Transforming Waste into Purpose: God's Redemptive Perspective

Summary

As we enter the sixth month of the year, it is a moment to pause and thank God for the gift of life and the opportunities He has given us. Each new month is a reminder that we are blessed, and that God is not finished with us yet. The theme today is a question: “To what purpose is this waste?”—a question that challenges us to reconsider how we view the so-called wasted moments, resources, and experiences in our lives. Often, what we call waste—be it time, pain, failed relationships, or missed opportunities—God sees as raw material for His purpose.

Scripture shows us that God is intentional about everything. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He instructed the disciples to gather the leftovers so that nothing would be wasted. This reveals God’s heart: nothing in our lives is without value if surrendered to Him. Even the painful or seemingly fruitless seasons can be redeemed. The parable of the talents reminds us that God expects us to steward well what He has entrusted to us, not to bury our gifts or let our experiences go unused.

Waste, in God’s economy, is not an endpoint but a process. Like the byproducts in nature that become nourishment for new life, our losses and disappointments can become seeds for future blessing if we yield them to God. The story of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume, which others saw as wasteful, was in fact an act of prophetic worship and love. Jesus saw her act as preparation for His burial, a moment of deep spiritual significance.

We are called to reflect on our own lives: Are we wasting our pain, our talents, our relationships, or our time? Or are we surrendering them to God, allowing Him to bring purpose out of what seems purposeless? The key is to love the Lord, to be faithful stewards, and to trust in His power to redeem every part of our story. When we do this, even our most broken moments can become testimonies that bless others and glorify God. Let us not wait until opportunities are gone or people are no longer with us to show love and gratitude. Instead, let us discern the purpose in every season, trusting that God is able to turn every “waste” into a blessing for generations.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Perspective on Waste Is Redemptive, Not Dismissive
What we often label as waste—be it time, pain, or failed efforts—God sees as potential for transformation. In His hands, nothing is truly wasted; every experience, even the most painful, can be repurposed for our growth and for the blessing of others. The challenge is to surrender our “waste” to Him, trusting that He can bring meaning out of what seems meaningless. [34:38]

- Purpose, Stewardship, and Redemption Are the Lenses for Life’s “Waste”
When we encounter loss or disappointment, we are invited to pause and reflect through the lenses of purpose, stewardship, and redemption. God calls us to steward our time, resources, and experiences faithfully, recognizing that even what appears to be loss can be redeemed for His glory. This perspective transforms regret into opportunity and bitterness into blessing. [37:12]

- Pain and Brokenness Can Become Seeds for Ministry
The pain we endure is not meant to be buried or ignored. Like the broken alabaster jar, our brokenness can release a fragrance that ministers to others. When we allow God to use our trials, we become conduits of comfort and encouragement, turning our past sorrows into present sources of hope for those around us. [42:02]

- Discernment and Timeliness in Showing Love and Honor
The woman who anointed Jesus discerned the moment and acted in love, despite criticism. We are called to recognize the opportunities God gives us to show love, honor, and care—before it is too late. Delayed gratitude or withheld affection can become a form of waste; let us be intentional in celebrating and supporting those God places in our lives. [49:50]

- Surrender Unlocks the Purpose of Our Pain and Potential
True meaning is found when we surrender our experiences—good and bad—to Christ. It is in Him that our pain finds purpose, our failures are transformed, and our gifts are multiplied. As we yield ourselves to the Potter, He molds our “waste” into vessels of honor, using our stories to redeem others and to fulfill His divine assignment through us. [53:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:57] - Opening Prayer and Invitation to the Holy Spirit
[30:08] - Introducing the Question: To What Purpose Is This Waste?
[30:49] - Reading Matthew 26 and John 6: God’s View on Waste
[32:59] - The Paradox of Waste in God’s Sight
[34:38] - Defining Waste and God’s Redemptive Cycle
[36:35] - Romans 8:28 and the Condition of Loving God
[37:12] - Three Pillars: Purpose, Stewardship, Redemption
[38:32] - The Parable of the Talents and Accountability
[39:27] - The Barren Fig Tree: Bearing Fruit with Our Time
[39:57] - The Fullness of the Earth and Wasted Potential
[42:02] - Don’t Waste Your Pain: Jesus’ Example
[48:59] - Pain Turned to Purpose: Personal Testimony
[49:50] - The Alabaster Jar: Worship or Waste?
[51:28] - Faithfulness with Our Experiences
[52:45] - Self-Examination: What Are We Wasting?
[53:24] - Surrendering All to Jesus
[56:17] - Praying for Wisdom and Purpose
[57:41] - Consecration Song and Final Reflections
[01:13:40] - Poem of Appreciation and Closing
[01:22:37] - Final Blessings and Farewell

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “To What Purpose Is This Waste?”

