Trusting God's Promises Through Trials and Tests
Summary
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection and renewal, much like the Christian New Year. It is a period to look back on the past year, repent for shortcomings, and commit to living according to God's will. The Jewish tradition of reading Genesis 21 on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, which recounts the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, serves as a reminder of God's promises and the joy that comes from His faithfulness. Despite the laughter and disbelief at God's promise, Isaac's birth brought genuine joy, symbolizing the hope for a year filled with God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises.
However, life is not always filled with joy. Challenges and trials are inevitable, as illustrated by the reading of Genesis 22 on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, where God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. This story highlights the difference between tests from God, which are meant to strengthen us, and temptations from Satan, which aim to lead us astray. Abraham's unwavering faith and readiness to obey God, even in the face of an incomprehensible command, demonstrate a profound trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan.
Abraham's response, "Here I am," signifies his readiness to listen and obey, despite not understanding God's plan. This trust is rooted in his belief that God would fulfill His promise to make Isaac the father of a great nation, even if it seemed impossible. Abraham's faith teaches us to surrender our understanding and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He sees and prepares everything for us.
In our own lives, we may face situations that seem insurmountable or confusing. Yet, like Abraham, we are called to lift our eyes to God, trusting that He is watching over us and has prepared a way. This act of faith is not about blind belief but about fixing our gaze on God, who is our help and strength. As we journey through life, may we continually look to God, trusting in His provision and guidance, and find peace in knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Reflecting on God's Promises: Rosh Hashanah reminds us to reflect on God's promises and His faithfulness, as seen in the birth of Isaac. Despite initial disbelief, God's promises bring true joy and fulfillment. This reflection encourages us to trust in God's timing and His plans for our lives. [00:56]
2. Understanding Trials and Tests: The story of Abraham and Isaac teaches us the difference between God's tests and Satan's temptations. God's tests are meant to strengthen our faith, while temptations aim to lead us astray. Recognizing this helps us to face challenges with a perspective of growth and trust in God's purpose. [02:15]
3. Surrendering Our Understanding: Abraham's willingness to obey God, even when it seemed impossible, shows the importance of surrendering our understanding to God's sovereignty. Trusting in God's plan, even when we don't understand it, allows us to experience His peace and provision. [11:16]
4. Fixing Our Eyes on God: In times of uncertainty, we are called to lift our eyes to God, trusting that He is our help and strength. This act of faith is about focusing on God rather than our problems, allowing us to find peace and direction in His presence. [17:08]
5. Experiencing God's Prepared Provision: Just as God provided a ram for Abraham, He prepares and provides for us in our daily lives. By trusting in His provision and keeping our eyes on Him, we can discover the hidden blessings and grace He has prepared for us. [27:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Introduction to Rosh Hashanah
[02:15] - The Story of Isaac's Sacrifice
[06:31] - Abraham's Unwavering Faith
[08:25] - The Test of Obedience
[10:22] - Trusting God's Promises
[11:16] - Surrendering Understanding
[11:57] - Personal Reflections and Challenges
[15:31] - Fixing Our Eyes on God
[17:08] - Seeking God's Guidance
[18:17] - The Power of Worship
[20:57] - Facing Life's Challenges
[22:37] - God's Prepared Provision
[24:00] - The Significance of "Here I Am"
[27:25] - Conclusion and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 21:1-7
2. Genesis 22:1-14
3. Psalm 121:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21, and how does it relate to God's promises? [00:56]
2. In Genesis 22, how does Abraham respond to God's command to sacrifice Isaac, and what does this reveal about his faith? [02:15]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between tests from God and temptations from Satan? [02:15]
4. What does the phrase "Here I am" signify in the context of Abraham's response to God? [24:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Isaac's birth in Genesis 21 encourage believers to trust in God's timing and promises, even when they seem delayed? [00:56]
