Trusting God's Presence in Difficult Times
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Stonewater family. Today, we explored a profound truth from the Bible: God will never leave you or abandon you. This truth can be challenging to believe, especially during difficult times. I shared a personal story about my son being diagnosed with cancer just before we started Stonewater Church, which made me question God's presence. However, through prayer and scripture, we can find assurance in God's unwavering presence.
We delved into the gospel, which is composed of information, demonstration, and authority. The information is the good news that God sent His Son to save the world. Jesus demonstrated His divinity through miracles, and His authority is supreme, as evidenced by His teachings and resurrection. The kingdom of God is not just a future reality but a present one, where we live under God's rule and care for one another.
We examined the story of Gideon from Judges 6. Gideon, like many of us, questioned God's presence and purpose during tough times. Despite his doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God called him a "mighty warrior" and assured him of His presence. Gideon had to move from asking "why" to asking "what now," which is a crucial shift for all of us. God rarely answers the "why" but always provides direction for "what now."
In conclusion, we are encouraged to trust in God's presence and move forward in faith, even when we feel weak or inadequate. By doing so, we can accomplish great things for God's kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unwavering Presence: The truth that God will never leave or abandon us can be hard to grasp, especially during trials. However, this promise is a cornerstone of our faith. Reflecting on personal experiences and scripture can help us hold onto this truth, even when circumstances make it difficult to believe. [24:12]
2. The Gospel's Threefold Nature: The gospel is composed of information (the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection), demonstration (Jesus' miracles and acts of divinity), and authority (Jesus' supreme authority over all things). Understanding these aspects helps us grasp the full scope of the gospel and its impact on our lives. [27:10]
3. Living in the Kingdom of God: The kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are called to live under God's rule, caring for one another and embodying the values of His kingdom. This involves a daily choice to live according to God's principles rather than the world's. [31:11]
4. Moving from "Why" to "What Now": Like Gideon, we often get stuck asking God "why" during difficult times. However, God calls us to shift our focus to "what now." This change in perspective allows us to move forward in faith, trusting that God has a plan and purpose for us, even in our struggles. [39:34]
5. God Uses Our Weaknesses: God doesn't require us to be strong or perfect to be used by Him. Like Gideon, we may feel inadequate, but God calls us to go in the strength we have. Our small acts of faith and obedience can lead to significant outcomes when God is with us. [43:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:12] - God Will Never Leave You
[25:08] - Personal Story: My Son's Cancer
[26:09] - Prayer for Faith and Openness
[27:10] - The Gospel: Information, Demonstration, Authority
[28:52] - Demonstration of God's Power
[29:33] - Authority of Jesus
[30:27] - Living in the Kingdom of God
[31:11] - Present Reality of God's Kingdom
[32:45] - Identity and Destiny in God's Kingdom
[34:19] - Introduction to Gideon
[35:27] - Gideon's Encounter with the Angel
[37:21] - Gideon's Questions and Doubts
[39:34] - Moving from "Why" to "What Now"
[41:37] - God's Call to Action
[43:05] - God Uses Our Weaknesses
[45:15] - Personal Story: Starting Stonewater Church
[47:21] - Trusting God with Our Future
[49:12] - Prayer and Response
[51:35] - Worship and Identity in Christ
[52:03] - Closing Worship and Blessing
[01:02:34] - Community Outreach and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Judges 6:12-16 (NIV)
> "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, "Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?" But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.' The Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' The Lord answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.'"
2. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
> "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
3. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
> "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Gideon's initial reaction when the angel of the Lord called him a "mighty warrior"? (Judges 6:12-13)
2. How did God respond to Gideon's feelings of inadequacy and doubt? (Judges 6:14-16)
3. According to Hebrews 13:5, what promise does God make to His people?
4. What are the three components of the gospel as described in the sermon? [27:10]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Gideon questioned God's presence and purpose during his difficult times? How does this reflect our own struggles with faith? (Judges 6:13)
2. How does the promise in Hebrews 13:5 provide comfort during challenging times? What does it mean for God to never leave or forsake us?
3. In what ways did Jesus demonstrate His divinity and authority according to the gospel? How do these aspects impact our understanding of who Jesus is? [27:57]
4. How does shifting from asking "why" to "what now" change our perspective and actions during tough times? [39:34]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned by God. How did you navigate through that period, and what helped you to eventually see God's presence in your life? [25:08]
2. The sermon mentioned that the kingdom of God is a present reality. What are some practical ways you can live under God's rule and care for others in your daily life? [31:11]
3. Gideon felt inadequate and made excuses when God called him. Have you ever felt the same way? What steps can you take to trust in God's strength rather than your own? [43:44]
4. How can you move from asking "why" to asking "what now" in your current struggles? What is one specific action you can take this week to move forward in faith? [39:34]
5. The sermon emphasized that God uses our weaknesses for His purposes. Identify a weakness you have and discuss how God might use it for His glory. [43:05]
6. How can you remind yourself of God's unwavering presence during times of doubt or fear? Are there specific scriptures or practices that help you stay grounded in this truth? [24:12]
7. The gospel is composed of information, demonstration, and authority. How can you incorporate these aspects into your conversations with others about your faith? [27:10]
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Unwavering Presence
Description: The promise that God will never leave or abandon us is a cornerstone of our faith, yet it can be difficult to hold onto, especially during trials. Reflecting on personal experiences and scripture can help us grasp this profound truth. In times of hardship, it is easy to feel isolated and question God's presence. However, the Bible assures us that God is always with us, even when we cannot feel His presence. This assurance can be found through prayer, scripture, and the testimonies of others who have experienced God's faithfulness. [24:12]
Bible passage: "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent difficult situation where you felt alone. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and faithfulness in similar situations in the future?
