Trusting God's Perfect Timing and Faithfulness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and remind ourselves of the unwavering faithfulness of God. We sang praises to our Way Maker, Miracle Worker, and Promise Keeper, acknowledging His constant presence and miraculous works in our lives. We reflected on the truth that God is an on-time God, never failing and never late. This is a powerful reminder that no matter what we are going through, God knows our needs and will show up at the perfect time.
We encouraged each other to keep watching, waiting, hoping, and praying, even when it feels like God is silent or distant. Our testimonies and experiences affirm that God always shows up, and He has never left us. We were reminded to look back at our past and see the moments when God intervened, providing healing, provision, and redemption. This reflection strengthens our faith and trust in God's timing and His promises.
As we continue our journey, let us hold on to the truth that God is always on time. He is never too late, and He never gives up on us. This assurance should inspire us to keep our faith alive, knowing that God will always show up in our lives, no matter the circumstances.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is a Way Maker and Miracle Worker: We worship a God who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He performs miracles and keeps His promises, reminding us that we can trust Him with our lives and our needs. This truth should encourage us to lean on Him in times of uncertainty and difficulty. [07:45]
2. God Knows Our Needs: Even when we are unsure of what we need, God knows and understands our deepest desires and concerns. He is an on-time God who never fails to show up at the right moment, providing exactly what we need. This should give us confidence to trust in His timing and provision. [11:17]
3. Keep Watching and Praying: Our faith journey requires perseverance. We are encouraged to keep watching, waiting, hoping, and praying, even when it feels like nothing is happening. God's timing is perfect, and our persistence in faith will be rewarded. [12:56]
4. Reflect on God's Faithfulness: Looking back at our past experiences can strengthen our faith. When we remember the times God has shown up and provided for us, it reassures us of His constant presence and faithfulness. This reflection helps us trust Him more deeply in our current and future challenges. [17:56]
5. God Never Gives Up on Us: No matter how long we have been waiting or how difficult our situation seems, God never gives up on us. He is never too late and always shows up at the perfect time. This truth should inspire us to keep our faith alive and trust in His unwavering commitment to us. [17:56]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:45] - Worship and Praise
[11:17] - God Knows Our Needs
[12:56] - Keep Watching and Praying
[17:56] - Reflect on God's Faithfulness
[17:56] - God Never Gives Up on Us
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:16-19 (NIV): "This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'"
2. Psalm 37:7 (NIV): "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
3. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 43:16-19, what does God promise to do in the wilderness and wasteland?
2. In Psalm 37:7, what are we instructed to do while waiting for the Lord?
3. How does Lamentations 3:22-23 describe God's faithfulness and compassion?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how God has shown up in people's lives? [17:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to be a "Way Maker" and "Miracle Worker" as described in Isaiah 43:16-19? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God making a way where there seems to be no way? [07:45]
2. How can Psalm 37:7 help us understand the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, especially when it feels like He is silent or distant? [12:56]
3. Reflecting on Lamentations 3:22-23, how can we find reassurance in God's daily renewal of compassion and faithfulness? How does this tie into the sermon’s emphasis on God never giving up on us? [17:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Think of a time when you felt like you were in a "wilderness" or "wasteland." How did God make a way for you during that time? How can this past experience strengthen your faith in current challenges? [17:56]
2. When you are in a season of waiting, what practical steps can you take to "be still before the Lord" and trust in His timing, as Psalm 37:7 suggests? [12:56]
3. How can you remind yourself daily of God's faithfulness and compassion, as described in Lamentations 3:22-23? What specific actions can you take to reflect on His past interventions in your life? [17:56]
4. The sermon encourages us to keep watching, waiting, hoping, and praying. What are some specific ways you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine, especially during difficult times? [12:56]
5. How can you encourage someone else who is struggling to see God's faithfulness in their life? Share a testimony or experience where God showed up for you at the perfect time. [17:56]
6. Reflect on the idea that God never gives up on us. How does this truth impact your view of your current struggles or long-term challenges? What steps can you take to keep your faith alive in these situations? [17:56]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need a miracle or breakthrough. How can you actively trust God as your "Way Maker" and "Miracle Worker" in this specific situation? [07:45]
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Way Maker and Miracle Worker
Description: We worship a God who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He performs miracles and keeps His promises, reminding us that we can trust Him with our lives and our needs. This truth should encourage us to lean on Him in times of uncertainty and difficulty. When we face obstacles that seem insurmountable, we can find comfort in knowing that God is actively working on our behalf, orchestrating events and circumstances to bring about His perfect will. [07:45]
God's ability to make a way and perform miracles is not limited by our understanding or expectations. He often works in ways that are beyond our comprehension, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. As we reflect on His past faithfulness, we can be assured that He will continue to guide us and provide for us in the future. This assurance should inspire us to trust Him more deeply and to seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives.