2. What can we learn from Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac about surrendering our understanding to God's sovereignty? [11:16]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond when faced with situations that seem insurmountable or confusing? [15:31]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to "fix their eyes on God" during times of uncertainty? [17:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises. How did you eventually see His faithfulness, and how can this experience strengthen your faith in future challenges? [00:56]
2. Consider a current trial in your life. How can you discern whether it is a test from God meant to strengthen your faith or a temptation meant to lead you astray? [02:15]
3. Abraham was willing to surrender his understanding to God's plan. What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty, and how can you begin to surrender it to Him? [11:16]
4. When faced with uncertainty, what practical steps can you take to lift your eyes to God and focus on His presence rather than your problems? [17:08]
5. Think of a situation where you felt God's provision in an unexpected way. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His prepared provision in your current circumstances? [27:25]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of reflecting on God's promises and faithfulness into your daily or weekly routine? [00:56]
7. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on God. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and fix your eyes on Him? [17:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Promises
Reflecting on God's promises encourages us to trust in His timing and plans for our lives. Rosh Hashanah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, as seen in the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah. Despite initial disbelief, God's promises bring true joy and fulfillment. This period of reflection invites us to consider how God's promises have manifested in our lives and how we can continue to trust in His divine timing. By looking back on the past year, we can identify moments where God's faithfulness was evident, even if it was not immediately apparent. [00:56]
Genesis 21:1-2 (ESV): "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you have seen fulfilled in your life. How can you use this memory to strengthen your trust in His future promises?
Day 2: Embracing God's Tests
The story of Abraham and Isaac illustrates the difference between God's tests and Satan's temptations. God's tests are designed to strengthen our faith, while temptations aim to lead us astray. Understanding this distinction helps us face challenges with a perspective of growth and trust in God's purpose. Abraham's willingness to obey God, even in the face of an incomprehensible command, demonstrates a profound trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan. This narrative encourages us to embrace the tests we encounter, knowing they are opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. [02:15]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you view it as a test from God meant to strengthen your faith rather than a temptation to lead you astray?
Day 3: Surrendering to God's Sovereignty
Abraham's willingness to obey God, even when it seemed impossible, highlights the importance of surrendering our understanding to God's sovereignty. Trusting in God's plan, even when we don't understand it, allows us to experience His peace and provision. Abraham's faith teaches us to let go of our need for control and to trust that God sees and prepares everything for us. This act of surrender is not about blind belief but about acknowledging God's greater wisdom and trusting in His ultimate plan for our lives. [11:16]
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: What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control to God? What steps can you take today to begin trusting His sovereignty in that area?
Day 4: Fixing Our Eyes on God
In times of uncertainty, we are called to lift our eyes to God, trusting that He is our help and strength. This act of faith involves focusing on God rather than our problems, allowing us to find peace and direction in His presence. By fixing our gaze on God, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. This perspective shift helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to trust in God's provision and guidance. [17:08]
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV): "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Reflection: When faced with uncertainty, what practical steps can you take to shift your focus from your problems to God? How can this change in perspective impact your daily life?
Day 5: Discovering God's Prepared Provision
Just as God provided a ram for Abraham, He prepares and provides for us in our daily lives. By trusting in His provision and keeping our eyes on Him, we can discover the hidden blessings and grace He has prepared for us. This understanding encourages us to remain open to God's unexpected ways of providing for our needs and to trust that He is always working for our good. As we journey through life, may we continually look to God, trusting in His provision and guidance, and find peace in knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [27:25]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How can this experience encourage you to trust in His provision for your current needs?
