Big Idea:
The key to seeing God’s victories in your life:
4 moments it’s tempting to stop trusting God:
6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, … 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” —John 11:11-15 (NIV)
1. When you’re
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Stop trusting your own
6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” … 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” —John 11:6-8, 16 (NIV)
2. When it seems
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. … 13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. —Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV)
Remember
20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. … 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” —John 11:20-21, 32 (NIV)
3. When it feels like He’s
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” —Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV)
Remember
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” —John 11:38-40 (NIV)
4. When it looks
7 For we live by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Take a
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” —John 11:40 (NIV)
Sermon Notes: