Trust the Story

A child learns to ride a bike, wobbling uncertainly. The parent's encouragement is vital— 'I’m right here, you can do it!' As the child falls, they rise again, trusting that soon they will ride steady. This is similar to trusting God's story. We may wobble through life’s challenges, yet when we believe in His plan and grace, we gain the courage to face each new day, knowing we’re not alone.

Consider a caterpillar, inching its way through life. Cocooned, it experiences darkness and discomfort. But trust the process! In time, it emerges as a butterfly, dazzling with colors. Just like this transformation, trusting God's unfolding story can feel tough, yet it leads to unimaginable beauty and purpose. We must believe that He is crafting something extraordinary from our struggles.

Trusting the Author of Our Story

Bible Passage: Isaiah 63:7-9

Summary: In Isaiah 63:7-9, the prophet reflects on God's steadfast love and compassion towards His people throughout history, showcasing God's faithfulness amid their struggles and pain.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to trust in God's overarching narrative and faithfulness in their own lives, especially during times of hardship,

11  God’s compassion is not something abstract or indefinite, but a concrete, specific gesture in which God reaches out to us.

Donald McNeill

Greek word for “compassion” is the same in all these texts and refers most literally to the bowels or guts of a person—it’s an ancient way of referring to what rises up from one’s innermost core. This compassion reflects the deepest heart of Christ.

Dane C. Ortlund

‘Mercy’ represents the desire to relieve suffering while ‘compassion’ [or graciousness] refers to the feelings which are experienced in the view of suffering. In other words, compassion generally comes before mercy. Compassion means that when you see a case of suffering, then there are certain feelings that are kindled within you immediately, a sense of sorrow and a sense of pity. And mercy is what puts that into practice. Mercy is more practical than compassion; it is the desire to relieve the suffering, to do something about it and to remove it. God’s Sovereign Purpose, 156

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

Grace is shown to the undeserving; mercy is compassion to the miserable. Thus the synonym for mercy is compassion. Mercy, however, is not simply feeling compassion. Mercy exists when something is done to alleviate distress.

R. Kent Hughes

reminding them that their story is part of God's greater story of redemption.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that even when we face trials, we can trust in God's promise to be with us and to redeem our circumstances, just as He has done in the past for Israel.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate expression of God's love and salvation, echoing the themes of redemption and grace found throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ's sacrificial love for humanity.

Big Idea: Even in life's darkest moments, we can trust that God is writing a beautiful story of redemption in our lives, just as He has always done for His people.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Isaiah's message, particularly how it was received by the Israelites during their exile. Look for themes of redemption and hope in Logos, especially in cross-references to New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Examining different translations may also provide insights into the nuances of God's character as depicted in this passage.

1. Remembering God's Goodness

Isaiah 63:7

You could introduce this sermon point by focusing on remembering and recounting God's goodness and acts of steadfast love throughout history. This can encourage the congregation to recall instances in their own lives where they've experienced God's unfailing love, nurturing trust in Him. Perhaps explore how Isaiah chooses to set his heart on God’s past mercies as an example for us. Connecting this with the ultimate demonstration of love—Christ’s sacrifice—can help believers see that the framework of their story is God’s redemptive love.

2. Recognizing Our Identity

Isaiah 63:8

Perhaps focus on God’s recognition of His people’s identity as His children and the relationship He desires with them. This verse reassures us that despite our failures, God calls us His own. This can provide comfort and foster trust and reliance on His promises. Linking this to believers' identity in Christ—as sons and daughters of God—can strengthen their understanding of how deeply integrated they are in the divine story. Emphasize the security of this identity amidst adversity.

3. Redemption through Presence

Isaiah 63:9

In this sermon point, you can highlight the nearness of God in times of trouble, where He not only shares in our afflictions but acts to save and redeem. You might encourage listeners by showing how this reflects Christ’s own suffering and redemption mission. Illustrating God’s active presence in distress offers hope and reassurance. Encourage your congregation to stand firm in trust that God is present and actively shaping their story for ultimate redemption and glory, akin to His work through Christ.