ADDRESS THE MESS

INTRO

VBS Promo

MOM Video

I. Introduction

Engaging Opening:

Begin with a personal story or anecdote: "I remember a time when I watched my wife juggle the demands of work, motherhood, and being a supportive partner. It struck me how often women are expected to wear so many hats, yet they do so with grace and strength. Today, I want to honor that strength and speak to the unique challenges you face."

Purpose of the Message:

"As a man, father, and pastor, I want to offer encouragement and support. I see the incredible roles you play in our lives and the church, and I want to remind you of your worth and identity in Christ."

Transition to Main Points:

"Let’s explore together how we can navigate the messiness of life, find our true identity, and support one another as a community of faith."

MAIN POINT

1. The Mess of Identity - Lisa

Imagine a woman named Lisa, who is a mother of three, a wife, and a full-time nurse. She often feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities and wonders if she’s losing herself in the process.

Genesis 5:2 NLT

He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human.”

The roles you play don’t define you, God’s love for you is what defines you.

2 Corinthians 6:18 NLT

And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Clinging to your identity in Christ will calm the chaos.

A. Your primary identity is as a daughter of God.

Focus on the importance of grounding identity in Christ rather than roles or achievements.

Encourage personal reflection and prayer to reinforce this identity.

Highlight the peace and confidence that come from knowing ones worth in God.

Romans 5:8 NLT

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

B. One day, she takes a moment to pray and reflect on her identity as a daughter of God. She realizes that her worth is not defined by her roles but by her relationship with Christ. This realization gives her peace and strength to face her daily challenges.

2. The Mess of Sisterhood - Emily and Sarah

Consider two friends, Emily and Sarah, who have been close for years. Recently, they had a disagreement that strained their relationship.

Philippians 4:2 NLT

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.

A. WE MUST ALWAYS PURSUE UNITY IN FRIENDSHIPS.

DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF MAINTAINING STRONG FRIENDSHIPS.

THE BEST FRIENDSHIPS IN LIFE CAN BE BORN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CONFLICT.

ENCOURAGE OPEN COMMUNICATION AND FORGIVENESS AS TOOLS FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS

HIGHLIGHT THE ROLE OF PRAYER AND SHARED FAITH IN STRENGTHENING BONDS.

B. Inspired by Philippians 4:2, they decide to meet for coffee and talk it out. They pray together and commit to being of the same mind in the Lord. Their friendship is restored, and they become even stronger supporters of each other, demonstrating the power of reconciliation and unity.

3. The Mess of Motherhood - Maria

Think of Maria, who has struggled with infertility for years. She and her husband decide to adopt, and they welcome a beautiful child into their home.

Proverbs 31:27–28 NLT

She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

A. MOTHERHOOD IS A BLESSING, REGARDLESS OF ITS FORM.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE DIVERSE EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERHOOD, INCLUDING ADOPTION AND INFERTILITY.

EMPHASIZE THE VALUE OF NURTURING AND LOVE OVER BIOLOGICAL TIES

ENCOURAGE MOTHERS TO SEEK SUPPORT FROM THE CHURCH COMMUNITY.

B. Maria’s journey is filled with ups and downs, but she finds comfort in Proverbs 31:27-28, knowing that her love and dedication make her a blessed mother. Her story inspires other women in the church who face similar challenges, showing them that motherhood comes in many forms.

4. The Mess of Busyness - JANE

Picture Jane, a working mom who juggles her job, family, and church commitments. She often feels like she’s running on empty.

Psalm 23:1–3 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

A. FIND REST AND REFRESHMENT IN GOD.

DISCUSS PRACTICAL WAYS TO INCORPORATE REST AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL INTO DAILY LIFE.

IF YOU ALWAYS PUT YOURSELF LAST, THEN YOU ARE PLAYING WITH DISASTER.

ENCOURAGE SETTING ASIDE TIME FOR PRAYER, MEDITATION, AND REFLECTION.

HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTING GOD TO GUIDE AND PROVIDE.

B. One weekend, she decides to take a short retreat, spending time in nature and meditating on Psalm 23. This time of rest and reflection refreshes her soul, and she returns home with renewed energy and a clearer perspective on how to manage her busy life.

RESULT: WHEN YOU ADDRESS THE MESS, YOU CAN ADDRESS THE MESSAGE.

COMPARISON WILL TRY TO STEAL YOUR MESSAGE.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 NLT

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, they become a lifeline for each other, proving that together, they can overcome the challenges they face. Their bond becomes a powerful testimony of sisterhood and community.

SEE THE DAUGHTER OF GOD IN YOU.

SEE THE DAUGHTERS OF GOD AROUND YOU.

CHALLENGE: PERSONAL CHALLENGE

PRIORITIZE YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Application: Encourage the women to set aside time each day for personal reflection and prayer, focusing on their identity as daughters of God. Suggest starting a journal where they can write down affirmations based on Scripture, such as "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) or "I am a child of God" (1 John 3:1).

1 John 3:1 NLT

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

Example: Share how taking just 10 minutes each morning to meditate on these truths can set a positive tone for the day and reinforce their true identity beyond their roles and responsibilities.

CULTIVATE AND STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIPS

Application: Encourage the women to reach out to a friend they haven’t connected with in a while. Suggest setting up a regular coffee date or phone call to catch up and pray together. Emphasize the importance of being intentional about maintaining and nurturing these relationships.

Example: Share a story of how a simple act of reaching out to a friend in need can lead to a deeper, more supportive friendship, reflecting the unity and love that God desires for us.

FIND REST AND REFRESHMENT IN GOD

Application: Encourage the women to identify one area of their life where they can slow down and invite God’s peace. This might be taking a walk in nature, setting aside a Sabbath rest, or creating a quiet space at home for prayer and reflection.

Example: Share how incorporating a weekly "Sabbath hour" can provide a much-needed pause in their busy schedules, allowing them to experience God’s presence and refreshment, as promised in Psalm 23.

CLOSE

ALL MEN COME GET ROSES AND HAVE SHANNA PRAY OVER THEM