Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty and Self-Reliance
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of trusting God in all circumstances, even when we can't see His hand at work. I used the story of a man who chose to leave Bethlehem during a famine and move to Moab, a decision that led to sin and disobedience. I encouraged the congregation to remain faithful and trust in God's provision, even when it seems like there's no food on the table. I also highlighted the danger of trying to fix things ourselves instead of waiting on God. I reminded everyone that when we take matters into our own hands, we miss out on the blessings of obedience and the opportunity to see God's hand at work in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Trusting God in all circumstances is crucial, even when His hand is not visible in our situation. [ 01:05:59]
- When we try to fix things ourselves, we miss out on the blessings of obedience and the opportunity to see God's hand at work in our lives. [ 01:09:01]
- God is continuously at work in our lives, even when we can't see it. [ 01:20:57]
- We should resist the temptation to run to "Moab" (our own solutions) and instead trust in God's provision. [ 01:22:07]
- The concept of returning to God, or repentance, is a key theme in the Bible and is highlighted in the story of Naomi. [ 01:11:38]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 32:7-12 [59:24]
2. 1 Samuel 27:1 [01:03:33]
3. Ruth 1:16-17 [50:58]
Observation Questions:
1. What does Deuteronomy 32:7-12 reveal about God's relationship with His chosen people?
2. In 1 Samuel 27:1, what led David to believe that his only option was to seek refuge in the land of the Philistines?
3. How does Ruth 1:16-17 demonstrate Ruth's commitment and loyalty?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the passage from Deuteronomy reflect God's faithfulness and protection over His people?
2. What can we learn from David's decision to seek refuge in the land of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 27:1?
3. How does Ruth's commitment in Ruth 1:16-17 reflect her faith and trust in God?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt like you were in a "desert land" similar to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32? How did you experience God's care and protection during that time?
2. Have you ever felt like David, believing that you need to take matters into your own hands rather than waiting on God? What was the outcome and what did you learn from that experience?
3. Ruth's loyalty and commitment in Ruth 1:16-17 is a powerful example of faith. How can you demonstrate similar faith and commitment in your relationships and responsibilities this week?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, in what areas of your life do you struggle to see God's continuous work? How can you encourage yourself to stand firm in faith during these times?
5. Can you think of a situation where you were tempted to "run off to Moab" (take the easy way out) instead of trusting in God's plan? How can you resist such temptations in the future?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Continuous Presence
God is not intermittently present in our lives, but continuously. Even when we don't see Him in our circumstances, He is actively and actually there every moment. This is a truth we must hold onto, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty. We must believe in His presence, even when we don't understand or feel it ([01:20:57]).
Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenging situation. How can you see God's continuous presence in that situation?
Day 2: God's Chosen People
God has chosen us as His people. He has set us apart and cares for us as the apple of His eye. This is a profound truth that we must remember, especially when we feel lost or insignificant ([59:24]).
Deuteronomy 7:6 - "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are chosen by God change your perspective on your identity and worth?
Day 3: Trusting God in Our Circumstances
We often face the temptation to take matters into our own hands when we feel God is not acting quickly enough. However, we must resist this urge and trust that God is working in our circumstances, even when we can't see it ([01:02:30]).
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to surrender control and trust God more?
Day 4: The Danger of Self-Reliance
When we rely on ourselves instead of God, we often end up in situations that are far from His best for us. We must remember that our own understanding is limited and trust in God's infinite wisdom and love for us ([01:03:33]).
Jeremiah 17:5 - "This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.'"
Reflection: Can you recall a time when self-reliance led you away from God's best? How can you prevent this from happening in the future?
Day 5: God's Faithfulness in Our Sin
Even in our sin, God can bring about good. However, this does not mean our sin doesn't matter. We must strive to live righteously, knowing that our actions have consequences, but also trusting in God's ability to redeem our mistakes ([01:07:50]).
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you lean on God's faithfulness to help you overcome a recurring sin in your life?
Quotes
1. "Of all the people in the world, I chose these people. This is God speaking of everyone that was available, smorgasbord of nations, and I chose you, he says. He found Israel, found the people in his desert land. In the hailing wasteland of a wilderness, he encircled him. He cared for him. He guarded him as the apple of his eye." - 59:24
2. "Yeah, it's really encouraging to hear about the children of Israel that wandered in the desert and got to care of them. Yeah, it's really encouraging to hear how God saved Daniel from the lion. Those are great stories, but I got no food on my table today, so I'll do what I have to." - 01:01:34
3. "And sometimes it's just like Dan said, we would never consciously say, I never come to you and say, you know what? I'm tired of waiting on God. I'm going to do it my way. But in our heads, in our hearts, you know, in that place where we begin to think really quiet thoughts, isn't that the kind of quiet thoughts we come to?" - 01:02:30
4. "I don't see God in my story. I don't see God in this broken relationship. I don't see God in my health situation. I don't see God in my financial situation. I don't see God, you fill in your blank. I don't see God in this legal situation, this lawsuit, this thing that's hanging out there. I don't see God in that, but the fact of the matter is, is that he is actively and actually there every moment." - 01:20:57
5. "The love story is only like the camouflage, maybe, of the greater story, which is the Messiah being brought to earth to redeem his creation back to himself. And that's what we don't want to lose sight of." - 50:58
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