Sermon Central
-
Finding Grace In Disappointments
Contributed by Oladayo Oladosu on Jul 28, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: When all you think and see is the thick clouds of challenges and abandonment around you? When trials massed up so high that we feel like we will collapse, what do we do?
FINDING GRACE IN DISAPPOINTMENT
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
What do you do when your unpleasantness or lack of control threatens to unravel your peace? When all you think and see is the thick clouds of challenges and abandonment around you? When trials massed up so high that we feel like we will collapse, what do we do? The cheering news is that, you are not the only person undergoing such a dark and hopeless time. It is a daily and common experience, but what makes the difference is the individual’s response to the situation and either tales of woes or testimonies of victory. There are several inspiring and compelling stories in the Bible that we must learn from. These are written to capture experiences of crises ridden people, how they received grace to overcome and returning the same grace to others. Sometimes, it takes a hard situation to push us to God because, we are so focused on dramatic displays of God’s power. This brightness the astounding truth that God hears and responds to the humble pleas of his people.
Lazarus one of the beloveds of Jesus Christ was sick to death. Despite the trust which the entire family had in Jesus, Lazarus tasted death for four days and his sisters also grieved for the same number of days. On account of these, help came when all hope according to the situation and customs was too late. This is exactly what grace does through simple steps of faith and expressions.
Actions taken by Mary and Martha
1. Acknowledged individual’s helplessness and the need for a deliverer (3, 20a)
2. Drew near to obtain help (20b). Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
3. Opened up to the Saviour (21-22)
4. Believed in His plans and purposes
5. Told Jesus about their disappointments and how they expected His intervention (21).
6. Allowed His voice to be heard above other voices e.g., the mourners, naysayers, doctors, etc.
7. Professed His goodness, especially when the miracle cannot be seen (24)
The actions of Martha as well as the response of Mary led other mourners to Jesus Christ. In whatever situation that challenges you, let others see Jesus in you. Upon receiving grace, strengthen others who are passing through similar crisis. …comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted 2 Cor. 1:3-5
Applications
• Mary and Martha approached the situation unanimously. Discussing the situation with Jesus melted His heart. He alone is the One who feels what we feel, knows, how, when and where to provide succor (22, 23).
• Believers’ acceptance and acknowledgement of how frail mankind is in the presence of a Loving Saviour will attract His deliverance. …I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy… Romans 9:14-16
• Receiving help in times of need neither depend upon human’s wisdom nor strength, but on the Divine’s purpose for the situation. God’s way is above that of man. Follow Jesus to see whatever the Father is doing (41). Through Psalm 121:1-3, God says, there is no doubt that the skies are dark, yet He will not allow you to suffer any shame. He only wants you to trust Him the more through the disappointment.
• Thankfulness and gratitude unlock the portals of grace and power in heaven. There is no special formula of confession that brings shame upon disappointment before God, and that can welcome you into His presence. It is a heart that is grateful for all He has done that will provide you access to His throne. This is all you need and all He desires for you to enjoy prevailing mercy upon all forms of judgement. Hebrews 4:16
Conclusion
To experience grace, you need to come to a point of crying out loud for God to please help out. I prayed, ‘I do not care what, and I do not care how, but please help me, God. I cannot do this anymore in my strength, but only you can do it.’ Jesus pre-informed us of expecting troubles in this life (John 16:33). We are not immune from the brokenness of the world. He did not hide how much He could be affected by the pain and the consequences of such disappointment. Thus, he wants you to draw near unto Him as He comes through for you. Let thankfulness becomes the password to victory. Remember that His strength is made perfect in weakness. Receive His grace that gives both the power and authority for freedom over all disappointments.
Oladayo Simon Oladosu
