Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Encourages trust in God's guidance during challenging times, recognizing His work in our lives, and finding hope in His ability to create new beginnings.
Good morning, dear congregation. It is indeed a joy to gather together in the presence of our Lord, and I am truly humbled to stand before you today, to share the word that God has placed on my heart.
There are times in life when we feel like we are in the wilderness, wandering aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do. We may feel lost, abandoned, or overwhelmed by the challenges we face. But let us not forget that even in the midst of the wilderness, God is there with us, guiding us, providing for us, and preparing a way for us.
In the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." This quote reminds us that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can find comfort and hope in God.
Our Scripture reading today is from Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
This verse is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even in the most challenging circumstances. He is not only capable of creating a path in the wilderness, but also of providing streams in the wasteland, sources of refreshment and life in the midst of desolation.
Our sermon today will focus on three main points: Dependence on Divine Direction, Daring to Trust in Tough Times, and Discovering God's Specialty in Situations. Each of these points will help us to understand and apply the truths found in Isaiah 43:19, encouraging us to trust in God's guidance, to be brave in the face of adversity, and to recognize God's hand at work in our lives.
The Scripture we read today from Isaiah speaks directly to our hearts, especially when we find ourselves in the wilderness of life. It's a reminder that we are not alone, that there is a divine hand guiding us, leading us, and making a way for us even when it seems impossible. This divine guidance is not something we earn or achieve, but rather something we depend on. It's like a compass in the hands of a lost traveler, pointing the way home.
God's guidance in our lives: It's about trusting that God knows the way, even when we don't. It's about letting go of our need to control and instead, leaning into faith. It's about acknowledging that we don't have all the answers, but we know the One who does.
This divine direction is not a vague or abstract idea: It's not a concept that's out of reach or beyond our understanding. It's a practical, tangible reality that we can experience in our everyday lives. It's about making decisions that align with God's will, about choosing paths that lead us closer to Him, about living lives that reflect His love and grace.
It's not dependent on our circumstances: Whether we're in the wilderness or in the promised land, whether we're facing trials or enjoying blessings, God's guidance remains constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love for us doesn't change based on our situation. His direction doesn't waver based on our feelings. His guidance doesn't shift based on our experiences.
It's not about our ability, but about God's power: We often think that we need to be strong, capable, or competent to navigate life's challenges. But the truth is, we're not called to be self-sufficient. We're called to be God-dependent. We're not expected to have all the answers. We're expected to trust in the One who does. We're not required to know the way. We're required to follow the One who does.
It's not about our plans, but about God's purposes: We often make plans and set goals, thinking that we know what's best for us. But God's ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. His plans are not to harm us, but to give us hope and a future. His purposes are not to frustrate us, but to fulfill us.
It's not about our comfort, but about our growth: We often seek comfort and convenience, avoiding challenges and difficulties. But God uses our wilderness experiences to shape us, to mold us, to refine us. He uses our trials to teach us, to stretch us, to grow us. He uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him, to deepen our faith, to strengthen our character.
As we continue to reflect on Isaiah 43:19, we find ourselves in the midst of a wilderness, a wasteland ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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