Isaiah 43:16-19 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 'Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'"
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust God to make a way and perform a miracle in this situation?
Day 2: God Knows Our Needs
Description: Even when we are unsure of what we need, God knows and understands our deepest desires and concerns. He is an on-time God who never fails to show up at the right moment, providing exactly what we need. This should give us confidence to trust in His timing and provision. [11:17]
God's knowledge of our needs goes beyond our immediate circumstances. He sees the bigger picture and understands how each moment fits into His greater plan for our lives. This understanding should bring us peace, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is actively working to meet our needs in His perfect timing. As we trust in His provision, we can let go of our anxieties and rest in His care.
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How can this memory strengthen your trust in His provision for your current needs?
Day 3: Keep Watching and Praying
Description: Our faith journey requires perseverance. We are encouraged to keep watching, waiting, hoping, and praying, even when it feels like nothing is happening. God's timing is perfect, and our persistence in faith will be rewarded. [12:56]
In moments of waiting, it can be easy to become discouraged or to feel that our prayers are going unanswered. However, these times are opportunities for us to deepen our faith and to develop a greater reliance on God. By continuing to watch and pray, we demonstrate our trust in His timing and our belief that He is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it.
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ And the Lord said, 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel like giving up? How can you commit to continuing in prayer and trust in God's perfect timing?
Day 4: Reflect on God's Faithfulness
Description: Looking back at our past experiences can strengthen our faith. When we remember the times God has shown up and provided for us, it reassures us of His constant presence and faithfulness. This reflection helps us trust Him more deeply in our current and future challenges. [17:56]
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness allows us to see His hand at work in our lives, even in the moments when we may not have recognized it at the time. These memories serve as powerful reminders of His love and care for us, encouraging us to trust Him more fully in the present. By regularly recalling His faithfulness, we can build a foundation of trust that will sustain us through future trials and uncertainties.
Psalm 77:11-14 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have seen God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories encourage you in your current situation?
Day 5: God Never Gives Up on Us
Description: No matter how long we have been waiting or how difficult our situation seems, God never gives up on us. He is never too late and always shows up at the perfect time. This truth should inspire us to keep our faith alive and trust in His unwavering commitment to us. [17:56]
God's commitment to us is unwavering, and His love for us is steadfast. Even when we feel like we are at the end of our rope, God is there, ready to support and guide us. His timing is perfect, and He knows exactly when to intervene in our lives. This assurance should give us the strength to persevere, knowing that God is always with us and will never abandon us.
Lamentations 3:22-26 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways have you felt like giving up recently? How can you remind yourself of God's unwavering commitment to you and find the strength to keep your faith alive?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "I choose to put my trust in you God I encourage you keep watching keep waiting keep hoping keep hoping keep praying. He's not a man that he should lie, no. Keep watching, keep waiting. All you gotta do is keep hoping, keep praying. Make that your testimony right here. Keep watching, Keep worshiping. Because he's an on-time God. He's an on-time God. You might not see it, but he's an on-time God. It might not feel like it, but he's an on-time. Oh my God. He always shows up." [17:56] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I don't know what you're looking for I don't know what you need but he does and so we just came to remind you that God is an on-time God he never fails he's never late for the on-time God oh you always show up yes do you believe that today do you believe he shows up do believe he shows up sometimes all you got to do is just look back one time and the shame came like a wave I just knew that I was too far gone then you showed up on let's sing it together on-time God on-time God you love you love give up I believe you're an on-time on-time God you love." [12:56] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "He always shows up. Is that your testimony? He always shows up. Listen, think about it. When has he ever left me? Oh, come on, think about it. When has he ever left me? Not once. When has he ever? Oh yeah, come on, sing it out. Somebody say, when has he ever left me? You're still a healer, God. When has he ever left me? You're still a provider, God. When has he ever left me? You're still a mighty God. Yes, you are. When has he ever left me? You're a redeeming God. Yeah. When has he ever left me? You're still. He'll never give up. He's never too late. I don't know. Somebody needs to hear that. He'll never give up. He's never too late." [17:56] (102 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I know you've been waiting. he's an on-time God. Yes, he always shows up. He always shows up. Oh, he always shows up. He always shows up." [17:56] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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