Trusting God's Guidance Through Life's Transitions
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the journey God has set before us, especially as we transition to a new location for our church services. We began by acknowledging the bittersweet nature of this move, recognizing the peace and joy that God provides even in times of uncertainty. We trust that God is in control and that He opens and closes doors according to His will. This transition is a part of His plan, and we are called to follow where He leads.
We delved into Psalm 23, exploring the profound imagery of God as our Shepherd. This Psalm is not just for funerals; it is a message of hope and provision. God, as our Shepherd, knows our needs and guides us through the valleys of life. Even when we face dark times, we are never alone. He leads us to green pastures and quiet waters, restoring our souls and providing for us in the presence of our enemies. This journey through the valley is not a destination but a passage, and God is with us every step of the way.
We also reflected on the story of Elijah, who was led by God from a place of comfort to a place of need, where he was sustained by a widow. This story reminds us that God sometimes leads us away from what is comfortable to places where we can grow and be a blessing to others. As we move to the Westminster campus, we are called to trust in God's provision and guidance.
In this Lenten season, we are reminded of the importance of reflection and yielding to God's will. Change is often uncomfortable, but it is a part of our spiritual growth. Just as the Israelites had to trust God in the wilderness, we too must trust Him in our transitions. We are the light of the world, and our unity and love for one another are crucial as we navigate this new chapter.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Timing and Direction: God opens and closes doors according to His perfect will. Sometimes, we may try to force things to happen, but we must trust that His timing and direction are best. Just as Elijah was led from the brook to the widow's house, we must be willing to follow God's lead, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones. [40:53]
2. God as Our Shepherd: Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates God's role as our Shepherd. He provides, protects, and guides us through life's valleys. Even in the darkest times, we are never alone. The valley is not our destination but a passage, and God is with us every step of the way, leading us to green pastures and quiet waters. [46:29]
3. The Importance of Unity and Community: As we transition to a new location, our unity as a church family is vital. We are called to support and encourage one another, walking together through this new adventure. Our relationships within the body of Christ are essential, and we must be there for each other, sharing God's love and grace. [55:14]
4. Living by Grace, Not Just Being Saved by It: It's easy to understand that we are saved by grace, but living by grace daily is a challenge. God calls us to rest in Him, to be still, and to allow Him to love and restore us. In our busyness, we must remember to take time to be in His presence and let Him refresh our souls. [52:26]
5. God's Provision in the Midst of Challenges: God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, providing the resources we need to overcome any challenge. Whether we face disease, relationship issues, or uncertainty, God equips us with what we need to move forward. His anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit empower us to face any situation with confidence. [56:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:22] - Trusting God's Control
[40:53] - Following God's Lead
[42:09] - The Hidden Door
[43:33] - Reflecting During Lent
[44:59] - The Wilderness Experience
[46:29] - Psalm 23: God as Our Shepherd
[47:53] - Walking Through the Valley
[49:19] - Elijah's Journey
[50:47] - God's Provision Through Others
[52:26] - Living by Grace
[53:47] - Quiet Waters and Restoration
[55:14] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[56:49] - God's Table of Resources
[58:22] - Anointing and Hospitality
[01:01:22] - Following God's Direction
[01:04:15] - Communion and Unity
[01:07:33] - Recognizing Jesus in Our Midst
[01:09:01] - The Lord's Supper
[01:10:36] - Prayer and Worship
[01:23:34] - Praying for Families
[01:28:13] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
2. 1 Kings 17:7-16: "Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: 'Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.' So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me, please, a piece of bread.' 'As surely as the Lord your God lives,' she replied, 'I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.' Elijah said to her, 'Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land."' She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah."
3. John 10:11, 14: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the ways God is described as a shepherd in Psalm 23?
2. How did God provide for Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17:7-16?
3. According to John 10:11, 14, what are the characteristics of the good shepherd?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the story about the hidden door in the restroom? ([42:09])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort during times of transition and uncertainty? ([46:29])
2. What lessons can we learn from Elijah's obedience to God's direction, even when it led him to a place of need? ([49:19])
3. How does the concept of living by grace, as mentioned in the sermon, challenge our daily routines and priorities? ([52:26])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of unity and community within the church, especially during times of change? ([55:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing and direction. How did that experience shape your faith? ([40:53])
2. In what ways can you actively seek to experience God's provision and protection in your current life situation, similar to how Psalm 23 describes? ([46:29])
3. How can you contribute to the unity and support of your church community during this transition to a new location? ([55:14])
4. What steps can you take to ensure you are living by grace daily, rather than just understanding it as a concept? ([52:26])
5. Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's provision and guidance to overcome it, as illustrated by the story of Elijah and the widow? ([49:19])
6. How can you be a source of encouragement and support to others in your church community who may be struggling with the transition? ([55:14])
7. What practical actions can you take this week to rest in God's presence and allow Him to restore your soul, as described in Psalm 23? ([52:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Timing and Direction
God opens and closes doors according to His perfect will. Sometimes, we may try to force things to happen, but we must trust that His timing and direction are best. Just as Elijah was led from the brook to the widow's house, we must be willing to follow God's lead, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones. This requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a willingness to surrender our own plans and desires. When we align ourselves with His will, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is guiding us on the right path. [40:53]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you tried to force your own plans. How can you surrender this to God and trust in His timing and direction today?
