Pastor Chris reminded us that God is almighty, all powerful, and can accomplish anything—and, still, sometimes agonizing things happen that God could have prevented, but he did not. How we respond to heartbreaking situations like these can make all the difference when it comes to our mental health & spiritual growth.
MY STORY
Describe a time when you clearly saw the hand of God at work in your life only after a particular ordeal was over — but not at all in the middle of that challenging time.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
“Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. (Job 36:5)
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” (Job 42:2-3)
Job never found out the reason, at least in this life, why God had allowed him to experience some horrifying losses, which included his adult children, his livelihood, and his health ...
How did not knowing “why” impact how Job responded to what was happening to him?
What does it mean for Jesus to currently be shouldering the governments of the world? How does Jesus remain sovereign over the nations, even though most of them don’t acknowledge his authority or heavenly existence?
Name the four things Jesus has become through his Heavenly Father. Describe how Jesus became each of these things for us.
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Describe a difficult challenge that you’ve either experienced, or are going through now, that God could fix with a snap of his fingers – but did not, (or has not yet). ‘
How is that impacting your spiritual perspective? How is it impacting the people who are also being affected by this trial?
How can challenging experiences like this compel us to change our expectations, especially in regard to God’s decisions either to act, or (apparently) to not intervene?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Identify someone in your life who has recently experienced a significant loss, and offer to mourn with him or her. Follow the initial actions of Job’s friends, and just “sit silently” with them. Do not follow the later example of Job’s friends by offering speculative explanations as to why this horrible thing is happening to them.
If you are the one in need of assurance or comfort during a current life challenge—and you’re wondering why God doesn’t do something—tell a mature believe you trust about what’s going on, and ask him or her to walk with you during this difficult time.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
You can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.