Even if we make mistakes, God promises to use them for our good if we love Him and seek His purpose. This assurance allows us to face decisions with peace, knowing that God is our safety net.
In prayer, we can surrender our difficult decisions to God, asking for His wisdom and guidance. By trusting Him, we can stop torturing ourselves with indecision and rest in the knowledge that He will work all things together for our good.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Crisis Reactions: Recognizing the stages of crisis reactions—from denial to determination—helps us navigate our emotions and responses. The goal is to reach determination, where we resolve to face challenges with God's grace. [08:39]
- Trusting God for Wisdom: Trusting God provides the wisdom needed for tough decisions. By putting God first, practicing His Word, and seeking godly counsel, we align ourselves with His guidance. [12:15]
- Freedom from Second-Guessing: Trusting God liberates us from the cycle of self-doubt and second-guessing. This freedom allows us to make decisions with confidence, knowing that God is with us. [24:21]
- God Acts on Our Behalf: Our faith moves God into action. He responds to our trust by working in our lives, even in the midst of challenges, and His blessings are proportional to our faith. [29:07]
- God Uses Our Mistakes: Even when we make wrong decisions, God can use them for good if we trust Him. This assurance reduces stress and allows us to face decisions with peace. [31:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Series
- [01:07] - The Impact of the Coronavirus Crisis
- [02:04] - Questions in Uncertain Times
- [02:42] - A Faith That Works
- [03:44] - Psalm 23 and Overcoming Fear
- [04:50] - Making Tough Choices Easier
- [06:04] - Seven Stages of Crisis Reaction
- [09:18] - Defining Tough Choices
- [11:55] - Trusting God for Wisdom
- [15:26] - Three Ways to Gain Wisdom
- [20:43] - Practicing God's Word
- [24:21] - Freedom from Second-Guessing
- [29:07] - God Acts on Our Behalf
- [31:09] - God Uses Our Mistakes
- [33:04] - Prayer and Next Steps
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:5-8 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
2. Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
3. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the seven stages of crisis reaction mentioned in the sermon, and how do they progress? [06:04]
2. According to the sermon, what is the definition of a "tough choice"? [09:39]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between trusting God and receiving wisdom? [12:15]
4. What are the three ways mentioned in the sermon to gain wisdom from God? [15:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the progression through the stages of crisis reaction help individuals reach a place of determination? [08:39]
2. In what ways does trusting God provide freedom from second-guessing, according to the sermon? [24:21]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept that God uses our mistakes for good? What implications does this have for decision-making? [31:09]
4. How does the sermon suggest that faith influences the extent of God's blessings in our lives? [29:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you had to make. Did you seek God's wisdom, and how did it impact your decision-making process? [12:15]
2. Identify a current crisis or challenge in your life. Which stage of crisis reaction are you in, and what steps can you take to move towards determination? [08:39]
3. Think of a time when you second-guessed a decision. How can trusting God help you avoid this in the future? [24:21]
4. Consider a mistake you've made in the past. How can you trust God to use it for good, and what steps can you take to align with His purpose? [31:09]
5. What practical steps can you take this week to put God first in your life and seek His wisdom? [15:26]
6. How can you surround yourself with godly people, even in times of social distancing, to gain wisdom and support? [21:16]
7. Reflect on a tough choice you are facing. How can you apply the principles from the sermon to make this decision with confidence and peace? [09:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Navigating Crisis with Determination
In times of crisis, our natural reactions can range from denial to distress. Recognizing these stages helps us understand our emotions and responses. The ultimate goal is to reach a place of determination, where we resolve to face challenges with God's grace. This determination is not about ignoring the difficulties but about choosing to trust in God's presence and guidance through them. By acknowledging our feelings and seeking God's strength, we can move from a place of fear to one of faith, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. [08:39]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What stage of crisis reaction are you currently experiencing? How can you invite God into this stage to help you move towards determination?
Day 2: Seeking Divine Wisdom in Decision-Making
Life presents us with tough choices, often characterized by options that seem equally favorable or unfavorable. In these moments, trusting God for wisdom is crucial. By putting God first, practicing His Word, and seeking godly counsel, we align ourselves with His guidance. This alignment helps us make decisions that reflect His will and purpose for our lives. Instead of relying on chance or our limited understanding, we can seek God's wisdom, which is promised to those who ask in faith. [12:15]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: Think of a tough decision you are facing. How can you actively seek God's wisdom in this situation today?
Day 3: Embracing Confidence through Trust in God
Trusting God liberates us from the cycle of self-doubt and second-guessing. When we place our trust in Him, we are freed from the torment of indecision and can move forward with confidence. This freedom allows us to make decisions knowing that God is with us, guiding and supporting us. By trusting in His promises, we can rest assured that He will lead us on the right path, even when the way forward seems unclear. [24:21]
Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself second-guessing? How can you practice trusting God more fully in these areas today?
