Trusting God's Promises: Prayer, Patience, and Community

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we were reminded of the holiness and righteousness of our God, who is perfect in all His ways. We began by blessing His holy name, acknowledging the great things He has done, and expressing our gratitude for the opportunity to worship together. As we entered into a time of prayer, we reflected on the promise found in Jeremiah 33, where God assures us that if we call on Him, He will answer and show us great and mighty things. This promise encourages us to pray with faith, believing that miracles, healing, and peace can follow our prayers.

We also took time to remember those in our community who are grieving, lifting up the Taylor family and others who have experienced loss. We were encouraged to pray not only for ourselves but also for one another, trusting that God knows the needs of each person we lift up in prayer. As we continued in worship, we were reminded of the importance of being intentional in our care for one another, recognizing the power of a simple touch or greeting to uplift someone's spirit.

As we transitioned to the message, we turned our attention to the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the narrative of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Despite their devout and blameless lives, they faced the dilemma of barrenness. Yet, in their season of service, God showed up with a promise of a son, John, who would prepare the way for Jesus. Zacharias' initial doubt in God's promise serves as a reminder of our own struggles with trusting God's word, especially when it contradicts our human reasoning.

We were challenged to trust God with the unknown outcomes of life, to pray with expectation, and to rely on God's reputation. We were reminded that God's confirmation does not always coincide with immediate manifestation, and we must learn to wait with anticipation for God's promises to unfold in His perfect timing. As we concluded, we were encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Prayer: Prayer is not just an act of devotion but an expression of our conviction that God hears and answers. We must pray with expectation, believing that God will respond to our petitions and show us great and mighty things. [25:59]

- Trusting God's Reputation: When faced with challenges, we should remember God's past faithfulness. Just as He has been faithful to others in scripture, He will be faithful to us. Trusting God's reputation strengthens our faith in His promises. [01:54:08]

- Waiting with Anticipation: God's confirmation of His promises does not always mean immediate manifestation. We must learn to wait with anticipation, trusting that God will fulfill His word in His perfect timing. [01:58:35]

- Faith Over Reasoning: Our faith in God's word should transcend our human reasoning. Even when we don't understand how God will fulfill His promises, we must trust that He is in control and will bring His word to pass. [01:23:06]

- Community and Care: Being intentional in our care for one another is vital. Simple acts of kindness and fellowship can make a significant difference in someone's life, reminding them of God's love and presence. [45:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:31] - Blessing God's Holy Name
- [25:59] - The Promise of Prayer
- [27:37] - Love Lifted Us
- [29:21] - Praying for One Another
- [32:40] - Singing Our Yes to God
- [35:01] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [37:58] - Thanksgiving Reflections
- [45:04] - Intentional Care and Fellowship
- [49:58] - Church Announcements
- [57:35] - Offering Time
- [01:03:16] - Worship Through Music
- [01:12:58] - Consecrating Our Hearts
- [01:14:11] - Advent and the Birth of John
- [01:21:05] - Trusting God with Unknown Outcomes
- [01:39:20] - Trusting God's Word
- [01:49:37] - Praying with Expectation
- [01:57:59] - Waiting with Anticipation
- [02:11:23] - Encouragement to Trust and Wait
- [02:12:20] - Invitation to Faith and Community
- [02:16:04] - Communion and Reflection
- [02:28:20] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 33:3
- Luke 1:5-20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Jeremiah 33:3, what promise does God make to those who call on Him? How does this relate to the theme of prayer in the sermon? [25:59]

2. According to Luke 1:6-7, what were the characteristics of Zacharias and Elizabeth, and what dilemma did they face despite their devoutness? [01:17:01]

3. How did Zacharias initially respond to the angel Gabriel's message about the birth of his son, John, and what was the consequence of his response? [01:19:24]

4. What role was John the Baptist prophesied to play according to the angel Gabriel's message to Zacharias? [01:18:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise in Jeremiah 33:3 encourage believers to pray with expectation, and what might hinder someone from doing so? [01:43:22]

2. In what ways does the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth challenge the idea that faithfulness to God guarantees immediate answers to prayers? [01:21:05]

3. How does Zacharias' doubt reflect common struggles believers face when God's promises seem to contradict human reasoning? [01:23:06]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness when facing current challenges? [01:54:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you prayed without expectation. How can you cultivate a habit of praying with faith and anticipation, trusting that God hears and answers? [01:43:22]

2. Consider a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing, even when the manifestation is delayed? [01:58:35]

3. Identify a situation in your life where you struggle to trust God's word over your own reasoning. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in God's promises? [01:23:06]

4. Think of a person in your community who is grieving or in need. How can you intentionally show care and support to them this week, reflecting God's love and presence? [45:04]

5. How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness in your life or in the lives of others when you face new challenges? What practical steps can you take to keep these reminders visible? [01:54:08]

