When Your Plans Are Put on Hold: Finding God's Purpose in Delays

Title: When Your Plans Are Put on Hold: Finding God's Purpose in Delays

You’ve probably wondered why your plans sometimes don’t work out. Maybe you’ve felt the frustration of having your dreams put on hold. If you’re like me, you’ve experienced the disappointment of seeing your carefully laid plans fall apart. But what if these delays are part of God’s greater plan for your life?

In a recent sermon, we explored the idea that our plans, especially those we believe are God-centered, can often face opposition and obstacles. But these challenges are not the end of the story. They can be opportunities in disguise, leading us to grow in faith and trust in God’s timing.

Facing Opposition and Obstacles

Every Christian will face opposition. The Apostle Paul experienced this firsthand. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, Paul writes about his deep desire to visit the Thessalonian believers but acknowledges that “Satan hindered us.” Paul’s plans were put on hold, not because he lacked faith, but because he faced real spiritual opposition.

Opposition often produces obstacles. For Paul, these obstacles included distance, time, and a lack of personnel. He was physically separated from the Thessalonians, worried about their faith, and had limited resources to support them. Yet, Paul didn’t let these obstacles stop him. Instead, he saw them as opportunities to focus on what mattered most.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Paul’s response to these obstacles offers us a blueprint for our own lives. Here are three ways Paul turned his obstacles into opportunities:

1. Focus on What Matters Most: Paul used his time apart from the Thessalonians to pray for them and encourage them through letters. He reminded them that their faith and love were his “hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). When your plans are put on hold, take the time to refocus on your relationship with God and the people He has placed in your life.

2. Recruit Others to Help: Paul couldn’t be with the Thessalonians, so he sent Timothy to support and encourage them. Timothy was a young believer, but Paul saw his potential and invested in him. Who can you recruit to help you achieve your God-centered goals? Investing in others not only helps you but also builds up the body of Christ.

3. Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer: Paul prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, asking God to “direct our way to you” and to “make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12). When faced with obstacles, turn to prayer. Seek God’s guidance and trust that He is working all things for your good.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart, even when your plans are put on hold. What will you do this week to trust Him more? Will you refocus on what matters most, invest in others, and seek God’s guidance through prayer? Remember, opposition and obstacles are inevitable, but letting them take you out of the race is optional.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the reminder that our plans are in Your hands. Help us to trust You when our plans are put on hold. Give us the wisdom to see obstacles as opportunities to grow in faith and to invest in others. Guide us through prayer and strengthen our hearts to follow Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2024-08-11 _ SERVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND

Title: Serving Like Jesus: The Heart of a Deacon

You might wonder why the role of a deacon is so crucial in the church. Or perhaps you’ve asked yourself, "How can I serve my church in a way that truly honors God?" Today, we’re diving into the heart of what it means to serve as a deacon, inspired by a recent sermon on 1 Thessalonians 2. Whether you’re a deacon, aspiring to be one, or simply looking to deepen your service to God, this message is for you.

The Heart of Service: Glorifying God

The main point of the sermon is clear: True service in the church is about glorifying God, not ourselves. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 remind us that our service should be God-centered. Paul and his team served the Thessalonians not for personal gain or recognition but to honor God. They faced opposition and hardship, yet their focus remained on glorifying God through their actions.

Why is this important for you? Because when your service is rooted in glorifying God, it transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you. It shifts the focus from self-promotion to God-promotion, creating a ripple effect of genuine, Christ-like love and service within the church.

The Substance of Service: The Gospel

Paul’s ministry was not just about preaching; it was about living out the gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul describes his gentle, nurturing approach, likening it to a nursing mother caring for her children. This imagery underscores the importance of sharing not just the message of the gospel but also our lives with others.

What does this mean for you? It means that your service should be deeply rooted in the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ should inform and transform every aspect of your life. When you serve others, you’re not just meeting their physical needs; you’re also sharing the love and truth of Jesus with them.

The Context of Service: Relationships

Paul and his team didn’t just preach and leave; they lived among the Thessalonians, building deep, meaningful relationships. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12, Paul emphasizes the importance of sharing their lives with the new believers, working night and day to support them.

Why should you care? Because real, impactful service happens in the context of relationships. God created us for community, and it’s through these relationships that we grow and help others grow in their faith. When you invest in relationships within your church, you’re creating a strong, supportive community that reflects the love of Christ.

Action Steps: How You Can Serve Like a Deacon

1. Examine Your Motives: Reflect on why you serve. Are you seeking recognition, or are you genuinely aiming to glorify God? Ask God to purify your motives and help you serve with a heart focused on Him.

2. Root Your Service in the Gospel: Make the gospel the foundation of your service. Share the love and truth of Jesus in every act of service, whether big or small.

3. Invest in Relationships: Build meaningful relationships within your church. Spend time with others, listen to their needs, and support them in their walk with Christ.

4. Lead by Example: Whether you’re a deacon or not, strive to be an example of Christ-like service. Show others what it means to serve selflessly and with a heart full of love for God and His people.

Conclusion

The point is clear: Jesus wants your whole heart in service. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you examine your motives, root your service in the gospel, invest in relationships, and lead by example? Remember, without taking these steps, you’ll miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you and your church community.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of selfless service that Jesus set for us. Help us to serve with hearts that seek to glorify You above all else. Root our service in the gospel and guide us to build meaningful relationships within our church. May our actions reflect Your love and truth, and may we lead others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.