Pastor Chris encouraged us to look for the hand of Jesus at work through whoever is leading the nations of the world—and then to rest peacefully in the power of God's sovereignty over our lives, our church, and the nations.
MY STORY
Take a few minutes to draw three concentric circles. In the first, middle circle, list the things over which you have some degree of control. In the second circle, list the things over which you have influence, but no control. In the outer circle, list the things over which you have no influence and no control. Share your answers with the group.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, (Isaiah 46:10)
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25-26)
What is the emphasis in these passages, from three different biblical writers, that they all have in common?
In what ways is God NOT currently exalted among the nations? How is the advancement of God's kingdom, through those who are obedient to Jesus, gradually changing this?
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?
How do we know when God wants us to wait? According to Lamentations 3:26, what are we waiting for?
What does it mean to wait on the Lord, especially when we have the ability, time, and resources to move forward without a green light from the Holy Spirit?
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?
Considering God's sovereignty as demonstrated in these passages, how can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's plans, especially when faced with so many wars in the world, and a myriad of economic pressures?
What can be so hard about waiting on the Lord? What should we be doing while we wait?
What would it feel like to quiet our spirits before the Lord, and just breathe (spiritually speaking)— even if absolutely nothing changed in the world around us?
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?
How can the assurance of God's sovereignty provide a sense in times of political uncertainty or distress? What examples from your life illustrate this biblical truth?
Meditate on the times God has delivered you in the past as you look to future challenges …. And then quiet your spirit before Him.
Extra credit: Light a candle in a comfortable room, turn off the lights, and meditate on God's sovereignty—over your life, the lives of those who are dear to you, and all the civilizations that have ever existed or currently exist now.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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