The Miracle You Never Saw Coming

A sermon on trusting God through unanswered prayers and trials

Introduction

• Begin by reflecting on moments of unanswered prayers.

• Introduce the concept of the problem of pain (C.S. Lewis).

• Pose the central question: What does it mean to have God's power flow through us while retaining personal trials?

• Introduce the sermon title: "The Miracle You Never Saw Coming."

Biblical Context

James the Less in The Chosen

• Discuss the creative liberties taken in depicting James the Less as disabled.

• Explain his role in scripture (Luke 6:15, Mark 15:40).

• Highlight the biblical theme of strength through weakness and power out of pain.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

• Explain 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Paul’s plea to remove his thorn and God’s response.

• Discuss how Paul’s weakness enabled God’s strength to be magnified.

• Use Paul’s example to relate to the theme of God’s grace being sufficient in trials.

Personal Reflection

Lenya’s Story

• Share the story of the assistant’s daughter Lenya and the unanswered prayers surrounding her passing.

• Describe the emotional journey and faith amidst the loss.

• Emphasize the sustaining grace of God during trials.

Lessons from Pain

• Outline the benefits of trials:

• Humility and clarity about life’s priorities

• Awareness of God’s presence

• Personal growth and preparation for future challenges

• Identification and removal of idols

• Increased gratitude for small blessings

Quote C.S. Lewis: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Highlight Isaiah 45:3: Treasures in darkness and hidden riches in trials.

Practical Applications

Saturday: The Space Between Pain and Fulfillment

• Explain the metaphor of Saturday as the time between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

• Discuss the difficulty of living in promises yet to be fulfilled.

• Provide three key principles:

• Pain is a problem: Acknowledge pain as inevitable due to living in a fallen world and following Jesus.

• Pain has a problem: God works through pain for eternal purposes.

• Pain is not your problem: God takes responsibility for our trials, as we belong to Him.

Conclusion

• Reiterate the promise of resurrection and healing in God’s timing.

• Encourage trust in God despite unanswered prayers and ongoing trials.

• Invite reflection on personal pain and reliance on God’s grace.

Closing Prayer

• Pray for those struggling with unanswered prayers and trials.

• Ask for God’s sustaining grace and trust in His sovereignty.

• Conclude with hope in the resurrection and eternal healing.