Trusting God's Perfect Timing and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, as recounted in John 2. This miracle, the first of Jesus' public signs, reveals much about God's timing and our response to His plans. Jesus' presence at the wedding, despite having only three years to fulfill His earthly ministry, underscores the importance of inviting Him into every aspect of our lives, not just our crises. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our expectations.
We delved into the significance of Jesus allowing the wine to run out completely before performing the miracle. This act teaches us that God often lets our resources deplete to show His power and provision more clearly. The process of filling the jars with water, despite the immediate need for wine, illustrates the importance of obedience and trust in God's instructions, even when they seem illogical or slow.
The interaction between Jesus and His mother, Mary, highlights a pattern of request, refusal, and revelation. Jesus' initial refusal and subsequent miracle demonstrate that God's delays are not denials but opportunities for greater revelation and growth. This pattern is evident throughout Jesus' ministry, including His delayed response to Lazarus' illness, which ultimately led to a greater miracle.
We also discussed the importance of recognizing God's timing in our lives. Often, what we perceive as rejection or delay is actually God preparing us for something greater. The story of David wanting to build the temple but being told "not you" serves as a reminder that God's plans are perfect, even when they differ from our desires.
In conclusion, the miracle at Cana teaches us to trust in God's timing, to obey His instructions, and to invite Him into every part of our lives. By doing so, we allow Him to reveal His glory in ways we could never imagine.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Timing is Perfect: Jesus' presence at the wedding in Cana, despite His limited time on earth, teaches us that God's timing is always perfect. We must trust that He knows the best moments to intervene in our lives, even when it seems like He is delaying. [16:42]
2. Obedience in the Process: The servants' obedience in filling the jars with water, despite the immediate need for wine, illustrates the importance of following God's instructions. Sometimes, the process He leads us through is as crucial as the outcome. [47:27]
3. Delays are Not Denials: Jesus' initial refusal to perform the miracle and His eventual action show that God's delays are not denials. They are opportunities for greater revelation and growth. This pattern is evident throughout His ministry, including the story of Lazarus. [29:12]
4. Inviting Jesus into Every Aspect: Jesus' attendance at the wedding highlights the importance of inviting Him into every part of our lives, not just our crises. He desires to be part of our celebrations and everyday moments, making them even sweeter. [20:05]
5. Preparation for Greater Things: The story of David wanting to build the temple but being told "not you" reminds us that God's plans are perfect. What we perceive as rejection or delay is often God preparing us for something greater. [35:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Worship and Drawing Close to God
[02:48] - Preaching to the Trees
[04:27] - The Wedding at Cana
[06:19] - Not Now, It's Not Now
[07:41] - Coaching My Children
[09:31] - Elijah's College Call
[12:18] - Making a List
[14:37] - Timing, Timing, Timing
[16:42] - Jesus' Timing at the Wedding
[18:08] - God's Purpose Over Preference
[20:05] - Inviting Jesus into Celebrations
[22:22] - Running Out Before Stepping In
[24:04] - The Mystery of God's Mercy
[27:41] - Not Now, Not Now
[29:12] - The Story of Lazarus
[31:23] - Even Now, God Will Give
[34:00] - The Mystery and the Message
[35:45] - David and the Temple
[38:01] - Learning Through Slowing Down
[41:43] - The Process of the Miracle
[44:26] - Do Whatever He Tells You
[46:02] - Filling the Jars to the Brim
[50:04] - The Revelation in the Process
[52:01] - Building Faith Through Obedience
[55:26] - The Process for Joy and Trust
[57:15] - The Story of Writing a Song
[01:01:27] - Rejection as Preparation
[01:03:43] - Water to Wine: God's Timing
[01:06:04] - Closing and Invitation to Subscribe
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 2:1-11 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of Jesus' first miracle, and who were the key people involved? ([02:48])
2. How did Jesus respond to His mother's statement about the lack of wine, and what was her instruction to the servants? ([04:27])
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the servants regarding the water jars, and how did they respond? ([47:27])
4. What was the reaction of the master of the banquet after tasting the water turned into wine? ([04:27])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to perform His first miracle at a wedding, and what does this setting signify about His ministry? ([16:42])
2. How does the interaction between Jesus and His mother illustrate the concept of God's timing versus human timing? ([24:38])
3. What is the significance of the servants filling the jars to the brim before the miracle occurred, and what does this teach us about obedience? ([47:27])
4. How does the story of Lazarus in John 11 relate to the theme of "delays are not denials" as discussed in the sermon? ([29:12])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was delaying in answering your prayers. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([29:12])
2. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in those areas this week? ([16:42])
3. The servants obeyed Jesus' instructions even when they seemed illogical. Is there a situation in your life where you need to obey God's guidance despite not understanding it fully? ([47:27])
4. How can you invite Jesus into your everyday moments and not just during crises? Share a specific way you plan to do this in the coming week. ([20:05])
5. Think about a time when you felt rejected or delayed in your plans. How can you reframe that experience as preparation for something greater that God has in store for you? ([35:45])
6. Jesus' miracle at Cana was a revelation of His glory. How can you be more attentive to the ways God is revealing His glory in your life right now? ([55:26])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of obedience in the process. What is one specific step of obedience you feel God is calling you to take, and how will you commit to it this week? ([47:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
Description: Jesus' presence at the wedding in Cana, despite His limited time on earth, teaches us that God's timing is always perfect. We must trust that He knows the best moments to intervene in our lives, even when it seems like He is delaying. This story reminds us that God's plans are often beyond our understanding, and His timing, though sometimes perplexing, is always for our ultimate good. When we feel impatient or frustrated with delays, we can find peace in knowing that God is orchestrating everything according to His perfect will. [16:42]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you trust in His perfect timing today, even if it doesn't align with your expectations?