### Day 2: The Gospel's Threefold Nature
Description: The gospel is composed of three essential elements: information, demonstration, and authority. The information is the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Jesus demonstrated His divinity through miracles, showing His power and compassion. His authority is supreme, as evidenced by His teachings and resurrection. Understanding these aspects helps us grasp the full scope of the gospel and its impact on our lives. By recognizing the comprehensive nature of the gospel, we can deepen our faith and share this good news with others more effectively. [27:10]
Bible passage: "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the threefold nature of the gospel (information, demonstration, authority) into your daily life and interactions with others?
### Day 3: Living in the Kingdom of God
Description: The kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are called to live under God's rule, caring for one another and embodying the values of His kingdom. This involves a daily choice to live according to God's principles rather than the world's. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us and be a light to those around us. Living in the kingdom of God means prioritizing love, justice, and mercy in our interactions and decisions. [31:11]
Bible passage: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate the values of God's kingdom in your community today?
### Day 4: Moving from "Why" to "What Now"
Description: Like Gideon, we often get stuck asking God "why" during difficult times. However, God calls us to shift our focus to "what now." This change in perspective allows us to move forward in faith, trusting that God has a plan and purpose for us, even in our struggles. By asking "what now," we open ourselves to God's guidance and direction, enabling us to take actionable steps in our faith journey. This shift in mindset can transform our approach to challenges and help us grow spiritually. [39:34]
Bible passage: "And the Lord said to Gideon, 'But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.'" (Judges 6:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. Instead of asking "why," ask God "what now" and listen for His guidance. What steps can you take today to move forward in faith?
### Day 5: God Uses Our Weaknesses
Description: God doesn't require us to be strong or perfect to be used by Him. Like Gideon, we may feel inadequate, but God calls us to go in the strength we have. Our small acts of faith and obedience can lead to significant outcomes when God is with us. Recognizing that God can use our weaknesses for His glory allows us to rely on His strength rather than our own. This perspective encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. [43:05]
Bible passage: "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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you trust God to use this weakness for His purposes and take a step of faith today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God will never leave you. God will never abandon you. do you think about that truth? Now for me, I'm a preacher. So like nothing should ever bad happen to a preacher, right? Didn't you get amen? They're like, what are you talking about? That ain't in the Bible. Yeah, well, in my mind, I'm like, okay, I'm doing stuff for God. So like everything should be great, right?" [24:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus lived a perfect life. He proclaimed all the things about the kingdom of God. He lived a perfect life. He was sinless. And he proved that everything that he said was true when he died on the cross and was buried and resurrected from the dead. And by dying on the cross, he saved us because we are the ones that deserve death because of our sin against God." [27:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what did Jesus do upon the earth? Well, he demonstrated that he was God by doing things only God could do. Like walk on water. Heal people who were blind. There were people who were dead and he raised them from the dead. He did things that no man could do. He demonstrated that he was God. And guess what? If you're sick, the church is here for you to pray for you. To demonstrate that God can heal." [28:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Now, just for a moment. I want you to understand the kingdom. The kingdom, a lot of times we think the kingdom of heaven. Like this future thing that we're looking forward to. But the kingdom of God is present. It's right now. It's a reality here. So all of us have a choice. Are we going to live our lives in the kingdom of the world? That's controlled by the devil and his forces? And our flesh? Or are we going to live our lives in the kingdom of God?" [31:11] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What would your life look like today. If you just said God. What now? And then you hear God say. Let's go. Whatever strength you have. Like let's go. Whatever faith you have. Let's do this. And God pulls you out. Just like he. Jesus reached down his hand to Peter. When he was sinking in the water. And he just pulled him out. And says. Let's go. Let's change the world." [47:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's been times in my life, here's a little secret to my heart. I was always been like, hey, God, I'm doing all this stuff for you. When are you going to show up and do something? And there's times in my life where I'm just asking, why? Where are you? And so today, we're going to open up God's word, and we're going to find out what's true." [25:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So if you place yourself in the kingdom of God. God has a way for us to live. And move and act and think. And so when you hear this kingdom principle. Of how we live in the kingdom. Of God will never leave you or abandon you. And you think, no God's left me. God's abandoned me. Then you don't understand your identity. You don't understand your destiny. You don't understand what God has for all of us in his kingdom." [32:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some of you are stuck in the why. And God's telling you it's time to move forward. It's time to go. Some of you are stuck. You've been stuck for years. Decades. Maybe longer. And we're asking the wrong question. We're asking why. And God's like let me tell you what's next. And when you go through tough times. It's just natural and normal to say why. But don't get stuck there. Ask the Lord what now? Now that this awful thing has happened to me. What do I do? What now?" [41:37] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And the Lord answered him. I'll be with you. So remember. All that God required of Gideon was just. In the strength that you have Gideon. It can be a lot or it can be a little. Just whatever strength you have. I'll be with you. Now go. And he says. And you'll strike down all the Midianites. Leaving none alive. And you'll save all of Israel. And he did." [46:28] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What would your life look like. If you got out of being stuck with the why. And you just went all in with the Lord today. And as a church. Like what could Stonewater Church do. From now until Jesus returns. If we truly operated in the kingdom of God. With all the resources of heaven behind us. And God with us. What could we accomplish. For God and for his glory." [48:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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