
Advent Week 2
Part of Advent 2024—A Time For Wonder
December 8, 2024
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12/8 A Time For Wonder: Week 2 – PEACE “A Time For Trials”
Pastor Kim Martinez
- Peace doesn’t come from being problem-free. Peace comes from having a bigger perspective and knowing you aren’t alone. I’ve been there, and I see the way out.
- “Faith is easy when we’re in the middle of a breakthrough…but when life returns to the mundane, faith can become a challenge. Staying joyful as we return to our jobs, washing dishes and clothes and other tasks that clutter our lives becomes the true test of faith.”
Joseph trusted God
- David knew he didn’t see the whole picture and asked to see things from God’s perspective
- Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV), “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
David disciples himself - Psalms 27:14 NKJV, “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
- In the midst of his own pain, Jesus saw others through eyes of compassion
When we take our eyes off him, we start to look for the answer in ourselves or others - that’s called idolatry - In Tales of Brokenness by Don Nori writes, “He fitted you to Himself like a glove into which He slips His hand to accomplish His purposes. So, by yourself you cannot accomplish what God created you to do. You need His Spirit to fulfill your destiny.”
Reflection Questions:
- What jumped out to you today? Did the Spirit nudge you? What would you like to take away and start to walk out?
- Reflect on a time when you experienced a spiritual high following a trial or challenge. How did you navigate through it? What did you learn about your faith in those moments?
- Do you only see the waves of life and have trouble finding peace in the storm? How might you encourage someone in your position to look at things differently?
- Are you ever tempted to push aside negative feelings and just focus on the positive? How would you describe a lament? What might this practice look like for you?
- When are you most tempted to see others as obstacles or problems instead of with compassion? What do you think is key to changing that?
Benediction
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
24 The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
26 The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.