Quotes
로시 하샤냐는 주님께서 우리에게 생명 주신 목적을 돌아보면서 주님 뜻대로 살지 못한 한 해의 삶을 반성하고 회개하고 다시 새로운 삶을 다짐하는 절기인 것입니다. 꼭 우리 그리스도인들이 맞는 송구영신 새해의 의미와 똑같죠. [00:01:07]
1년 내내 이렇게 우리의 삶에 기쁜 일이 가득하길 바라는 마음 아울러 하나님의 약속은 더디더라도 반드시 성취된다는 걸 잊지 말라는 것입니다 사랑하는 여러분 우리가 맞는 새해에도 1년 내내 하나님 주시는 기쁨이 있기를 소망합니다. [00:03:25]
성경은 이렇게 이해할 수 없는 하나님의 요구를 하나님이 아브라함을 시험하시려고 라는 말로 요약하고 있습니다 하나님이 아브라함을 시험하시려고 부르셨대요 여러분 성경에서 시험은 그 주체가 사탄이면 유혹이라는 의미고 그 주체가 하나님이면 훈련, 테스트라는 의미가 됩니다. [00:04:06]
지금 아브라함에게는 분명한 믿음이 하나 있는데 우리 하나님이 이 아들 이삭을 통해서 하나님의 민족을 이룰 거라는 믿음은 변함이 없는 겁니다 그러니까 내가 내 아들 이삭을 번제로 드리고 그래서 잠달치라도 이 아이는 결국 하나님의 약속을 이루는 주인공이 될 것이면 틀림이 없다. [00:10:00]
여러분, 백세된 노인이 아기를 낳는 게 이해가 돼요, 안 돼요? 이해 안 되는 일이죠. 이미 주님 말씀대로 주님 약속한 시간이 되어서 주님 약속이 이루어진 걸 확인했으니 이제 아브라함은 자기가 판단하는 그것을 포기하는 겁니다. 그리고 하나님께 전적으로 맡기는 거죠. [00:11:20]
사랑하는 여러분 그런데 제가 일주일 동안 해보니까 이거 아무 도움 안 되더라고요. 여러분 이렇게 하시면 좋겠습니다. 내가 판단하는 그 일을 포기합니다. 주님 앞에 내려놓습니다. 하나님, 이해되지 않는 나머지는 주님 손에 맡깁니다. [00:15:31]
여러분 올해 예배하실 때마다 이해하자는 순간들을 만날 때마다 이해되지 않는 그것들을 주님께 맡기며 나아가는 한 해 되기를 간절히 소망합니다. 이어지는 본문 4절입니다. 함께 읽습니다. 제 3일에 아브라함이 눈을 들어 그곳을 멀리 바라본지라. [00:16:04]
여러분 아브라함 마음이 그런 거 아니었을까요? 하나님 마음을 더 알고 싶고 살피고 싶고 헤아리고 싶은 것이 아브라함 마음 아니었을까요? 그리고 눈을 들어 바라본 게 아니었을까요? 우리가 마치 해결되지 않는 먹먹함에 그저 하늘 바라보는 것처럼 하늘 너머에 계신 하나님의 얼굴 보고 싶은 것처럼. [00:17:38]
여러분 10편 기자가 이 말씀 적으면서 무엇을 보려고 한 거예요 눈을 들어서 여호와 하나님 천지를 지으시고 나를 만드신 나의 창조주 내 인생의 주인 지금 내가 내 힘으로 해결할 수 없는 이 환란과 문제 속에서 나의 주인 대신 그 하나님 보고 싶고 그 뜻이 진짜 알고 싶어서 부르는 노래 아니에요. [00:20:32]
내 아들아 번지할 어린 양은 하나님이 자기를 위하여 친히 준비하시리라 하고 두 사람이 함께 나아가서 아들이 이삭이 묻는 거예요 아버지 여기 불과 장작은 있는데 번지할 양은 어디에 있죠? 물으니까 아브라함 뭐라 대답해요? 번지할 어린 양은 하나님이 친히 준비하시리라. [00:21:37]
여러분 원래부터 걸려있었는데도 원래부터 준비되어 있었는데도 아브라함은 보지를 못했던 겁니다 바로 일상 속에 숨겨져 있던 은혜인 것이죠 이것이 하나님이 준비하신 은혜인 줄 믿습니다 그렇습니다 우리 인생에도 우리의 일상에도 눈을 들어 눈을 들어 하나님 보기하실 때가 있어요. [00:26:16]
믿음은 우리의 눈을 들어 우리 보고 계시는 주님의 눈과 마주하는 것입니다 우리도 소망을 담아 눈을 들어 주님 바라볼 때 여전히 여호와 이래 우리를 바라보고 계시는 주님의 눈을 만날 수 있는 것입니다. [00:29:38]
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