6. In what ways can you be more intentional in your prayer life, not just for yourself but for others in your community? How can this practice impact your faith and relationships? [29:21]

7. How can you create a personal or family tradition of waiting with anticipation for God's promises, similar to the anticipation of Advent? What might this look like in your daily life? [01:57:59]

Devotional

Day 1: The Expectation of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful expression of faith, not merely a ritualistic act. It is a direct line of communication with God, where believers can express their deepest desires, fears, and hopes. The promise found in Jeremiah 33 assures us that when we call upon God, He will answer and reveal great and mighty things. This assurance should embolden us to pray with expectation, believing that God is attentive to our petitions and capable of performing miracles, bringing healing, and granting peace. As we engage in prayer, we are invited to trust in God's ability to respond in ways that exceed our understanding and expectations. [25:59]

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

Reflection: What specific situation in your life can you bring to God in prayer today, trusting Him to reveal His great and mighty works?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
When faced with life's challenges, it is crucial to remember God's past faithfulness. The narrative of Zacharias and Elizabeth in the Gospel of Luke illustrates this truth. Despite their devout lives, they faced the challenge of barrenness. Yet, God showed up with a promise of a son, John, who would prepare the way for Jesus. Zacharias' initial doubt serves as a reminder of our struggles with trusting God's word, especially when it contradicts our human reasoning. Trusting in God's reputation and past faithfulness strengthens our faith in His promises, encouraging us to rely on His character and history of faithfulness. [01:54:08]

Psalm 77:11-12 (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."

Reflection: Recall a time when God was faithful in your life. How can this memory strengthen your trust in Him today?


Day 3: Anticipating God's Timing
God's confirmation of His promises does not always mean immediate manifestation. The story of Zacharias and Elizabeth teaches us the importance of waiting with anticipation for God's promises to unfold in His perfect timing. While human reasoning may lead to doubt, faith calls us to trust in God's timing and His ability to fulfill His word. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with hope and expectation that God will bring His promises to fruition. As believers, we are encouraged to cultivate patience and trust, knowing that God's timing is always perfect. [01:58:35]

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: What promise from God are you waiting for? How can you actively cultivate patience and trust during this waiting period?


Day 4: Faith Beyond Understanding
Our faith in God's word should transcend our human reasoning. The story of Zacharias and Elizabeth highlights the struggle of trusting God's promises when they seem impossible. Despite their doubts, God's word came to pass, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness. As believers, we are called to trust God even when we do not understand how He will fulfill His promises. This trust requires us to surrender our reasoning and rely on God's wisdom and power, believing that He is in control and will bring His word to pass. [01:23:06]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God? How can you surrender your reasoning and rely on His wisdom today?


Day 5: Intentional Acts of Care
Being intentional in our care for one another is vital in reflecting God's love and presence. Simple acts of kindness, such as a touch or greeting, can uplift someone's spirit and remind them of God's love. As a community, we are encouraged to be mindful of those around us, offering support and encouragement through intentional acts of care. This intentionality not only strengthens our community but also serves as a testament to God's love and compassion. By being present and attentive to the needs of others, we embody the love of Christ and create a nurturing environment for all. [45:04]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your community needs encouragement today? What specific act of kindness can you offer to uplift their spirit?

Quotes

"I said our God is holy. Our God is righteous. Our God is perfect in all of his ways. Come on let's bless the holy name of our Lord today. I said let's bless the holy name of our God. Bless his holy name for he has done great things." [00:24:12] (19 seconds)


"He says in Jeremiah 33 that if you call on me I will answer. If you call on me I will answer. That's good news all by itself that God will answer but then God says I'll do better than that. Not only will I answer but then I will show you great and mighty things that you know not of and that's the kind of God that we're in relationship with that he not only hears us but then he shows us great and mighty things." [00:25:51] (43 seconds)


"This morning as we prepare to go before God want you to take one or two maybe three of those names if you can that are on our prayer list and I want you to tuck in them away in your heart. We don't pray selfish prayers but we always even as we're praying for ourselves the word of God teaches us that we ought to pray for one another." [00:28:52] (23 seconds)


"Zacharias, and Elizabeth were people who walked, as the text says, in all the commandments, and in all of the ordinances of God. They were devout, blameless, righteous, holy people. But although they were devout and blameless, the text also tells us something about their profile. They were not just devout and blameless, but they also had a dilemma with barrenness." [01:26:08] (35 seconds)


"Zacharias is at the altar. It's a great day because he's serving. But it's about to be a greater day because as he's at the altar, lighting the incense, God shows up through an angel named Gabriel. And God declares to Zacharias, Zacharias, I know you've had a dilemma with barrenness. I know you've been devout and blameless. But Zacharias, let me declare to you today. You got a blessing on the way." [01:30:41] (39 seconds)


