Where Do You Turn When Life Is Hard?
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Opening Illustration
Opening Illustration
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
Those words were spoken by Betsie ten Boom—
a frail, godly woman who died in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
They were remembered and later shared by her sister, Corrie ten Boom,
who survived the camp and spent the rest of her life proclaiming the hope and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
Corrie was a Dutch watchmaker.
She and her Christian family lived in Haarlem, Netherlands,
and during the Nazi occupation, they hid Jewish families in a secret room behind a wall in their home.
They believed that following Jesus meant standing up for those being hunted down,
even if it came at great personal cost.
Eventually, the ten Boom family was arrested.
Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their elderly father were taken to prison.
Their father died shortly after.
Corrie and Betsie were sent to Ravensbrück, a notorious women’s concentration camp.
The conditions were unspeakable—cold, starvation, fleas, disease, and cruelty.
And yet, in that place, the ten Boom sisters held secret Bible studies in their filthy barracks.
Surrounded by death and despair, they whispered Scripture by candlelight.
Betsie’s health failed, and before she died, she told Corrie,
“We must tell people what we’ve learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
Corrie was eventually released—due to a clerical error,
just days before all the women her age were sent to the gas chamber.
She spent the rest of her life sharing the message of Jesus around the world. And she often said:
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Corrie didn’t trust Jesus because life was easy.
She trusted Him
when life broke apart,
when evil seemed to win, and
when loss had taken everything.
And in that darkest place, she found that Christ was not only present—but enough.
Title
Title
Where Do You Turn When Life Is Hard?
Where Do You Turn When Life Is Hard?
When challenges and difficult circumstances come your way…
When life doesn’t go the way you expected it…
When all your plans fail, and you don’t understand why…
Where do you turn?
Our temptation is to give up!
“Well I tried to follow you God, but it didn’t work!”
We look at the circumstances in our situation,
and conclude there is no possible way to resolve the situation,
and we give up!
We choose to do nothing!
While it may be true that there is no HUMANLY way to resolve the situation,
we need to realize that with God, nothing is impossible!
Billboard
Billboard
We must learn to:
Trust Jesus’ Plan
Trust Jesus’ Power
Trust Jesus’ Presence
He has a plan and a purpose,
and even though it doesn’t look promising,
we move forward, trusting in Jesus.
Prayer for Illumination
Prayer for Illumination
Lord,
we confess to You this morning how weak our faith is.
We are so narrow minded and focussed only on what we can see,
that we forget to look to Your great power!
We ask that You would help us to trust You with all our heart!
Help us not to lean on our own limited understanding,
but to lean on You, and trust
Your infinite understanding…
Your infinite power… and
Your infinite presence.
In all our ways, help us to acknowledge You,
and as we do, would it please You to be faithful to Your Word,
and make straight our paths!
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Saviour, amen!
Scripture
Scripture
This morning we are picking up in the Gospel According to John, chapter 6.
Introduce
Introduce
John was a disciple of Jesus,
a witness to
His life;
His ministry of miracles and teaching; and
His death, resurrection, and ascension.
John did not write down everything that he witnessed,
but intentionally chose what he would write,
so that others would be saved…
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
What we have seen so far as a pattern in John’s writing is:
A sign (some sort of miracle beyond the natural order)… followed by
Teaching about who God is, or the kingdom of God.
Jesus proves He is God through a miracle,
which gives authority and credibility to His teaching.
This pattern is going to be continued here in chapter 6.
Today we are going to look at John 6:1-21, where Jesus proves He is God,
and next week, Lord willing, we will look at His teaching that follows the miracle.
Let’s read…
Read
Read
1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Transition
Wow! What an incredible 24 hours!
Can you imagine all of that taking place in a day?!?
Jesus clearly shows His power and sovereignty over creation,
and wants His disciples to learn to…
1. Trust Jesus’ Plan
1. Trust Jesus’ Plan
At the beginning of this passage,
the disciples are thrown into an impossible situation…
feeding 5,000 people with no food, and no money!
Jesus was going to teach them, and us,
that even when things seem impossible,
to trust His plan.
EXPLAIN
EXPLAIN
John 6:1 “1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.”
After the healing of the lame man, and the conversation with the Jewish leaders.
Could have been 6 months to a year later.
John 6:2 “2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.”
People were following Jesus because of the signs,
and not what the signs pointed to… HIMSELF!
John 6:3–4 “3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.”
John mentions the Passover 3 times in his account of the gospel…
This is the second time.