Day 2: God as Our Shepherd
Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates God's role as our Shepherd. He provides, protects, and guides us through life's valleys. Even in the darkest times, we are never alone. The valley is not our destination but a passage, and God is with us every step of the way, leading us to green pastures and quiet waters. This imagery reminds us of God's constant presence and care, assuring us that He knows our needs and will provide for us abundantly. [46:29]
Ezekiel 34:15-16 (ESV): "I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's guidance and provision in a difficult situation. How can you remind yourself of His presence in your current circumstances?
Day 3: The Importance of Unity and Community
As we transition to a new location, our unity as a church family is vital. We are called to support and encourage one another, walking together through this new adventure. Our relationships within the body of Christ are essential, and we must be there for each other, sharing God's love and grace. This unity is a testament to the world of God's love and the transformative power of the Gospel. [55:14]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them today to strengthen the unity of your church family?
Day 4: Living by Grace, Not Just Being Saved by It
It's easy to understand that we are saved by grace, but living by grace daily is a challenge. God calls us to rest in Him, to be still, and to allow Him to love and restore us. In our busyness, we must remember to take time to be in His presence and let Him refresh our souls. This daily reliance on God's grace transforms our lives and enables us to extend His love and grace to others. [52:26]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live by grace. What practical steps can you take today to rest in God's grace and allow Him to restore you?
Day 5: God's Provision in the Midst of Challenges
God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, providing the resources we need to overcome any challenge. Whether we face disease, relationship issues, or uncertainty, God equips us with what we need to move forward. His anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit empower us to face any situation with confidence. This assurance of God's provision gives us the strength to persevere and trust in His faithfulness. [56:49]
Psalm 34:10 (ESV): "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust in God's provision and seek His guidance to overcome this challenge today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We don't know exactly what's going to happen but we know that God's in control and that's the most important thing, isn't it that we can we can trust God." [39:22] (9 seconds)
2. "We can't open doors God doesn't want open and we can't close doors God doesn't want closed. Maybe I've said this illustration before but talking about closed doors, sometimes we try to make things happen don't we, we try to continue something and we fight God at times." [40:53] (17 seconds)
3. "We are the answer to what's going on in our culture right now. We are the answer period and if we don't model it God doesn't have a plan B man the church is it whether we like it or not." [46:29] (10 seconds)
4. "We are the people of God and I remember at a little storefront church I started out in Long Beach, I thought they'd been there 56 years and voted me in and come to find out that in the 56 years at that little storefront between a furniture store and well there's a liquor store two doors down North Long Beach Tabernacle that they had started 166 churches worldwide through that little church some still going today in the continent of Africa and places that's what we can do together." [01:02:49] (35 seconds)
5. "May the God of hope fill each of you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen and amen." [01:28:13] (12 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes we would rather go back to what's comfortable or we just want just take us right to the promised land why do we got to go through the wilderness right but that's part of our training it's part of our discipline it's part of what God does in our life and it's part of what he wants to do for us so that we can help other people who are in their wilderness experience." [44:59] (19 seconds)
2. "The valley isn't a destination or a dwelling place okay it's just it's just where we go through and when you go through a valley you know I suspect because the reason that that I suspect that you go through have to walk on some rocks and it's a little it's a little tough so we need to walk through it with one another so we can hold each other up and get there." [47:53] (23 seconds)
3. "He guides me along the right path for his namesake do you believe that that he guides us along the right path for his namesake so that we can bring glory to his name so that we can represent him so that he can fill us and use us and restore us fill us with the Holy Spirit it's going to be a new infilling of the Holy Spirit even today as we sit here even today as we hear God's word let the Holy Spirit fill you with a new sense of confidence and joy and perspective." [53:47] (29 seconds)
4. "We are escorted by a shepherd in front and these twin angels behind and these two guardian angels will always be with us and be at your back and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever together so we better get used to each other right because we're going to be together for all eternity." [01:01:22] (24 seconds)
5. "We don't lead out of fear. We lead out of faith. Trusting God for the new and having expectations for his best for our life. So when we come together, we come to celebrate as a family, the Lord's supper." [01:09:01] (14 seconds)
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