Trusting the Good Shepherd Through Life's Challenges
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor acknowledging personal struggles and the need for God's presence. The pastor introduces the biblical image of God as a shepherd and the people as sheep, emphasizing the shepherd's role in guiding, protecting, and providing for the sheep. The pastor shares personal struggles and a story about their child, Damien Jr., who has severe disabilities, illustrating their reliance on God's provision in difficult times.
The pastor then focuses on the scripture, "The Lord is my shepherd," emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of the shepherd and how it relates to our lives. They highlight the significance of being part of a community, comparing sheep to pack animals that thrive when they are together. The pastor also emphasizes that as sheep, we should trust in the shepherd's provision and not feel a sense of lack. They acknowledge that life can be difficult and that it is important to have the courage to face our own struggles.
The pastor discusses the relentless pursuit of God for His people, referring to the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. They explain that God, as the Good Shepherd, leaves the 99 sheep to go after the one that is lost and astray. They highlight the value and importance God places on each individual, stating that He goes to great lengths to find and rescue them. The pastor shares personal experiences of feeling wayward, worried, and scared, but still being pursued by God.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of fully embracing the finished work of the Good Shepherd. They acknowledge that life can be tough and filled with challenges, such as financial struggles and loss of relationships or jobs. However, they encourage the congregation to stay close to the shepherd, even in the midst of chaos and darkness. The shepherd will provide sustenance, protection, and carry them through difficult times. The pastor then extends an invitation to those who may feel alone, scared, and in need of guidance to give their lives to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
The pastor concludes by discussing the concept of abundance and trust in God's provision. They share a personal testimony of a miraculous event where their student loans were unexpectedly paid in full. This serves as a reminder that God is working behind the scenes, even when we are unaware, and that goodness and mercy will follow us throughout our lives. The pastor emphasizes that no matter how dark or difficult the valley may be, God is responsible for our well-being and protection. The key lesson is to remain close to the shepherd, Jesus, as he is the only source of safety and guidance in the midst of challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- The biblical image of God as a shepherd and the people as sheep is a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. The shepherd guides, protects, and provides for the sheep, just as God does for His people. This understanding can provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times ([12:45]).
- The importance of community is emphasized, with the pastor comparing sheep to pack animals that thrive when they are together. This serves as a reminder of the value of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community ([21:30]).
- The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 illustrates the relentless pursuit of God for His people. God values each individual and goes to great lengths to find and rescue those who are lost. This understanding can provide reassurance of God's love and care, even in times of feeling wayward, worried, or scared ([34:15]).
- The pastor's personal testimony of a miraculous event where their student loans were unexpectedly paid in full serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision. Even when we are unaware, God is working behind the scenes, and His goodness and mercy will follow us throughout our lives ([52:30]).
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of staying close to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, especially during difficult times. No matter how dark or difficult the valley may be, God is responsible for our well-being and protection. This serves as a reminder to trust in God's guidance and protection, even in the midst of challenges ([59:45]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 23:1-6: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
2. John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
3. Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the specific ways the Psalmist describes the Lord as a shepherd in Psalm 23?
2. In John 10:11, what does it mean when Jesus says He is the good shepherd and that He lays down His life for the sheep?
3. In Galatians 2:20, what does the author mean when he says he has been crucified with Christ and now lives by faith in the Son of God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times?
2. How does the statement of Jesus being the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep in John 10:11 reflect the value God places on each individual?
3. How does the statement in Galatians 2:20 about being crucified with Christ and living by faith in the Son of God relate to the concept of fully embracing the finished work of the Good Shepherd?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a lost sheep. How did you experience God's relentless pursuit during that time?
2. Can you think of a situation in your life right now where you need to trust in the shepherd's provision and not feel a sense of lack? How can you actively trust God in this situation?
3. What is one way you can foster a sense of community and mutual support within your Christian community this week?
4. Think of a difficult situation you are currently facing. How can you stay close to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, during this time?
5. Can you recall a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way, similar to the miraculous event of the student loans being paid in full? How did that experience impact your trust in God's provision?
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Guiding Shepherd
God is depicted as a shepherd, guiding, protecting, and providing for His people, just as a shepherd does for his sheep. This powerful metaphor offers comfort and reassurance during challenging times, reminding us that we are never alone or without guidance ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txR9w5486AI&t=750s)).
Psalm 23:1-3 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt lost or uncertain. How can you lean into the image of God as your shepherd in these moments?
Day 2: The Power of Community
As sheep thrive in packs, so do we thrive when we are part of a community. This highlights the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community ([21:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txR9w5486AI&t=1275s)).
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your Christian community this week? Is there someone you can reach out to or support in a tangible way?
Day 3: God's Relentless Pursuit
The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 illustrates God's relentless pursuit of His people. He values each individual and goes to great lengths to find and rescue those who are lost ([34:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txR9w5486AI&t=2040s)).
Ezekiel 34:16 - "I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt God's relentless pursuit in your life? How did it change your perspective or actions?
Day 4: God's Miraculous Provision
God's provision is often unexpected and miraculous, as seen in the testimony of student loans being paid in full. His goodness and mercy follow us throughout our lives, even when we are unaware ([52:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txR9w5486AI&t=3135s)).
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's miraculous provision. How did it strengthen your faith and trust in Him?
Day 5: Staying Close to the Good Shepherd
In the midst of life's challenges, it is crucial to stay close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. No matter how dark or difficult the valley may be, God is responsible for our well-being and protection ([59:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txR9w5486AI&t=3570s)).
Psalm 91:1-2 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
Reflection: What does it look like for you to stay close to Jesus in your current circumstances? Can you identify one specific action you can take to draw nearer to Him?
Quotes
"One of the most enduring images of our relationship with God is this idea of God being a shepherd and we the Sheep. The Lord has been my shepherd all my life." [29:03]
"You stay right there next to the shepherd, even when all hell may be breaking loose and you may have no peace. The shepherd will keep you and sustain you and carry you, no matter how dark." [01:07:58]
"I opened the letter and it says your student loans have been paid in full... God had already covered it... he was working when I didn't know" [01:06:02]
"The only safety in the valley is remaining at the shepherd's side... stay at his side because he's God enough to take care of you" [01:07:17]
"Maybe you've never had any dark days maybe you've never had any doubting days maybe you've never had any fearful days but I know what it's like to have a Shepherd come for me when I don't want to think about him when I'm Wayward and doing my own thing and I'm worried and I'm scared and I'm running off he still comes to find me" #!!40:41!!#
"When you go through a valley, you learn who God is. When you're in the midst of hard times and dark seasons, you discover that God is who he says he is and he can do what he says he can do." #!!01:03:32!!#
"Sheep know the shepherd's voice; they know they're safe. It's when they're with the shepherd. Sheep matter to a good shepherd." #!!37:02!!#
"We are valuable to a Shepherd. If a Shepherd is doing their good job and they're taking care of the sheep, they measure their worth in their sheep. That's why when you look in Luke 15 and we hear a story of the Good Shepherd leaving 99 sheep and going after the one." #!!38:21!!#
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