Journey to Wholeness

Wholeness

1) Journey to Wholeness & 2) Relational Wholeness

Intro:

Has God ever taken you on a journey that was long and didn’t make sense at the time?

Gen 1 - Everything is Good.

Gen 2 - Garden is beautiful and abundant. Full connection with God.

Genesis 2:18–20 “18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” 19 So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. 20 He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.”

Why does God have a moment that is not good, and what’s the deal with the pride of animals?

What does this problem and process say about God and his character?

v. 18 - The only thing not good is that man is alone

TV Show Alone?

Even with full access to God, Adam was alone.

Free will is evident in our relationships.

God intentionally wired us for relationships with each other.

Don’t blame God. He gave you a gift.

In a fallen world, this is hard to see, but you know it!

When you have it

When you find out you never have

Loneliness is a problem.

I’m guessing Adam felt this, too.

Being in a relationship is critical to the image of God!

What is the purpose of the parade of animals, and what does it say about God?

God is not surprised by the obvious issue.

God didn’t think a horse was going to be a good soul mate…

He is fully aware of the issue and solution, but often we are not.

Before Sin

1) God often takes people on a journey of seeing the issue to fully see the solution.

Journeys are never a straight, efficient line.

5 whys

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Jefferson Memorial was deteriorating faster than expected. A root cause analysis using the 5 Whys method revealed a surprising chain of events:

The memorial was being cleaned frequently with harsh chemicals.

Because of excessive bird droppings.

Attracted by a large population of spiders.

Which thrived on swarms of midges (tiny insects).

Drawn to the memorial by its , which mimicked dusk—their mating cue. evening lighting

💡 Solution: The National Park Service adjusted the lighting schedule to turn on after dusk, reducing the insect swarms dramatically. This led to fewer spiders, fewer birds, and less mess—cutting down on cleaning and preserving the stonework

What this looks like:

Cross addiction - a realization of all the wrong issues.

This is not an excuse to sin!

God is revealing the deeper pain of our hearts so he can heal it.

This drilling down can be a good God lead process

I think Christians are often more in a hurry than God.

If you are on a journey, realize that fast is not the goal. Seeing like God does.

God allows journeys before sin. He still does today.

If you need help with loneliness right now.

Matthew 12:46–50 “46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” 48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!””

What good can come out of this journey?

19-20

2) What has God taught you during the journey?

Saying vs Exercise domain by naming

Seeing the power he had over small and large animals

Fulfilling the role of seeing all the life entrusted to him

Learning journey

Bever vs Egale

Lizard vs Goat

Fully realize the power and authority

What has God taught you about your heart during your journey of following Him?

My journey of becoming a pastor not like my Dad.

Samantha and I felt alone.

Conclusion

Why does God have a moment that is not good, and what’s the deal with the pride of animals?

He wants us to see the way He does.

When God is taking you through a season where something is not good, rest knowing that he is forming you for the solution he has.

And Learn along the way.

What is God teaching/showing you in the Journey that is good for you?

What does the problem of loneliness and process say about God and his character?

We don’t know how long it took to name all the animals, but I am guessing it wasn’t done in a couple of days. He observed them and thought about it.

God is not mean. In fact, He has the best in mind.

God's idea of relationship is way beyond what we can think

God is not into quick fixes that won't last

Don’t run from the journey. God will reveal what is best for you ( at the right time ) when you can handle it.