Trusting God in the Meantime: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as a Sanctuary

Worship provides a sanctuary where we can lay down our burdens and focus on God's glory. It doesn't remove our problems but gives us the strength to face them. Worship is a choice to honor God despite our circumstances, acknowledging that He is always worthy of praise. When we gather in worship, we create a sense of community and shared faith that can uplift and encourage us, even in the most challenging times. Worship is not just about singing songs; it's about a heart posture that recognizes God's sovereignty and goodness.

In the story of Joseph, despite his many trials, he remained faithful and continued to honor God. This faithfulness in worship, even when circumstances were dire, is a powerful example for us. Worshiping God in the meantime, before our prayers are answered, is an act of faith that acknowledges His control over our lives. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's promises and helps us to trust in His timing and plan. [40:14]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help shift your focus from the problem to God's glory?

Day 2: Trusting the Process

Just as bread requires time to rise and bake, our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's promises often involve a process of waiting and refinement. This process can be painful, but it prepares us for the blessings God has in store. Trusting God during this time is crucial. The story of Joseph from Genesis 39 illustrates this beautifully. Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous hardships, Joseph remained steadfast, trusting that God was with him and would fulfill His promises.

In our own lives, we must recognize that the "meantime" is a period of growth and preparation. It is during these times that our faith is tested and strengthened. We may not understand why we have to wait or endure certain trials, but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us for what is to come. This period of waiting is not wasted; it is a crucial part of our spiritual journey. [50:19]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something important. How did that waiting period prepare you for the eventual outcome? How can you apply that lesson to your current situation?

Day 3: Praising in the Meantime

Praising God before our prayers are answered is an act of faith. It shows that we trust in His timing and His plan for our lives. This kind of praise is powerful and can shift our focus from our problems to God's promises. When we praise God in the meantime, we are declaring our trust in His sovereignty and goodness, regardless of our current circumstances. This act of faith can bring peace and hope, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Joseph's story is a testament to the power of praising God in the meantime. Despite his many trials, he continued to honor God and trust in His promises. This unwavering faith and praise, even in difficult times, is a powerful example for us. By praising God before our prayers are answered, we are acknowledging that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. [52:56]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: Think of a prayer that has not yet been answered. How can you praise God for His faithfulness and goodness in the meantime, even before you see the answer?

Day 4: Guarding God's Promises

Not everyone will understand or support the promises God has given us. It's important to be discerning about who we share our dreams and promises with, seeking encouragement from those who will uplift us and remind us of God's faithfulness. Joseph's story teaches us the importance of being cautious about who we share our God-given dreams with. His brothers' jealousy led to his being sold into slavery, but God used even that for good.

In our own lives, we must be wise about who we confide in. Not everyone will understand or support the vision God has given us. It's important to surround ourselves with people who will encourage us and remind us of God's faithfulness. By guarding God's promises and being discerning about who we share them with, we can protect ourselves from unnecessary discouragement and stay focused on God's plan for our lives. [54:22]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: Think about a promise or dream God has given you. Who are the people in your life that you can trust to encourage and support you in this journey? How can you be more discerning about who you share your dreams with?

Day 5: Sharing Our Testimonies

Our testimonies, even those that are still in progress, can provide hope and encouragement to others. Sharing our struggles and how we are trusting God in the meantime can inspire others to hold on to their faith and trust in God's timing. Joseph's story is a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness, even in the midst of trials. By sharing our own stories, we can encourage others and remind them that God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

In our own lives, we may be hesitant to share our testimonies, especially if they are still in progress. However, our stories of faith and trust in God can be a powerful source of encouragement for others. By being open and honest about our struggles and how we are trusting God in the meantime, we can inspire others to hold on to their faith and trust in God's timing. Our testimonies can be a beacon of hope for those who are going through similar trials. [01:01:51]

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: Think about a recent struggle or challenge you have faced. How can sharing your story of trusting God in the meantime provide hope and encouragement to someone else? Who can you share your testimony with this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of trusting God during the "meantime"—those periods between receiving a promise from God and seeing its fulfillment. We began by acknowledging the power of worship and the sense of community it fosters among believers. Worship allows us to lay down our burdens and focus on God's glory, even when life is challenging.

We delved into the story of Joseph from Genesis 39, who received a promise from God but had to endure many trials before seeing it come to fruition. Joseph's journey teaches us the value of patience and faithfulness during the waiting period. Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous hardships, Joseph remained steadfast, trusting that God was with him and would fulfill His promises.

We also discussed the importance of being patient and faithful in our own "meantime." Just as bread requires a process of mixing, kneading, and baking, our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's promises often require a process that involves waiting and refinement. This process can be painful and challenging, but it is necessary for us to be prepared for the blessings God has in store.

Moreover, we emphasized the need to praise God even before our prayers are answered. Praising God in the meantime is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness, regardless of our current circumstances. We must also be cautious about who we share our promises with, as not everyone will understand or support what God has spoken to us.

Finally, we were reminded that our testimonies, even those that are still in progress, can provide hope and encouragement to others. Sharing our struggles and how we are trusting God in the meantime can inspire others to hold on to their faith and trust in God's timing.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Worship as a Refuge: Worship provides a sanctuary where we can lay down our burdens and focus on God's glory. It doesn't remove our problems but gives us the strength to face them. Worship is a choice to honor God despite our circumstances, acknowledging that He is always worthy of praise. [40:14]
2. Patience in the Process: Just as bread requires time to rise and bake, our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's promises often involve a process of waiting and refinement. This process can be painful, but it prepares us for the blessings God has in store. Trusting God during this time is crucial. [50:19]
3. Praising in the Meantime: Praising God before our prayers are answered is an act of faith. It shows that we trust in His timing and His plan for our lives. This kind of praise is powerful and can shift our focus from our problems to God's promises. [52:56]
4. Guarding God's Promises: Not everyone will understand or support the promises God has given us. It's important to be discerning about who we share our dreams and promises with, seeking encouragement from those who will uplift us and remind us of God's faithfulness. [54:22]
5. Sharing Our Testimonies: Our testimonies, even those that are still in progress, can provide hope and encouragement to others. Sharing our struggles and how we are trusting God in the meantime can inspire others to hold on to their faith and trust in God's timing. [01:01:51]
### [61:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:45] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[40:14] - The Power of Worship
[40:54] - Choosing to Worship Despite Challenges
[42:40] - Encouragement to Family and Friends
[44:18] - Trusting God's Promises
[45:54] - What to Do in the Meantime
[47:26] - The Story of Joseph
[48:58] - The Process of Patience
[50:19] - The Bread Analogy
[51:29] - The Hard Process
[52:56] - Praising Through the Process
[54:22] - Guarding God's Promises
[55:43] - Trusting in God's Timing
[57:03] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[58:53] - Staying Faithful in the Meantime
[61:51] - Sharing Our Testimonies
[66:06] - Personal Loss and Heaven
[70:51] - Prayer and Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the circumstances that led Joseph to be in Potiphar's house in Egypt? (Genesis 39:1-6)
According to Philippians 1:6, what is promised to believers about the work God has started in them?
How did Joseph's faithfulness and God's presence impact Potiphar's household? (Genesis 39:1-6)
What does Hebrews 6:10-12 say about God's recognition of our work and love shown in His name?

