Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To highlight the power of our thoughts and fears, and the importance of overcoming them with faith and courage.
Good morning, Church family! Today, we're going to dive headfirst into the Book of Job, a part of the Bible that's as profound as it is challenging. Our focal point will be Job 3:25, a verse that speaks directly to the dangers of becoming stuck, the consequences of fear, and the power of what we allow and create in our lives.
Opening Scripture Reading – The verse reads, "For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me." What a powerful testament to the power of fear and the importance of mindset, isn't it?
Respected Christian author Zig Zigler wrote, "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." This quote ties in perfectly with our sermon today, reminding us that it's not necessarily our abilities, but what we allow in our minds and hearts, that ultimately shapes our destiny.
Opening Prayer – Let's bow our heads for a moment of prayer, shall we? Dear Lord, as we delve into Your Word today, we humbly ask for Your guidance. Open our hearts and minds to the lessons that you have for us. Help us to understand the power of our thoughts and fears, and grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome them. We pray that we may not become stuck in our fears, but instead, move forward with faith and courage, creating lives that honor You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.
The first point of our sermon today focuses on the dangers of becoming stuck. This is a concept that resonates deeply with many of us, as it's a common human experience to feel stuck at some point in our lives. Whether it's in our careers, relationships, or spiritual growth, the feeling of being stuck can be both frustrating and debilitating. It's a state of stagnation where progress seems impossible, and the future appears bleak.
A. However, the danger of becoming stuck is not just about the immediate discomfort or pain that it brings. The real danger lies in the long-term effects of this state of stagnation. When we're stuck, we're not growing. We're not moving forward. We're not fulfilling our God-given potential. This is a tragic waste of the talents and abilities that God has blessed us with.
B. Moreover, when we're stuck, we often become consumed by fear and negativity. This was the case with Job, who confessed in Job 3:25, "For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me." His fear had manifested into reality, a powerful testament to the destructive power of negative thinking. This is a clear warning to us about the dangers of becoming stuck in fear and negativity.
C. Being stuck also hinders our relationship with God. When we're consumed by our problems and fears, we often lose sight of God's presence in our lives. We become so focused on our struggles that we forget about God's promises and His faithfulness. This can lead to a spiritual disconnect, further exacerbating our feelings of despair and hopelessness.
D. Furthermore, being stuck can lead to a cycle of self-defeating behaviors. When we feel stuck, we often resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as procrastination, avoidance, or self-medication. These behaviors only serve to keep us stuck, creating a vicious cycle that's hard to break.
Transition – The dangers of becoming stuck are indeed profound and far-reaching. However, it's important to remember that being stuck is not a permanent state. With God's help, we can break free from this cycle of stagnation and move forward into a future filled with hope and promise.
Fear, in its most basic form, is a survival mechanism ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO