Understand and embrace the hope we can find in God, even amidst our most challenging trials and tribulations.
Good morning, church family. Our sermon today is all about finding hope in the midst of turmoil. We're going to be diving into two powerful passages of Scripture: Job 19: 21-27 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-16.
[Read passages]
Isn't it amazing how these two men, facing such incredible hardships, found hope amidst their struggles? This is a hope that we, too, can cling to in our own trials and tribulations.
As Max Lucado puts it, "The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional. It's the life of perpetual anxiety that Paul wants to address. Don't let anything in life leave you perpetually in angst."
So, as we dig into these passages today, let's be open to the hope God wants to unveil to us, even in our darkest moments.
Let's pray.
Father God, thank you for the hope we have in you. As we dive into your Word today, help us to fully understand what it means to have hope in the midst of turmoil. Open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let’s get started.
Both Job and Paul, despite their dire circumstances, managed to find hope in God. This is a profound testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit when anchored in God.
Definition of turmoil: We are referring to situations that are chaotic, stressful, and filled with uncertainty. These can be personal crises such as illness, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or societal issues like war, natural disasters, and pandemics. In these times, it can be easy to lose hope and feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of our problems. However, as we see in the lives of Job and Paul, it is precisely in these moments of turmoil that we can find hope in God.
The story of Job: Here was a man who lost everything - his wealth, his children, and his health. Yet, in the midst of his suffering, he was able to declare his faith in God and his hope for the future. This was not a naive or blind hope, but a hope rooted in his knowledge and experience of God's character. He knew that God was his Redeemer, the one who would ultimately deliver him from his suffering.
The story of Paul: Despite being persecuted and facing death, he was able to maintain his hope in God. He understood that his earthly troubles were temporary and that his eternal reward was far greater. This hope sustained him and gave him the strength to endure his trials.
Not about denying the reality of our problems: We shouldn’t be pretending that everything is fine. Rather, it is about acknowledging our struggles and choosing to trust in God's promises despite them. It is about believing that God is with us in our suffering and that He has a plan for our good, even when we can't see it.
An active trust in God: It involves clinging to His promises, seeking His presence, and relying on His strength. It is a hope that does not disappoint because it is anchored in the unchanging character of God.
A testimony to others: When we maintain our hope in difficult times, we demonstrate the reality of our faith and the reliability of our God. We become living examples of God's faithfulness, just like Job and Paul.
Not always easy: It requires faith, patience, and perseverance. It requires us to wrestle with our doubts and fears, and to continually surrender our circumstances to God. But as we do so, we will discover a hope that is steadfast and unshakeable, a hope that can sustain us in the darkest of times.
Job, in the midst of extreme suffering, clung to a hope that was deeply rooted in his faith in God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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