Sustaining Grace
Shaun Castro
Part of I Once Was...
March 25, 2024

Sickness itself does NOT bring glory to God.

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” —John 11:4

• The outcome of sickness can bring glory to God by revealing who Jesus is.

Don’t wait to cry out for help when sickness comes.

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. —John 11:17

Sickness reveals what or who we put our trust in.

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” —John 11:27

• We need to confess who Jesus is in the midst of our sickness because He is the one who we ultimately trust.

There’s something about sickness and death that leads us to NOT welcome Jesus into our suffering.

Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. —John 11:30

Once you choose to allow Jesus into your sickness and death, Jesus walks closely with you and weeps with you.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. —John 11:33-35

In the weakness of our sickness, let’s turn to God in surrender, and receive sustaining strength in the grace of God.

…Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. —2 Corinthians 12:7b-9

When you put your faith in Jesus, He gives you a second chance at life.

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. —John 12:9-11

• Tell your story of your second chance at life, so that others can experience the same.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

We all face sickness throughout our lifetime. We need to know that sickness itself does not bring glory to God, but how we respond to it can. Sickness reveals what or who we put our trust in. Once you choose to allow Jesus into your sickness and death, Jesus walks closely with you and weeps with you. In the weakness of our sickness, turn to God in surrender and receive sustaining strength in God’s grace.

John 11; 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9; John 12:9-11

Purple Book, review:

  • What did you learn about the God’s Word from chapter five of the Purple Book?

  • How does spending time in God’s Word help you better hear His voice and discern His will?

Sermon questions:

  • Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

  • Read John 11:1-4, 27-35. Do you believe Jesus can heal you of sickness? Why or why not? Is there a sickness you are currently facing that you need healing from? How would you like your Grace Group to pray for you?

  • Share a time when you prayed and allowed Jesus into your or someone else’s sickness. How did you or the person you prayed for experience the closeness, peace, and comfort of God?

  • Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Share a time when you were weak in sickness but turned to God in prayer and experienced God’s sustaining grace. How did God give you renewed strength and the grace to experience a newness of life?

  • Pray for those you plan to invite to Easter services this Sunday.

Take a Step

  • Take moments this week to invite God into your health and sickness and ask him to heal you. Ask Jesus for his sustaining grace to carry you through and for renewed strength in the Holy Spirit.

  • Use your faith to invite someone to our Easter services this Sunday!

Here’s My Prayer

Lord, I need Your grace to sustain me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me from the inside out. I trust that You are my healer, and more than enough to sustain me through this day. I need You more than ever. Lead me to people this week that I can invite to our Easter services so they would be encouraged to know that Jesus can bring new life to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.