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WHEN DISAPPOINTED, TRUST GOD
WHEN DISAPPOINTED, TRUST GOD
Everybody knows what it’s like to be disappointed. Disappointment is that gap between expectation and current reality. People will disappoint – whether at home, in the workplace, even in church. As Christians, we are called to respond differently – to trust God and to look at disappointment as His appointment.
Everybody knows what it’s like to be disappointed. Disappointment is that gap between expectation and current reality. People will disappoint – whether at home, in the workplace, even in church. As Christians, we are called to respond differently – to trust God and to look at disappointment as His appointment.
A healthy Christian will respond to trials with joy, trusting that this is God at work to refine our character (James 1:2-4). The story of Lazarus (John 11:1-45) shows us what it means to trust God.
A healthy Christian will respond to trials with joy, trusting that this is God at work to refine our character (James 1:2-4). The story of Lazarus (John 11:1-45) shows us what it means to trust God.
TRUST HIS LOVE (vv. 1-5)
The story opens with Lazarus falling sick and his sisters Martha and Mary sending the news to Jesus. The author points out that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, but the circumstances seem to say otherwise.
We often judge God based on circumstances, but as followers of Christ, we should judge circumstances based on who God is. Our security is in God’s love for us, not our love for Him. If we are secure in His love, we trust that He wants what is best for us.
TRUST HIS TIMING (vv. 6-7)
Jesus did not go to Lazarus right away. He stayed two days longer! Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be. Do you have unanswered prayers? Wait on the Lord. His timing is always perfect!
TRUST HIS WISDOM (vv. 11,14-21)
Lazarus died and was already in the tomb four days by the time Jesus got to him. Martha declared that Lazarus would not have died if Jesus got there sooner. While this is an expression of faith, it also limits God to human understanding. Scripture tells us that God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). If we truly believe this, then we should trust in the Lord with all our heart and not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Oswald Chambers said, “the root of all sin is the suspicion that God is not good”. It is very easy to come to this conclusion when we are disappointed. But God is able to “work all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Ultimately His purpose is for us to grow in the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
TRUST HIS PROMISES (vv. 24-26, 38-44)
Jesus declared that He is the resurrection and the life, and that anyone who believes in Him shall never die. Martha believed, then Jesus came to Lazarus’ tomb and told her to move the stone. The stone was moved, and at Jesus’ command Lazarus walked out of the grave! To trust God is to obey. It means we move the stone, whether it’s a sinful relationship, or unforgiveness, or anything that gets in the way for us to experience God’s glory.
Jesus demonstrated His authority over death when Lazarus came back to life. The same victory is available to us, if we believe.
Discuss this Message
Discuss this Message
What causes you to have doubts and distrust God?
What do you need to do to learn to trust God more?
How do you show you trust God? What is the evidence?
(No 4Ws for this message, you may use the Discussion Questions above for your DGroup Sessions)
(No 4Ws for this message, you may use the Discussion Questions above for your DGroup Sessions)
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