Sacred Threads…Part 6
Speaker: Pastor Pierre Du Plessis
Scripture References: Psalm 139:13-16, Hebrews 11:33-37 (NLT), 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, 2 Timothy 4:10, 14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 2 Corinthians 2:7 Voice, Romans 8:37-39 (Voice), Isaiah 40:31
Sermon Recap - Inside Our Story
Our lives are made up of stories, some of which we have no control or input over; we were simply born into certain surroundings, events, parents, and external influences. However, what you say in your mind about your story, allows voices that shape your life. We tend to give too much room to a voice that is always fearful, and brings up danger. But you can speak to that voice by being vigilant about what you allow your mind to dwell on. Whatever goes into a person’s mind goes into a place of incubation and whatever you incubate goes into your heart. And whatever goes into your heart will come out of your mouth, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) It’s not the thought, but the thoughts that incubate and fight us in the heart that become your outside story.
Our inside-out story, though, is a testimony to what we believe about God. If you say you are a believer, and you complain that God has dealt you a raw deal, or that life has not been fair to you, you cancel the testimony of God's character and bring it to naught. You have not understood that God does not create a testimony without a test, or that God is less concerned about your comfort than He is about developing your character; one that exemplifies His Son. (Romans 8:29) His main thrust for you in life is for you to go through a broken world with its trials and the tribulations and still say that no matter what I go through, I have not let go of my faith, I trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. The testimony the world needs is not a perfect person, but one who walks the talk through difficult circumstances and still testifies that God is writing His story in the midst of it, to His glory.
God knows the testimonies He has created in you. Perspective comes when you pull out of the battle and you see the battle from a distance. When the mountain looks bigger than God, stand back and rediscover the goodness and faithfulness of God, knowing that once you get through it, you have the testimony to help others who are met with similar trials. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9)
Discussion Questions:
1. What is your overall response to the sermon as a whole? What did you come away with?
2. How can we exercise control over the voices that seek to pull us down into despair?
3. What role does our heart play in responding to these negative, fearful voices?
4. How do trials and struggles lend themselves to our testimony?
5. What kind of testimony is the world needing to hear from believers?
6. It has been said that God is not concerned with our comfort, but our character. How do you respond to this statement?
7. How do we gain perspective when in the midst of difficult times? Share your experiences.