Deliverance from the Black Hole
Joshua 1:5-9
Introduction / Set the scene:
- Moses has just died and Joshua is set to take over and lead the people
- Israelites are promised that they will now be inheriting the Promised Land
- Everywhere they set their foot they will be given control over it
- Read Joshua 1:5-9 -- Pray
- Many times in life, we experience a black hole in our faith or actions
- A black hole is a place of total emptiness; a dark place that we are in
- During this time, is when God begins to prepare us for something greater
- Joshua was nervous about taking over, and the Lord needed to grow him
- It is in this time that we feel alone; that God brings us closer to Him
- When you find yourself in a black hole experience, don’t just sit and brood
- Take stock of your life -- Take a look at your relationship with God
- Then look to act and change things as the Lord leads us (5 steps)
- First, ask God if there are any sins, habits, or attitudes that He might be judging in your life. It’s important to discern whether the trial we face is the result of God’s discipline for our sin -- or if it is preparing us for a future leadership role. (Expound: What is God calling you to do?)
- Second, when you enter a black hole, don’t trust your feelings. Trust God. Your feelings will tell you, "God has rejected you. Abandon hope. He has left you utterly alone." Feelings change; God never changes. (Expound: Do we call on Him always? Is there a conflict within you?)
- Third, remember that your black hole experience is not only intended to refine and define you; it’s also intended to influence and change the lives of hundreds or even thousands of other people. (Expound: God uses our experiences to change those around us as well!)
- Fourth, don’t try to hurry the black hole process along. Remember, when Joseph was in the depths of the pit, there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn’t climb out, jump out, levitate out, or talk his way out. All he could do was pray and wait upon the Lord. (Expound: Wait/patience)
- Fifth, lean on God! When you don’t feel like praying, pray. Even when you don’t feel like reading His Word, read. Even when you don’t feel like singing songs of faith, sing. When you pray, don’t just talk; listen. Be silent before Him and listen for His still, quiet voice. (Prayer is the answer …)
- As believers, we have a great opportunity to call upon the Lord, do we?
- Can we see the chaos in Joshua’s life? The Lord was faithful to be there
- How is our faithfulness to turn to God in all things?
- Pray