Interpretation Questions

How does Joseph's story illustrate the importance of trusting God during difficult times? (Genesis 39:1-6, [47:26])
What does it mean to be patient and faithful in the "meantime" as described in the sermon? ([45:54])
How can praising God before our prayers are answered demonstrate our faith in His timing and plan? ([52:56])
Why is it important to be discerning about who we share our God-given promises with? ([54:22])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you had to wait for a promise or answer from God. How did you handle the "meantime"? What could you have done differently? ([45:54])
How can you incorporate more worship into your daily life to help you focus on God's glory rather than your problems? ([40:14])
Think of a current situation where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you practice patience and faithfulness during this period? ([50:19])
Identify one person in your life who might not understand or support your God-given dreams. How can you seek encouragement from others who will uplift you instead? ([54:22])
Share a personal testimony of a struggle you are currently facing or have faced. How can your story provide hope and encouragement to others in your small group? ([01:01:51])
What specific steps can you take to praise God even before seeing the fulfillment of your prayers? ([52:56])
How can you remind yourself of God's promises and faithfulness when you feel discouraged or impatient? ([55:43])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I am confident more than ever that Jesus is coming back soon. It doesn't take much to see the world that we are living in is crumbling all around us. What I see is a world that is crumbling all around us. A lack of hope. A lack of hope for the future. A lack of hope in Jesus. I hate political season. I've never seen and heard so much fighting among church folks than I do during this season. It doesn't matter what side you're on. My God is still on the throne. And to me, that is all that matters." [43:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What am I going to do in the meantime when I've been promised that promotion and people keep passing me over and over and over who are less qualified than me? What am I going to do in the meantime when I've been praying for that spouse or that child that's far away from Christ and it seems like they're getting further and further away? What am I going to do in the meantime when I'm praying for that healing in my body, healing in my mind, and I'm still sick, and I'm still hurting, and I've been praying for a long time? God, I'm choosing in the meantime to trust you." [45:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to learn to be able to praise through the process. When we have opportunity to come to church or when you're at home, we're able to lift our hands and say, God, I know it's not here yet, but I trust you. I'm not going to wait till the battle is over. I'm going to shout now. Don't wait. Sometimes we say, God, when you bless me, then I'll praise your name. And when you bless me, then I'll say thank you. God says, I'm worthy of all the praise now while you're waiting in the meantime." [52:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "This world needs hope. I went to Walmart, the one in town. And if you've ever been to the Walmart in town, I remember when I first moved to Woodland, I went to Walmart. It was like zombies walking around Walmart. And I'm like, Lord, show me something. He goes, I want you just to sense the atmosphere and look at the people walking around. And I remember that night I walked in there and I've never felt such a feeling of hopelessness. We're hopeless. And I know some of us have been in that place and you know what it's like when you, it's so dark, you can't see any light. There's no hope. And I'm telling you, the church needs to be that hope." [01:00:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It doesn't mean that I'm not hurting. It doesn't mean that I'm not in pain. It doesn't mean that I'm not heartbroken. It doesn't mean that I'm not questioning. In the midst of those storms, I'm going to lift my hands and say, thank you, Father. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your love. Thank you for forgiveness. And thank you for the cross. Will you resolve? Will you resolve with me? That when the prayers seem unanswered, that God is still there. But in the meantime, I'm going to trust him. There's hope in the meantime." [01:08:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Sometimes we've been praying for so long, and we feel like the meantime is so far away that we give up on those promises. But I'm here to tell you, if God promises something to you, he has to come through on it. You have to be able to stand on the word of God that if it says it, it is going to happen. But what do we do in the meantime? I promise you that your prayers have not been forgotten. The Lord is with you. God hears them all. Every tear that you cry, he sees them. He says, I'm going to wipe every tear from your eye if we would just trust him in the meantime." [47:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We need to learn to be able to praise through the process. When we have opportunity to come to church or when you're at home, we're able to lift our hands and say, God, I know it's not here yet, but I trust you. I'm not going to wait till the battle is over. I'm going to shout now. Don't wait. Sometimes we say, God, when you bless me, then I'll praise your name. And when you bless me, then I'll say thank you. God says, I'm worthy of all the praise now while you're waiting in the meantime." [52:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When you have challenges and affliction in your mind, in your body, you need to resolve, this is not where God has placed me. I'm just passing through. I'm just passing through. You have to know where your destination is. God has promised all of us who have committed our lives to him, heaven. He has promised us heaven, and I am just passing through with all of these aches and pains and heartbreak that I'm going through. I know that this world is not my destination. I'm dreaming about heaven, and the Lord was with Joseph." [55:43] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Sometimes we look so far in the future, we forgot what we have. It may not be what you want, but it's better than what you would have without him. I have to remind myself the Lord has done so much. If he never does another thing for me, he's already done more than enough. But I still have promises in my heart that he's given me and I'm waiting on them. But in the meantime, I'm going to trust him." [59:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It doesn't matter what you think you're qualified for. The Lord will set you up in positions that you are not qualified for. And people will ask, how did you get here? It's because I'm covered in the blood. And every single step I take, I know he's taking one with me. In the meantime, and the Lord was with Joseph." [01:03:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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