A year after Jesus cleansed the temple… and
A year before Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Passover was God’s deliverance from Egypt.
and His faithful presence, power, and provision through the wilderness.
It seems that John is making mention of the Passover right before the miraculous feeding of the 5,000,
to connect Jesus to the God of the OT,
to show that HE IS GOD!
John 6:5–6 “5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.”
Jesus sees a large crowd coming toward Him.
John says later there are about 5,000 men.
Matthew mentions this was besides women and children.
Most assume there were about 20,000 people including women and children.
Jesus wants to provide for the physical nourishment,
and knows how he is going to do it,
but He asks Philip where they could buy bread for all of them.
John tells us,
“He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.”
What was Philip’s response?
John 6:7 “7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.””
Philip sees the crowd and realizes the problem.
His response is somewhat like saying,
“Do you have any idea how much bread we would need?!?”
A denarius is a day’s wage,
so 200 denarii is about 8 months of wages.
And that wouldn’t be enough for everyone to have a little.
To put it in our day,
8 months of wages might come out to $30,000-40,000,
and that wouldn’t even have touched the hunger of this crowd of about 20,000!
ILLUSTRATE
ILLUSTRATE
Let’s bring this a little closer to home…
What if there were a MCDONALDS around the corner?
How much would it cost to feed all those people?
10,000 Big Mac Meals = $109,900
(5,000 men; 5,000 women)
10,000 Big Mac Meals = $109,000
10,000 Happy Meals = $54,900
(10,000 children)
10,000 Big Mac Meals = $109,000
10,000 Happy Meals = $54,900
Total = $164,800
But we can’t forget about the government getting their share…
10,000 Big Mac Meals = $109,000
10,000 Happy Meals = $54,900
Total with taxes = $186,224
But there was also a bunch extra, so let’s add…
1,000 Extra Big Mac Meals
1,000 Extra Happy Meals
Mcdonald’s equivalent:
11,000 Big Mac Meals = $120,890
11,000 Happy Meals = $60,390
Total with taxes = $204,846.40
Summary
We should have a new appreciation for Philip’s doubt!
It would take over $200,000 worth of Mcdonalds to feed all those people!
APPLY
APPLY
There are times in our lives when we don’t have a lot of faith.
You look at the situation we’re in…
You look at the circumstances around us…
You look at the hole we’ve dug ourselves…
and you don’t see a way out!
What you need to understand is that…
a. Jesus has a plan to work through you
a. Jesus has a plan to work through you
Looking back at verse 5,
Jesus had a plan to work through Philip…
5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
Jesus isn’t just concerned about these people’s spiritual needs,
He also recognizes they have physical needs as well,
and He cares about meeting them.
And Jesus doesn’t just go ahead and perform the miracle on His own,
He is going to work through His disciples.
They are going to be a part His plan to miraculously feed all these people.
Apply
In the same way, Jesus has a plan to work through you!
What has God called you to in your life right now that you feel is beyond your ability?
You don’t know if you have what it takes to serve/get involved…
You don’t know how you’re going to pay the bills…
You don’t know how to help a struggling friend/family member/coworker…
You don’t know if your marriage will last…
You don’t know how to heal the brokenness in your past…
Jesus has a plan already!
He already knows what He’s going to do,
and He wants to work through you.
But maybe you feel like you don’t have what it takes…
Jesus knows you don’t have what it takes… He wants you to trust Him!
He already knows you don’t have what it takes!
He knows you can’t do it on your own!
But He has placed you in the perfect position to be a part of His plan.
Step out in faith, trusting in Jesus’ plan!
We should learn to pray…
“I know I don’t have the ability, understanding, or resources,
but I trust you Jesus!”
Transition
This is such an important step because…
b. Jesus has a plan to work in you
b. Jesus has a plan to work in you
Verse 6 tells us that…
6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
Jesus was testing Philip.
“Do you trust me?”
“Do you trust my plan?”
Jesus wants to teach Philip to live by faith, not sight.
Jesus knows there’s no logical way to feed those people,
but He also knows what He’s going to do through God’s power!
Jesus wants to grow Philip through the process.
Apply
In the same way, Jesus has a plan to work in you.
He knows you don’t have what it takes, but:
He has placed you in that difficult circumstance...
He has brought that difficult person…
and He already knows what He’s going to do!
He wants you to trust Him and His plan!
He wants to work in you and grow you!
Following Jesus means we will never be comfortable!
He is constantly going to be putting you in situations you’re not comfortable with.
Think about it…
Have you ever wondered why…
you always find yourself in certain situations?