"Zacharias gets a divine revelation but then he starts making some human calculations I hear all that Gabriel but how's that going to happen how will I know that what you're saying is going to be a certainty in my life it sounds good Gabriel but I need you to understand something you come and you're promised a baby but I need you to understand something Gabriel my wife Elizabeth is well advanced in years she's living in a post-menopausal context sounds good but I know how this thing works biologically so how do I know this is going to happen Gabriel it ain't just my wife that has a problem it's my wife." [01:33:26] (61 seconds)


"we do not like the vulnerability we don't like living in the vulnerability of unknown outcomes hear what I'm saying to you church many of us struggle with trusting God's word fully and with trusting God wholeheartedly because we don't like living in the tension of what we don't know that our cultural influences our personality types our own trust issues our own trust issues have taught us that we shouldn't believe it we shouldn't accept it and we shouldn't act on it if we don't know everything if we don't have all of the information if it doesn't make sense on the front end I'm not gonna trust it on the back end that's how life has conditioned us but although church hear me? although that may be ingrained in us although that's what some of us have been taught and how some of us have been influenced I came to say to us this morning that to be in a faithful relationship with God sometimes means that as you are trusting God every now and again you have to put your faith in the word of God above your own human reasoning above your own faith above your own personal calculations above your own logic here it is sometimes you have to learn how to walk by faith and take God at God's word you may not have all the answers you may not know what the outcome may be you may not be fully aware of how things are going to turn out but you ought to have such a trust in the word of God where you say I may not know how it's going to turn out I may not know how God is going to bring it to pass I may not be sure of the ways God is going to make it a reality but here's what I do trust I do trust the word of God and because it's God who has said it I believe it and I'm going to walk in the promises of God." [01:36:53] (146 seconds)


"how are you serving as a priest praying for people every single day and yet when I show up to tell you that I've answered your prayer you don't believe that I'm the God who's able to step in and answer what you have been asking for Zacharias you're supposed to know better you grew up in a family of faith you've been serving in the temple all of your life what this lets me know Zacharias is that you've just been going through the religious routines because when I show up to tell you that God has answered your prayer you respond with analytical doubt can I tell you brothers and sisters why most of us struggle with unknown outcomes why most of us get stuck in fear rather than moving forward in faith I believe it's because too many of us although we love God and we claim to know the word of God and we claim to stand on the promises of God we don't have any real conviction that God will answer our prayers that we're not praying with any expectation that we're not believing that what we've asked God for will actually come to pass and I just came to tell somebody whenever you pray you gotta have some conviction when you pray that you're not just throwing some empty words that hit the ceiling and come back down no when I pray I need a witness in here who can testify I believe God that when I pray my prayer goes to God's ears and not only does God hear but God also." [01:47:25] (111 seconds)


"Zacharias knows the word of God Zacharias knows the old testament how do you know this pastor because after the baby is born after John is born when you go down in your own time read verses 67 through 79 Zacharias starts singing a song of praise and it's filled with allusions to how God in the birth of his son has fulfilled old testament prophecy Zacharias knows the word of God He knows the old testament here's why I need you to think with me Zacharias has access to old testament scriptures He knows the word of God he's a priest who prays for the world to come to him prays, and who studies." [01:51:22] (60 seconds)


"By the time Zacharias and Elizabeth faced their barrenness, according to the scriptures, God had already handled barren situations in the Old Testament at least five times. I wish I had a Bible reader. Zacharias gets silenced because Zacharias, how can you face the situation that you're in right now and not be reminded of God's reputation? How can you see what's standing in front of you and it doesn't inspire you to trust the word of God even more? Zacharias, how can you face your barrenness and here you are doubting that God is able to handle it, when you serve the same God who gave a child to Abraham and Sarah?" [01:53:24] (61 seconds)


"Manifestation isn't always given at the moment of confirmation. That God will show up to confirm something that he's willed to happen for you. But just because God confirmed it in that moment doesn't mean that the manifestation of what he's confirmed, will happen in that moment. Sometimes the manifestation does not occur until another appointed time. I came to occur with somebody and help somebody who's been seduced especially in this culture by everything happened instantaneously and immediately. It's not how trust in God works. God works. God will confirm it. But sometimes you got to wait for the manifestation to show up." [01:58:13] (64 seconds)


"Is there anybody in this place this morning who has enough faith in God to believe that if I wait with some anticipation, manifestation is all the way. Is there anybody in here who knows that if you give God a little bit of time, God will show up and perform just what he's saying. Can I give you some Easter Sunday? On an Advent Sunday morning? That's the testimony of our faith. God says, I'll give you some confirmation. If you destroy this temple, in three days, I will raise it up again. That was the confirmation. And they killed him on Friday. He died on Friday. He was in process on Friday." [02:06:40] (51 seconds)


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Transcript
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