"Ewe Got This: Listening to the Shepherd in Times of Trial"

"Ewe Got This"

Humorous Introduction/Illustration:

Share a light-hearted story about a time you felt overwhelmed, like a sheep struggling to find its way, but the Shepherd showed up in an unexpected, humorous way to guide you.

I. We Have a Good Shepherd (John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. , John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

- The Lord is our caring, sacrificial Shepherd (v.11)

When I was feeling lost and without direction, a friend stood by me, offering support and guidance. It reminded me of the Lord, our faithful Shepherd, always there to lead and care for us, willing to sacrifice His own comfort for our well-being.

- He knows us intimately by name (v.14)

Have you ever walked into a crowded room, and someone called out your name from across the room? It feels special, doesn't it? Just like that, God knows us each by name, and we are never lost in the crowd to Him.

- We can trust His guidance and provision

Just as a caring parent gives their child the perfect gift at the right time, God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. We can trust His timing and provision as we would a loving parent.

II. He Overcame the World for Us (John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”)

- In this world, we will face troubles and tribulations

- But take heart! Christ has overcome the world

- His victory gives us confidence and strength

Think of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. It goes through a challenging transformation, struggling to break free, but eventually, it spreads its wings and soars. Similarly, our trials can lead to growth and a new sense of freedom in our faith.

III. He Equips Us with Power (Ephesians 6:10-18

Put on The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—)

- We're in a spiritual battle, but not alone

Just like in the movie Avengers, where the superheroes weren't alone in their battles, we as Christians have God and the angels fighting alongside us in our spiritual battles.

- Put on the full armor of God (Belt of truth,Breastplate of righteousness, Feet shod with the gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, Sword of the Spirit (God's Word)

This spiritual armor, given by God, allows believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil and spiritual forces of evil . Each piece plays a vital role in protecting different areas as we fight the spiritual battle.

Imagine the full armor of God as a set of powerful tools that you use to face each day's challenges. Just as a builder needs his tools to get the job done, we need God's armor to confidently tackle whatever comes our way.

A builder couldn't construct a strong, lasting building without detailed blueprints to guide the work. In the same way, God has given us the Bible as the master blueprint for building our lives according to His design. The full armor of God, described in Ephesians 6, provides crucial tools and equipment for this spiritual construction project:

The Belt of Truth (verse.14) - Just as a tool belt holds the necessary implements, God's truth grounds and equips us for the work ahead.

The Breastplate of Righteousness (verse.14) - This protective covering over our heart symbolizes being made righteous through Christ to withstand attacks.

Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace (verse.15) - Proper footing with the good news of peace allows us to stand firm and be established.

The Shield of Faith (verse.16) - Our faith serves as a powerful defense to extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy.

The Helmet of Salvation (verse.17) - Just as a hardhat guards the head, the assurance of our salvation protects our minds.

The Sword of the Spirit (verse.17) - God's Word is the offensive weapon to combat lies and darkness with truth.

With these spiritual tools from God's blueprint, we can confidently labor and build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ Himself. Just as any construction requires the right equipment, we need to daily take up the full armor of God.

- Draw strength from His mighty power

Here are some verses from the NKJV that speak of drawing strength from God's mighty power:

Ephesians 6:10

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ewe got This)

Isaiah 40:29

"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." (Ewe got This)

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

(Ewe got This)

2 Corinthians 12:9

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'" (Ewe got This)

Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Ewe got This)

Colossians 1:11

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy." (Ewe got This)

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Ewe got This)

God's people can be strong, not in their own might, but by drawing from His infinite, glorious power through faith in Him. His strength is made perfect in our weakness when we depend on Him.(Ewe got This)

IV. His Love Casts Out Fear (1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.)

- Fear has tormenting effects, but God's perfect love...

Fear has tormenting and crippling effects in our lives. 1 John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment." When we are gripped by fear, it brings torment to our minds, souls, and even bodies. Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from living in freedom.

However, God's perfect, unconditional love for us has the power to cast out fear completely. His love is perfect - it will never fail, never run out, never be withdrawn. Romans 8:38-39 assures "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life...nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

When we meditate on and embrace this perfect, eternal love God has for us as His children, fear's grip on our lives is broken. 1 John 4:16 says "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." As we remain or abide in His love, we can experience perfect security, confidence, and freedom from fear's tyranny.

Jesus displayed this perfect love by laying down His life for us (1 John 3:16). If He was willing to go that far, we can trust He will never abandon or fail to provide for His beloved ones. His perfect love truly does cast out all fear and torment when we rest in its powerful reality.

(Ewe got This)

- God's sacrificial, & unconditional love

God's love for us is sacrificial in the greatest way possible. Romans 5:8 declares "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." While we were undeserving enemies, Christ gave up His life for our sake - the ultimate loving sacrifice.

John 3:16 reveals how God "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." He willingly sacrificed His one and only Son because of His immense love for humanity. This was no small sacrifice, but a incomprehensible gift.

I want you to know (Ewe got This)

- His love frees us to live boldly, confidently

Imagine a bird soaring fearlessly across the sky, trusting in its ability to fly and the wind beneath its wings. Similarly, we can live boldly and confidently, knowing that God's love lifts us up and carries us through life's challenges.

(Ewe got This)

Conclusion:

- We can't rely on our own strength

It's like trying to light up a whole city with a single matchstick. Our own strength can only go so far before it burns out. We need a greater, more powerful source of light.

- But the Good Shepherd says, "(Ewe got This)...through Me!"

Think of a hiker ,walking through a dense forest, feeling lost and unsure of the path ahead. Suddenly, a guide appears and reassures the hiker, "You got this...through Me!" With a newfound sense of trust, the hiker follows the guide to safety.

- Call to daily surrender, finding power in Christ alone

When you're out of gas, no amount of wishing will make your car run. You need fuel! Likewise, in our spiritual journey, we can't rely on our own strength or the world's promises to find power. Only in Christ do we find the true fuel for our souls.

Call to Action

"Today, I urge you to completely surrender your fears, worries and weaknesses to the Good Shepherd. Make a daily choice to abide in Christ's perfect, sacrificial love for you. Trade your strivings and self-reliance for radical dependence on His mighty power at work within you.

Start each morning by giving Him your anxieties through prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to dress you in the full armor of God so you can confidently face whatever the day may bring. Then go out living boldly, reminding yourself repeatedly: 'I got this...through Christ who strengthens me!'

When you feel overwhelmed like a lost sheep, pause and listen for the Shepherd's gentle voice calling you by name. Let His truth become the belt that guides you. Allow the gospel of peace to re-align your steps. Raise the shield of faith to protect you. And take up the sword of the Spirit to combat lies with God's powerful Word.

By fixing your reliance fully on Jesus each day, you will experience His perfect love driving out fear. His strength will be made perfect in your weakness. So embrace this daily surrender, for the Good Shepherd joyfully reassures you: 'Ewe got this! I have overcome the world for you.'"