Have you ever wondered why…
you always find yourself around the same people?
Have you ever wondered why…
you always feel like there are challenges in your life?
Maybe you wonder why it can’t be easier,
or you’re hoping for a season where you can coast…
That’s not what Jesus is about!
A commitment to Jesus is a commitment to discomfort!
He’s not concerned about your happiness, He’s concerned about your holiness!
He wants you to be conformed into his image!
Summary
Jesus has a plan to work in and through you…
Do you trust Him?
Transition
Next, we must learn to…
2. Trust Jesus’ Power
2. Trust Jesus’ Power
Jesus had a plan, and wanted His disciples to learn to trust Him.
Now we’re going to see why they, and therefore why we, should trust Him…
Because of His POWER!
EXPLAIN
EXPLAIN
John 6:8–9 “8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?””
Like Philip, Andrew is struggling to see how they can feed all these people.
A boy has offered his lunch, but how could that possibly be enough to feed this crowd?
Bill Cook in his commentary says…
“The disciples look at the situation and decide that they do no have enough to feed everyone, so they do nothing. The boy, on the other hand, has only enough for himself, but he gives everything and Jesus uses it to feed everybody with plenty remaining.”
Cook goes on to say…
“Before we are too hard on the disciples we should realize that we are not that much different from them. We see the need, evaluate our resources, determine that we don’t have the resources necessary to meet the need, and so we do nothing.
Often Jesus wants us to give all that we have and trust Him to use our meager resources to do more than we could imagine. When it is done this way Jesus gets the glory because it is evident that He does it.”
John 6:10 “10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.”
What’s interesting here, is that even though the disciples lack faith,
Jesus still involves them in the miracle.
He has them organize the people in groups on the grass.
John 6:11 “11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”
Jesus gives thanks to God for providing the bread and fish,
and then began passing them to everyone.
Once again, Jesus involves His disciples,
having them distribute the food to the people.
And the people ate as much as they wanted.
This wasn’t just a snack to tie people over for a bit,
it was a full meal!
John 6:12–13 “12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.”
One of the greatest fears we have when hosting a meal,
is that we won’t have enough food.
That was no problem here!
They gathered up 12 baskets of leftovers!
Jesus miraculously multiplied 5 barley loaves and 2 fish,
to be enough food for around 20,000 people to eat as much as they wanted,
and even then there was leftovers!
Jesus intends to communicate that He is able to provide in abundance.
He has ALL power!
John 6:14–15 “14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”
The people recognize the power that Jesus has,
and they rightly understand Him to be the Prophet Moses said would come,
but they wrongly believe the Messiah to be a political leader.
Jesus was coming to usher in a spiritual kingdom.
Rather than being carried away by the misguided desire of the people,
Jesus withdraws to the mountain by Himself:
to pray;
to seek His Father; and
surrender to His will.
Transition
You need to learn to trust Jesus’ power…
That Jesus…
a. Jesus more than makes up for where you fall short
a. Jesus more than makes up for where you fall short
Philip knows they don’t have enough money to buy food,
and does nothing…
Andrew acknowledges they don’t have enough food,
and does nothing…
The boy on the other hand gives what he has,
and Jesus multiplies it!
Jesus more than makes up for the lack of money and food!
Apply
Do you tend to focus on the outward circumstances, and where you fall short?
I don’t have enough time…
I don’t have enough money…
I don’t have the skills/ability/knowledge…
What is the result of focusing on all these areas of lack?
YOU DO NOTHING!
It’s an excuse to do nothing!
It’s like Bill Cook said…
“We see the need, evaluate our resources, determine that we don’t have the resources necessary to meet the need, and so we do nothing.
We are living by sight, and not by faith.
We are only willing to do the things that we believe we can do.
This doesn’t leave any room for God to do something supernatural!
This shows that our trust is not in God,
but in ourselves!
You need to learn to:
Trust in Jesus’ Power!
He can more than make up for where you fall short.
This doesn’t mean running recklessly ahead into every situation,
expecting God to clean up your messes.
It means following Jesus’ example of regularly spending time alone with God,
praying for Him to lead and guide you to what He wants for you.
And when He brings things in your path,
discerning if He is calling you to trust Him and step out in faith.
Just because it doesn’t look possible from the outside,
doesn’t mean you should avoid it!
It may be part of Jesus’ plan,
and you need to trust His power!
Transition
Jesus also…
b. Jesus more than makes up for when you doubt
b. Jesus more than makes up for when you doubt
The disciples were looking at the outer circumstances,
and they didn’t have the awareness to see what Jesus was doing.
