Introduction

No matter what we go through, it is comforting to know and believe that we are still in the hands of the Lord. Life brings troubles, setbacks, pain, loneliness, disappointments, and sickness, but through it all, we can find solace in knowing that we are still in the hands of the Lord.

Why is it comforting to know that we are in the hands of the Lord?

Well, being in His hands means finding healing, deliverance, peace, joy, strength, guidance, power, eternal life, abundant life, victory, and salvation. When we are in His hands, we are eternally secure.

Trials and Tribulations

However, being in the hands of the Lord does not exempt us from facing trials and tribulations. Many biblical figures faced hardships despite being in God's hands. Joseph experienced trials before becoming second in command in Egypt. Job lost everything, including his children. The three Hebrew boys were thrown into a fiery furnace. Daniel was thrown into a lion's den. John the Baptist was beheaded for speaking the truth. The Apostle Paul faced numerous challenges for preaching the gospel.

God Carries Us Through

Yet, when we face trials and tribulations, it is the hands of the Lord that carry us through. He guides us through storms, troubles, setbacks, and pain. He provides us with the strength to endure and overcome.

Shaping and Molding

God not only carries us but also shapes and molds us with His hands. He molds our hearts, souls, and minds to transform us into the person He wants us to be for His glory. Just as a potter shapes clay into a vessel, God shapes and molds us to reflect Jesus Christ in our lives.

How Does God Shape and Mold Us?

1. Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we live by faith, not by sight."

Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

2. Through prayer in faith.

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

3. Through studying, obeying, and living according to the Word of God.

Psalm 119:133 - "Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me."

4. Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

5. Through life experiences.

Psalm 119:67 - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word."

Psalm 119:71 - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

God uses various life experiences, both good and bad, to shape and mold us for His purpose. He can use sour circumstances as well as sweet ones to transform us.

Brokenness and Restoration

Sometimes, God allows us to be broken spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, or financially to reshape and mold us. He removes pride, hate, bitterness, excessive anger, drugs, alcohol, or anything that is not like Him from our lives. Though it may be painful, being broken is a sign that we are still in His hands. We should willingly submit every part of our lives to God for His continued shaping and molding.

Moreover, God is interested in putting our lives back together again. Even if our lives have been shattered by sin or the storms of life, Jesus Christ can restore and rebuild us. He uses His blood to cleanse us and the power of the Holy Spirit to restore us. No matter how badly we may have messed up, Jesus Christ can straighten our lives and make us whole again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing that we are still in the hands of the Lord brings comfort and assurance. Despite facing trials and tribulations, God carries us through and shapes us into the person He wants us to be. He also restores and rebuilds our lives when they are broken. Let us willingly submit ourselves to God's shaping and molding, trusting that He is always with us, guiding and transforming us for His glory.

Remember, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Get the Full Sermon

• Sermon Notes
• Midweek Discussion Questions