Day 2: Obedience in the Process
Description: The servants' obedience in filling the jars with water, despite the immediate need for wine, illustrates the importance of following God's instructions. Sometimes, the process He leads us through is as crucial as the outcome. This act of obedience, even when it seems illogical or slow, is a testament to our faith and trust in God's wisdom. By obeying God's commands, we open ourselves to witnessing His power and provision in ways we might not expect. [47:27]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is asking you to obey, even if it doesn't make sense to you right now? How can you take a step of obedience today?
Day 3: Delays are Not Denials
Description: Jesus' initial refusal to perform the miracle and His eventual action show that God's delays are not denials. They are opportunities for greater revelation and growth. This pattern is evident throughout His ministry, including the story of Lazarus. When we face delays, it is easy to feel discouraged or rejected, but these moments are often God's way of preparing us for something greater. By trusting in His timing and purpose, we can grow in faith and patience. [29:12]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was delaying an answer to your prayer. How did that delay lead to a greater revelation or growth in your life?
Day 4: Inviting Jesus into Every Aspect
Description: Jesus' attendance at the wedding highlights the importance of inviting Him into every part of our lives, not just our crises. He desires to be part of our celebrations and everyday moments, making them even sweeter. By including Jesus in all aspects of our lives, we acknowledge His sovereignty and allow His presence to transform our ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones. This practice helps us cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and recognize His hand in all we do. [20:05]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you invite Jesus into your daily routines and celebrations today? What specific actions can you take to acknowledge His presence in every aspect of your life?
Day 5: Preparation for Greater Things
Description: The story of David wanting to build the temple but being told "not you" reminds us that God's plans are perfect. What we perceive as rejection or delay is often God preparing us for something greater. David's desire to build the temple was noble, but God had a different plan that involved his son Solomon. This teaches us that our dreams and desires, while important, must align with God's greater purpose. Trusting in His plan means believing that He is preparing us for something beyond our current understanding. [35:45]
1 Chronicles 28:3-6 (ESV): "But God said to me, 'You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.' Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father's house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father's house, and among my father's sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel."
Reflection: Is there a dream or desire you have that hasn't come to fruition? How can you trust that God is preparing you for something greater, even if it means waiting or changing your plans?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We love making anthems for you so that you can draw close to God in your time of need. We consider that a privilege. figure everybody can't take Chris home with them for him to say, Miracle after miracle, while you're cutting the grass and stuff like that. This is our way to just be there with you far beyond a Sunday morning context and just remind you." [01:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Just because you've run out doesn't mean he won't still step in. I could preach a whole revival on that, because I'm preaching to somebody out of energy, out of answers, out of ideas, out of innovations, out of people to call, out of people to text. I made my list. I went through my list. Nobody hit me back. I'm out of time. I'm out of opportunities. I'm out. Just because you're out doesn't mean he won't step in." [22:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What I took from that that I want to pass on to you is that you might be surprised where Jesus would show up if you would invite him, because we do think that we have to be almost going under to cry out to him for help, and then he'll come. We do think that we have to be going through the fire of hell to call, and then he'll come, but what if he wants to join you in your moments of celebration to make them even sweeter?" [20:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I came to announce, get ready for God to do something different in your life, different than you thought, different than you planned, different than you hoped, different than you put on your list. There are some things in your life that in a previous season you were not ready to receive it, but God brought you under this word today. Why? Because it's a now moment. It's a now moment. God said, now draw it out. Now the jars are filled. Now. Now. Somebody shout, now." [55:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of the best stuff in your life is still coming. Some of the best stuff… I'll you for watching the Elevation Church YouTube. I want you to subscribe. That way you can know when we go live and post new content. Make sure to leave me a comment. Let me know what spoke to you today, where you're watching from, and what we can pray for you about. And if you'd like to support the ministry financially you can click the give button now and help us continue reaching people around the world for jesus christ thanks again i'll see you next time" [01:06:04] (86 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I realized early in my ministry with the Word of God that worshiping God, you know, there's the Word of God being preached to us, and then there's the worship that we give to God that doesn't have to do with how we feel, that doesn't have to do with a style, but it has to do with our response to how good he's been, that when those two things are in tandem together, you become dangerous to the devil, and you become an instrument in the hand of God." [02:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I get in that place where my personal life feels like I have reached the end of my resources and I get in that funk and the Devil starts telling me the same things he's telling you as a college student, but he tells me them as a grown man, that I have nothing really to offer or that my best is behind me or that I'm no longer ready. I don't know if that's relevant or that the things my critics have said about me are right or that just the list goes on and on." [10:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The mystery of this text is just as much of a message as the lesson. Let me say that again. The mystery of this text is just as much of a message as the lesson, because the consumers didn't know how the miracle happened. The servants did." [34:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The key verse of this passage has nothing to do with when they drank the wine. It's verse 11 of John, chapter 2. The Bible says this was the first of the signs he performed, and he revealed his glory. He what? He revealed his glory. He revealed his glory. He refused the request so he could reveal his glory, so he reset your expectation, so he could reveal his glory. If he just gave you the wine, you'd be a consumer, but if he teaches you to trust him, you'll be a producer." [55:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your job in the meantime is not to understand. It is to obey and do whatever he tells you. I'm telling you, man, some of the stuff God is doing in your life don't happen until all the jars are full. I understand that you filled three jars. I understand that you've worked on it for four years. I understand that you went back five times, but sometimes you have to fill all six in order to see who he is." [53:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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