Yes, from the outside it must have looked impossible,
but the fact that Jesus was asking the question should have sparked something,
to clue them into the fact that a miracle was coming.
ILLUSTRATE - Infomercial
ILLUSTRATE - Infomercial
Have you ever watched an infomercial where they show you something that seems impossible?
“Do you think this knife can cut through a can and still effortlessly slice this tomato?”
“Do you think this towel can absorb a whole bottle of pop dumped onto this carpet?”
“Do you think this cleaner can clean this rusty, corroded penny?”
You doubt any of those things is possible,
but you also know that it must be possible,
otherwise they wouldn’t be selling this product on tv!
You trust the guy on the tv because he obviously knows what he’s talking about,
and knows that it can be done!
Apply to Disciples
The disciples doubted that feeding all those people was possible,
but they should have recognized who it was who was asking them…
They should have TRUSTED JESUS’ POWER!
But even though they doubted,
Jesus still used them and performed the miracle!
Apply to Us
You will be tempted to doubt that God can do a miracle,
but if you believe He’s calling you to it,
you need to trust that He can make up for your doubt!
Step out in faith, trusting Jesus’ power,
and He can do amazing things you never expected!
Remember Bill Cook’s encouragement…
Often Jesus wants us to give all that we have and trust Him to use our meager resources to do more than we could imagine. When it is done this way Jesus gets the glory because it is evident that He does it.”
What difficult situation or person has God brought into your life?
Where do you feel inadequate in yourself and your ability,
and you’re doubting anything good can come of it?
Put your trust in Jesus’ power!
Turn to Him and ask for His help!
He knows you can’t do it on your own,
He’s trying to get you to trust Him!
Paul, writing to the church in Corinth says in…
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.
But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
The difficulty they faced was not intended for their harm, but for their good,
so that they would learn to rely on God.
God is allowing you to go through trying circumstances,
not to hurt you or harm you,
but to make you more like Jesus,
and cause you to trust in His power and not your own.
When you feel inadequate and you are doubting,
call out to Jesus for help,
and trust His power!
Transition
Next, you must learn to…
3. Trust Jesus’ Presence
3. Trust Jesus’ Presence
Jesus is so in tune with the Father,
that He knows His will and plan.
He also has the power to back it up,
because He is God!
All of this communicates to the disciples, and to us,
that we should trust Jesus’ presence.
EXPLAIN
EXPLAIN
John 6:16–17 “16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.”
Jesus had sent the disciples to go on ahead of him,
as he went up the mountain to pray.
It is now late into the night, it’s dark,
and Jesus has still not come to them.
And to add to the situation, verse 18 says…
John 6:18 “18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.”
They don’t have Jesus with them, AND
they are fighting against the waves caused by the strong wind.
John 6:19 “19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.”
As the disciples are in middle of all the chaos of fighting the wind and the waves,
they see Jesus coming toward them…
walking on the water!
They are terrified!
The whole situation must have been so confusing.
But this wasn’t some meaningless act on Jesus’ part.
He was intentionally confirming His identity as God,
sovereign and powerful over the world He had created!
And then…
John 6:20 “20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.””
Jesus’ words translated: “It is I”,
in the Greek literally read: “I am”
This is how God revealed Himself to Moses, and to the Israelites.
It seems that Jesus is using this phrase here to communicate His deity.
The disciples no longer need to fear,
because the “I Am” is here.
John 6:21 “21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”
Once the disciples realized it was Jesus,
they gladly welcomed Him into the boat.
And it seems there was another miracle that took place…
the boat miraculously, and instantly arrived at it’s destination.
Jesus reveals His power over His created order!
Summary
What’s so encouraging in this section,
is the relief of the disciples when Jesus arrives!
Because they understand who He is based on His power,
They trust His presence!
What they maybe didn’t know while they were in the storm was…
a. Jesus sees you in the storm
a. Jesus sees you in the storm
John doesn’t tell us this explicitly,
but Mark records the same event and says…
48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
While Jesus was on the mountain praying,
He could see the disciples in the storm.
Even though Jesus was not with them physically,
He could see what they were going through…
He could see them battling the wind and waves.
Apply
Maybe your life feels like you’re in the middle of a storm.
You feel the wind blowing…
the waves crashing over and over and over…
you feel helpless, and don’t know what to do or where to turn.
You’re at the mercy of the storm.
You need to know that:
Jesus sees you in the storm!
He knows what you’re going through,
He can see you struggling...
