Trust in God's Timing
Trust in God's Timing10
Exodus 23:20
By Chuck Smith0JOS 3:3ROM 8:371CO 10:11PHP 4:7HEB 4:1Chuck Smith emphasizes that the Christian life is meant to be full, rich, and abundant, despite the battles we face. He explains that entering the promised land symbolizes a life of continual joy and victory, not the absence of struggles. Smith outlines the principles of conquest, urging believers to let God lead and to obey His voice, rather than rushing into battles on their own. He also highlights God's method of conquest as 'little by little,' revealing areas for victory gradually to ensure we depend on Him. Ultimately, the sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's perfect strategy and timing for their lives.
Thoughts on Prayer
By William MacDonald0MAT 7:7PHP 4:6JAS 4:31JN 5:14William MacDonald emphasizes the power and significance of prayer, explaining that God answers prayers with infinite wisdom, love, and power, often providing what we truly need rather than just what we want. He highlights the conditions of prayer, particularly the importance of asking in Jesus' name, and acknowledges the mysteries surrounding prayer that may not always be understood. MacDonald encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to recognize that true prayer stems from a deep dependence on the Lord, leading to supernatural outcomes in their lives and the lives of others.
Looking to God to Accomplish
By K.P. Yohannan01SA 16:11K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of faith and patience in the journey of fulfilling God's promises, using David's life as a powerful example. Despite being anointed as king, David did not rush to claim his throne but returned to his humble duties as a shepherd. Throughout his trials, including evading King Saul and enduring hardships, David remained steadfast in trusting God's timing rather than taking matters into his own hands. Ultimately, David's faithfulness and restraint led to the fulfillment of God's promise in a way that honored Him. This sermon encourages believers to look to God and trust in His plan, even when the path seems slow and challenging.
God's Reserve of Goodness
By J.R. Miller0ISA 43:1J.R. Miller emphasizes that God's goodness is never exhausted and is always reserved for us until we truly need it. He illustrates how God's blessings are laid up in advance, much like a father saving resources for his children, and how both nature and spiritual provisions are revealed to us at the right moments in our lives. Miller explains that the treasures of God's goodness, whether in creation or in the promises of Scripture, become apparent during times of need, allowing us to experience their richness only when we face challenges. He reassures that even in sorrow and death, God's goodness is present, revealing greater blessings beyond our current understanding. Ultimately, Miller encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and provision, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Habakkuk 2:1
By Chuck Smith0ISA 55:8HAB 2:1HAB 2:3Chuck Smith addresses the perplexing problems faced by believers when evil seems to triumph and justice appears absent. He emphasizes that God's timing and ways are often beyond our understanding, urging us to wait patiently for His answers. In the 'place of victory,' believers are encouraged to listen for God's voice and trust in His appointed time, even when circumstances seem dire. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true victory comes through faith, believing in what we cannot see or understand.
God Himself Shall Work
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 30:5PSA 34:18PSA 46:1ISA 33:10ISA 40:31LAM 3:25ROM 8:282CO 12:9PHP 4:6JAS 5:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that in times of despair and affliction, God rises to exalt Himself and deliver His people. He illustrates that even when circumstances seem dire, such as a land laid waste and warriors in sorrow, the Lord responds to the cries of His people with grace and intervention. Spurgeon encourages believers to fervently seek God in prayer, trusting that He will act at the right moment for His glory. The ultimate desire should be for God's glory rather than just personal deliverance, as His exaltation brings about true hope and restoration. The sermon calls for a recognition of God's active work in our lives, urging us to magnify His greatness.
Our Unanswered Prayers
By J.R. Miller0MAT 7:7J.R. Miller addresses the profound experience of unanswered prayers, emphasizing that God's silence can often feel overwhelming. He explains that while we may not receive the answers we expect, many of our prayers are answered in ways we fail to recognize, such as through daily blessings and spiritual growth. Miller highlights that sometimes God withholds answers for our own good, teaching us valuable lessons through burdens and trials. He also notes that selfish prayers or those that could harm others are not answered, and that patience is required as God prepares us for the blessings we seek. Ultimately, Miller reassures us that God's silence is not indifference but a loving response that requires our trust.
Faith's Persistency (1 Kings 18:41-44)
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 18:41T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of persistent faith through the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, where despite the initial lack of rain after a great victory over Baal, Elijah continues to pray earnestly. He illustrates that God's ways can seem slow and hidden, testing the faith of His servants, and that true service requires unwavering persistence even in the face of disappointment. The narrative highlights the necessity of continuing to seek God's response, as demonstrated by Elijah's servant who returned multiple times to report 'nothing' before finally seeing a sign of rain. This persistence ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's promise, showcasing that faith must endure through trials and delays. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true victory in faith comes from steadfastness and trust in God's timing.
My Times
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 31:15PSA 37:5PSA 139:16PRO 16:9ECC 3:1ISA 41:10JER 29:11ROM 8:28PHP 4:61PE 5:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that all aspects of our lives, including sorrows, comforts, miseries, mercies, dangers, and duties, are under God's sovereign control, as expressed in Psalm 31:15. He highlights the significance of the word 'times' in the plural, indicating that every moment and season is orchestrated by God. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's timing and providence in every situation they face.
When God Is Silent and Evil Prevails
By Shane Idleman1842:17PSA 10:1PRO 10:2ISA 1:17ROM 14:1HEB 11:6Shane Idleman addresses the feelings of abandonment and confusion when God seems silent amidst the prevalence of evil in the world. He emphasizes the importance of venting to God, as seen in Psalms, and acknowledges the struggle for immediate justice in a world filled with pride and wickedness. Idleman encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to recognize that challenges often serve as training for spiritual growth. He reminds the congregation that God is always present, even in difficult times, and calls for prayer and encouragement for those in leadership positions. Ultimately, he urges the faithful to remain thankful and to seek God's presence amidst the chaos.