---

### Bible Reading

- Matthew 26:6-13 (The woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume)
- John 6:12 (“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”)
- 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. In Matthew 26:6-13, what was the reaction of the disciples when the woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus? What reason did Jesus give for accepting her act? [30:49]
2. According to John 6:12, what did Jesus instruct the disciples to do after feeding the five thousand, and what does this show about His attitude toward leftovers? [30:49]
3. In Romans 8:28, what is the condition for God working all things for good in our lives? [36:35]
4. The sermon mentioned that God uses even our painful or “wasted” experiences for a purpose. What are some examples from the sermon or the Bible where something that seemed wasted was actually used by God? [42:02]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus valued the woman’s act of pouring out the perfume, even though others saw it as wasteful? What does this teach us about God’s perspective on what we call “waste”? [49:50]
2. The sermon described “waste” as a byproduct that can be repurposed in God’s hands. How does this idea challenge the way we view our own disappointments or failures? [34:38]
3. Romans 8:28 says God works in “all things” for good. How might this change the way someone responds to seasons of pain, loss, or regret? [36:35]
4. The parable of the talents was mentioned as a warning against burying what God has given us. What does it mean to “waste” our gifts or experiences, and how can we avoid this? [38:32]

---

### Application Questions

1. Think about a time in your life that felt wasted—maybe a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, or a painful season. Have you ever seen God bring something good out of that experience? If not, what would it look like to surrender it to Him now? [34:38]
2. Are there any talents, resources, or relationships in your life that you feel you are not stewarding well? What is one practical step you can take this week to use them for God’s purpose? [38:32]
3. The sermon challenged us not to “waste our pain.” Is there a specific hurt or disappointment you are holding onto? How might God use your story to encourage or help someone else? [42:02]
4. The woman who anointed Jesus acted with discernment and love, even when others criticized her. Is there someone in your life you need to show love, gratitude, or honor to before it’s too late? What is stopping you? [49:50]
5. The idea of surrender was emphasized as the key to unlocking the purpose in our pain and potential. What is one area of your life you need to surrender more fully to God? How can you take a step toward that this week? [53:24]
6. The sermon mentioned that sometimes we wait until people are gone before we show appreciation. Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or thank this week? How will you do it? [49:50]
7. Reflecting on the new month, what is one way you can be more intentional with your time, so that you don’t look back and feel it was wasted? [38:32]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, surrendering any “wasted” areas of their lives to God, and asking for wisdom to see His purpose in every season. [56:17]

Devotional

Day 1: God Brings Purpose Out of What We Call Waste
There are moments in life when experiences, investments, or even years seem wasted—times of unanswered prayers, broken relationships, or lost opportunities. Yet, in God's eyes, nothing surrendered to Him is truly wasted. He is able to use every season, every pain, and every so-called loss for a greater purpose, weaving them into His plan for our good. Even what we call wasted years or efforts can become a blessing when placed in His hands. Trust that God is working through all things, including what appears to be waste, to bring about His glory and your growth. [32:59]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels wasted or pointless right now? Can you surrender it to God today and ask Him to reveal or bring about His purpose in it?


Day 2: Stewardship—Let Nothing Be Wasted
God calls us to be faithful stewards of all He entrusts to us—our time, resources, talents, and even our pain. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples to gather the leftovers after feeding the five thousand, saying, "Let nothing be wasted." This shows that God values every gift and opportunity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. We are challenged to reflect on how we use what we have, ensuring that nothing is squandered but everything is offered back to God for His use and glory. [34:38]

John 6:12 (NIV)
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

Reflection: What resource, talent, or opportunity in your life have you been neglecting or underusing? How can you intentionally use it for God’s glory this week?


