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God Is The Ultimate Game Changer: Five Even Though's In Scripture” Series
Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Jul 26, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: GOD HAS THE POWER TO TURN THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
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Title: “God is the Ultimate Game Changer: Five Even Thoughs in Scripture”
The Comeback… was a National Football League (NFL) game held on January 3, 1993, as part of the 1992–93 NFL playoffs. The Buffalo Bills overcame a 35–3 deficit to defeat the visiting Houston Oilers 41–38 in overtime and set the then-record for largest comeback in NFL history] the Bills' 32-point comeback remains the largest comeback in postseason history and the second largest overall. It was also the first time an NFL team with a lead of at least 30 points lost the game.
WHAT WAS THE GAME CHANGER?
BUF Kenny Davis 1 yard run (Christie kick) 35–10
BUF Don Beebe 38 yard pass from Reich (Christie kick) 35–17
BUF Andre Reed 26 yard pass from Reich (Christie kick) 35–24 BUF Reed 18 yard pass from Reich (Christie kick) 35–31 Something happened to become a game changer.
Text: Isaiah 41:10 “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.”
Introduction: Have you ever faced a moment in life when everything seemed to be falling apart, and yet, amidst the chaos, you found a sliver of hope, a glimpse of divine assurance that made you say, "Even though, it is well with my soul"? That phrase, "even though," holds immense power in the Bible, marking moments of profound faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
Illustration: Imagine a stormy night at sea. The waves are crashing against the boat, the wind is howling, and the darkness is so thick you can barely see your hand in front of your face. In the midst of this chaos stands a lighthouse, its beam cutting through the storm, guiding sailors safely to shore. The lighthouse stands firm, unshaken by the storm, a beacon of hope and safety.
The "even though’s" in the Bible are like that lighthouse. They shine brightly in the darkest moments, guiding us back to God's unchanging truth and love.
"Even though we walk through valleys of uncertainty and shadows of doubt, God's power to bless us remains unshaken. It is in our moments of deepest need that His abundant grace and boundless love pour forth, transforming our trials into triumphs and our sorrows into songs of joy."
I. Here are 5 “Even Though” Moments:
1. Even though Abraham and Sarah were far beyond childbearing age, God gave them a child to fulfill His promise. (Genesis 18, 21)
One of the promises of God to Abraham was that all the nations would be blessed through him. How could all the nations be blessed through him if he had no children? But God promised—so even though this seems impossible to us, it is not to God.
Scripture tells us that Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. How remarkable it is that God rules over our difficult circumstances and makes His way.
Trusting God is so tough when we are in a waiting season. When you are tempted to give up while you wait, look at the examples in scripture of God’s faithfulness to deliver, even when the circumstance seems to point otherwise.
Three Lessons We Learn When We Wait on God:
* Developing Patience and Perseverance
* Trusting in God's Timing and Wisdom- Waiting on God helps us to trust in His perfect timing and wisdom, even when we do not understand His plans. The story of Joseph.
* Strengthening Our Relationship with God-Waiting on God deepens our relationship with Him as we learn to depend on His strength and guidance.
2. Even though building an ark seemed odd, it saved Noah’s family and God’s faithfulness was revealed. (Genesis 6:11-14; 7:22, 6-7)
God told Noah to build an ark because a flood was coming to destroy the people and the earth. Noah obeyed him. All the people around him must have thought Noah was crazy for building an ark big enough for animals of every kind to take shelter in, for many years! The length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits” (Genesis 6:15). Est. 17.5 inches for cubit.) Ark was about 438 feet stem to stern,aft)
Don’t you think after a while of building and waiting Noah would have questioned if he had heard God correctly? Doubts and disbelief must have crept into Noah’s mind to try and get him to stop obeying God.
But by God’s grace, Noah endured and in the end God was right about the flood He was bringing, and He saved Noah and his family just like He promised.
3. Even though all of Job’s possessions and health were taken, he stayed faithful to God.
Job was faithful to God and served Him. Even so, he suffered tremendously. Job knew though that his suffering was not worth comparing to the blessing of following God. What an example this is, to serve and stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ no matter the circumstance or suffering.