Day 4: Witnessing God's Action through Faith
Our faith moves God into action. When we trust Him, He responds by working in our lives, even amidst challenges. The extent of His blessings is often proportional to our faith. This means that as we grow in trust, we open ourselves to experiencing more of His goodness and provision. Even when circumstances seem daunting, we can have confidence that God is actively working on our behalf, orchestrating events for our benefit and His glory. [29:07]
2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."
Reflection: How have you seen God act on your behalf in the past? How can this encourage you to trust Him more in your current situation?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty
Even when we make mistakes, God can use them for good if we trust Him. This assurance reduces stress and allows us to face decisions with peace, knowing that God is our safety net. By surrendering our difficult decisions to Him in prayer, we can rest in the knowledge that He will work all things together for our good. This trust in His sovereignty brings peace, freeing us from the fear of failure and the burden of perfectionism. [31:09]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Reflect on a past mistake that God has used for good. How can this perspective help you find peace in your current decisions?
Quotes
"Life is a series of choices and decisions. Every day you have to analyze, you have to evaluate, you have to draw conclusions. We make our choices, and then our choices make us. How does trusting God make tough choices easier? Well, James chapter one, verses five to eight tells us how and that's what we're gonna look at in just a second." [00:09:04]
"First, when I trust God, he gives me his wisdom. When I trust God, he gives me his wisdom. And that's what I need when I have to make one of those tough choices where there's no clear advantage to one or the other. James chapter one, verse five says this. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should pray. You should pray and ask God because he gives it generously to anyone who asks." [00:11:56]
"Proverbs chapter three, verse 18 says this. Those who become wise will be happy. Wisdom is the key to a blessed life. Do you want to be happy? Do you want your life to be blessed? Then the Bible says you're gonna need wisdom. You're gonna need God's wisdom in your life. And God's wisdom is the opposite of the world's wisdom. He says wisdom is the key to happiness, and wisdom is the key to being blessed." [00:13:01]
"Proverbs four, verse seven says this. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can get in life, wow. It's more important than money, it's more important than fame, it's more important than pleasure, it's more important than success. In fact wisdom brings all those other things into your life. He says if you're gonna focus on getting one thing, get wisdom." [00:13:36]
"Proverbs 15:33 says this. Honoring God and being humble leads to wisdom. And wisdom will bring honor to you. Now notice, when you honor God, it gives you wisdom. And when you're humble, it gives you wisdom. And when you get wisdom, then other people honor you. (chuckles) The more humble you are, the more you're gonna depend on God's wisdom in this coronavirus crisis." [00:16:41]
"Now, this Bible, this book is filled with wisdom. But you don't get wisdom simply by reading the Bible. You get God's wisdom by applying the Bible, by implementing the Bible, by doing what God says to do. In John 13:17, Jesus said this. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you, notice, do them. Listen, if you do them." [00:17:47]
"Proverbs 13, verse 20 says this. If you keep company with wise people, you'll become wise. But if you hang out with foolish people, you'll suffer from making bad choices because they make bad choices. Now, I realize that with so many of us being told to stay at home in our houses, this may seem like a difficult thing to do. How do I get with godly people?" [00:21:48]
"When I trust God, he frees me from second-guessing. Write this down, when I trust God, he frees me from second-guessing. Now, you know what I'm talking about. You've got a tough, difficult, rough choice to make. And you can't decide which way, this way or that way, this way or that way, this way or that way. And finally you make a tough choice, and then the moment you make the choice, you start doubting yourself, you start guessing yourself, second-guessing." [00:24:35]
"James chapter one, verse six to eight says this. When you ask God for wisdom, you must believe and expect God to answer. Because anyone who starts doubting is like a wave in the sea that's blown and tossed around by the ever-changing winds. Let me stop right there for a minute. We are in a season of ever-changing winds. With this coronavirus, the winds change sometimes by the hour." [00:26:15]
"When I trust God, he acts on my behalf. When I trust God, God acts, he moves into action, he moves mountains on my behalf. See, God is not moved by our whining or our complaining or our griping. But God moves into action, he moves mountains, he moves blockades, he moves barriers in our lives when we trust him. Trusting God moves God into action." [00:29:07]
"When I trust God, he uses even my mistakes. He uses even my mistakes, what am I saying? I'm saying when I trust God, even if I make the wrong decision, God'll still bring good out of it. I can't lose. That makes the stress level go down dramatically. When I have a tough decision to make and I don't know, do I choose this or do I choose this, they're equally good, they're equally bad, they're equally painful, I don't know." [00:31:09]
"Romans 8:28. We know that God causes everything, that's even my mistakes. We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those of us who love him and are called to live his purpose for us. If you love God and you really want his purpose for your life, you can't miss God's will. Even if you make a wrong decision, God says that's okay, I'll bring good out of it, I'll fit it into the plan, I'll use it for good." [00:31:27]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?