Day 3: Pain and Trials Can Be Redeemed for Others’ Blessing
Our pain, trials, and even failures are not meant to be hidden or wasted. When surrendered to Christ, they can become powerful testimonies and sources of comfort for others. Just as Jesus did not waste His suffering on the cross, we too can allow God to use our brokenness to bring healing and encouragement to those around us. Sometimes, the very thing that caused us the most pain becomes the means by which we minister to others, turning our trials into blessings for generations. [42:02]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Reflection: Who in your life could be encouraged or helped by a painful experience you’ve gone through? How might you share your story or offer comfort to them this week?


Day 4: Worship and Love May Look Like Waste to Others
Acts of extravagant love and worship, like the woman who poured costly perfume on Jesus, may be misunderstood or criticized by others as wasteful. Yet, Jesus sees the heart behind such actions and calls them beautiful and prophetic. True worship often requires us to ignore the opinions of others and focus on honoring Christ with what we have, knowing that nothing given to Him in love is ever wasted. [49:50]

Matthew 26:7-13 (ESV)
A woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Reflection: Is there an act of love, generosity, or worship you’ve been hesitant to do because of what others might think? What step can you take today to honor Jesus regardless of others’ opinions?


Day 5: Surrender All to Jesus for True Purpose
The key to finding meaning in every season, resource, and experience is surrendering it all to Jesus. When we bring our pain, our joys, our gifts, and even our regrets before Him, He reveals their purpose and uses them for His kingdom. Living a life of surrender means regularly reflecting, seeking God’s wisdom, and allowing Him to direct how we use what He has given us. In Christ, nothing is wasted, and every part of our story can be redeemed for His glory. [53:24]

Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Reflection: What is one area of your life—past or present—that you need to fully surrender to Jesus? What would it look like to trust Him with it starting today?

Quotes

I came to tell you that whatever experience you've been through, whatever phase of your life that seems to have been a waste, whatever investment, whatever unpleasant experience, whatever prayer that appears was not answered, I came to tell you that there is a purpose for that waste. What we are calling as wasted years, God has a purpose for it. [00:33:53] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

When God gives us time and resources and expects us to bear fruit and he doesn't find us bearing fruit, what happens? We'll be cut off. That is a sad reality. We will not live on earth forever. And one day we'll have to give account as stewards of all that God has entrusted into our hands. [00:39:16] (22 seconds) Edit Clip

Don't waste your pain. Don't waste your trial. Last week I was going to ask you, Nash spoke a lot about pain. I'm saying that anything that looks like a waste, God has a purpose for it. Jesus did not waste His pain on the cross. Jesus did not waste the blood that He shed. When blood and water gasped for it, He didn't waste it. He shed His blood for all nations, all tribes, all peoples, irrespective of your background, your complexion, your social class, your finances. He shed His blood for all of us. [00:42:06] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

The Bible says that in second corinthians 4 7 it says but we have these treasures in these earthen vessels when you look at the clay or a jar it is before it can contain a treasure it is first broken it is first molded it is when jeremiah jeremiah 18 visited the porter's house and was watching him work you see that the clay will be crushed will be molded and what happens he'll be molded that that's how waste can be there are times in our life when we think things are not working and there's nothing useful but god will be molding us if only we yield ourselves to the porter and say that lord you are the porter i am the plague mold me melt me break me let your will be done oh lord in my life may god's will be done in our lives may god's will be done in each other may god's will be done in our families anything canada in the world at large may what people are calling waste because we surrender it to the lord all our years all our experiences whatever we know that we thought amounted to nothing may god turn it around for good in the name of jesus amen [00:47:12] (78 seconds) Edit Clip

When Jesus was in that room with his disciples, and this woman whom they thought was a sinner came and was pouring costly oil, the people were seeing costly oil. They were seeing waste. The Bible says, research says, the price of that alabaster perfume was like a whole year's wages. And this woman was like, can you imagine, let's say the minimum is $36 ,000. A perfume costing $36 ,000 or $40 ,000. And you're just pouring it on someone. What is this woman doing? To what purpose is this waste? And Jesus said, no, this is worship. [00:49:16] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

It looked as if he had been forgotten. It looked as if his life in the wilderness, tending to sheep and living with animals was a waste. But not knowing God was preparing him for the kingdom. God was training him to be a king. Oh, that God will cause us to discern the purpose of whatever we call waste in our lives. That we not just go through each day, each month, each year. But like the psalm is prayed, that God will teach us to remember our days are right. That we gain a heart of wisdom. [00:55:56] (33 seconds) Edit Clip