But even more encouraging than that…
b. Jesus is with you in the storm
b. Jesus is with you in the storm
The moment Jesus came to the disciples,
they rejoiced at His presence and gladly welcomed Him into the boat!
What a joy to have the God of the universe in your boat in the middle of a storm!
And to top it all off,
Jesus calms the storm, and
miraculously brings them to their destination!
Apply
The hope that we have in Jesus,
is that we have His presence with us…
and we can:
Trust Jesus’ Presence!
OT EXAMPLES
OT EXAMPLES
We see this all through Scripture.
When God’s people go through challenging/scary situations,
God calls on them to trust His presence!
God tells Abraham…
1 “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
God tells Isaac…
24 “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”
God tells Jacob…
3 “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”
Before the Exodus Moses tells the people of Israel…
13 “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
God said to Joshua…
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
David’s confidence was…
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Even while Israel is in exile,
suffering because of their own sin,
God says to them…
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
JESUS AND THE NT
JESUS AND THE NT
Before ascending to heaven,
Jesus passes on this same promise to His disciples…
20 And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Later in the Gospel According to John,
Jesus says to His disciples…
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
The Holy Spirit,
the 3rd person of the Trinity,
fully and equally God,
is with all those who are God’s children!
This is a promise that we need to hang on to!
We must remind ourselves, and one another,
that the God of the universe sees and knows what we’re going through,
and is with us!
But what about when God doesn’t do the miracle?
Jesus performed a miracle with the disciples,
but what if He doesn’t do it in your life?
What if the problem doesn’t go away?
What if you or your family member isn’t healed?
What if you still get treated same way and suffer?
What if your circumstances don’t change?
A difficult reality we have to face in our lives is that…
God will not always heal/deliver/solve our problems.
He may choose to allow you to go through the difficulty,
but you can trust that He sees you in the storm,
and more than that…
HE IS WITH YOU IN THE STORM!
A beautiful song that illustrates this is...
All My Ways Are Known To You
by CityAlight
Verse 1
In days of peace and days of rest
In times of loss and loneliness
Though rich or poor, Your word is true
That all my ways are known to You
Verse 2
No trial has come beyond Your hand
No step I walk beyond Your plan
The path is dark outside my view
Still all my ways are known to You
Verse 3
I do not fear the final night
For death will be the door to life
You take my hand and lead me through
For all my ways are known to You
Bridge
Open up my eyes so I may see
That You have made these ways for me
Open up my eyes so I may see
That You my God, will walk with me
Chorus
And oh what peace that I have found
Wherever I may be
For all my ways are known to You
Hallelujah, they are known to You!
Closing
Closing
Point to Christ (How does the Gospel speak to this?)
Point to Christ (How does the Gospel speak to this?)
This is exactly how Jesus lived,
and eventually died.
He was committed to following the Lord’s will for His life,
recognizing that He was at work in
every detail…
every conversation…
every miracle…
Jesus fully entrusted His life into His Father’s hands,
knowing He was with Him!
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
No matter what difficult circumstances Jesus faced,
He willingly endured it,
trusting in God’s Plan, Power, and Presence.
Peter goes on to tell us why Jesus did it…
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
Jesus committed His life to the will of the Father,
to save us from sin!
We have all sinned against God,
and are deserving of His judgement…
But Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life!
And yet… He suffered and died in
your place… in
my place!
And when you confess your sins, and put your faith in Jesus,
your sin is transferred to Him, and therefore paid at the cross… AND
His righteousness is transferred to you, having been earned by Him!
“By His wounds you have been healed!”
You don’t have to earn God’s favour… YOU CAN’T!
You simply need to turn to God in faith with a broken heart over your sin,
and He will accept you on the basis of your faith in His Son, Jesus.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
If you have not trusted in Jesus,
what are you waiting for?
Turn to Him today and be healed!
Land the Plane (Last call to action)
Land the Plane (Last call to action)
For those of you here this morning who are His children...
You know that Jesus has a plan…
You know that Jesus has the power…
You know that Jesus’ presence is with you…
TRUST HIM!
When God allows difficult people or circumstances in your life,
trust that He has allowed them for His glory AND your good!
Remember what Betsie ten Boom said,
on her deathbed
in a Nazi prison…
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
That doesn’t mean it will be easy…
We will all have to go through very difficult things in our lives,
but we can have the hope, peace, and confidence,
that God is with us…
He will never leave us or forsake us!
Find joy in His abiding presence.
This will make His perfect presence through all eternity all the sweeter!
Let’s pray…
