The Longest Day
Sermon Notes
If our faith is only shaped by our PAST we stop reaching for the IMPOSSIBLE.
[Psalm 13:1-2] O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? [2] How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Over time our faith can shift from EXPECTANT to CAUTIOUS.
[Joshua 9:14-15] So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD. [15] Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.
Even if our faith starts IMPERFECT, God is not FINISHED.
[Joshua 10:5] So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon.
God can REDEEM even the parts of our story that started WRONG.
[Joshua 10:12-14] On the day the LORD gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the LORD in front of all the people of Israel. He said, "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." [13] So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in [The Book of Jashar]? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. [14] There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!
The God who created TIME is not LIMITED by it.
[Ephesians 3:20-21] Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. [21] Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Unanswered prayers don’t mean God is WEAK.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: If you had an extra hour each day how would you use it?
Read Joshua 14:10-12 & discuss what stands out.
Share about time God didn't answer your prayer the way you wanted. How did that affect you?
Tell about a time you had to endure
What can you pray boldly for this week?
Is there anything this group can pray for?