Purpose in the Gap
Sermon Notes
Minding the gap isn’t always EASY. It can be full of SETBACKS.
Our stories don’t have to end at our LOWEST, when we’re most LOST.
[Acts 9:3-6] As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Life in the gap can be DANGEROUS, disheartening, and can fee MEANINGLESS.
God can use our OBSTACLES as OPPORTUNITIES.
[Philippians 1:12-14] And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
The place you LEAST want to be could be the place God wants to USE you most.
[2 Corinthians 12:7b-10] Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
There is as much purpose in the GAP as in the PROMISE.
[Romans 5:3-4] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
[2 Corinthians 1:4] God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
God uses the gap to GROW our faith and SHOW our faith.
The gap isn’t just PREPARING us for our purpose. It’s PART of the purpose.
[Romans 8:28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Where is your favorite place to be?
Read Romans 5:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 1:4 and discuss what stands out.
Share about an obstacle you faced or are facing.
How has God grown your faith or shown your faith to others in the gap?
What are some reminders in your life of how God has fulfilled His promises to you?
Is there anything this group can pray for?