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Behind the Story - Men of the Story Pt.1
Sermon Summary
Pastor Oliver's sermon emphasises the importance of trusting God's timing and responding to His call, as illustrated through the experiences of Zechariah and Joseph, who faced doubt and fear yet ultimately embraced their roles in God's redemptive plan.
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In this sermon, Oliver explored the theme of being part of God's story through the lives of Zechariah and Mary's husband Joseph. He shared a personal journey of feeling called to ministry and the challenges faced in trusting God's timing. Zechariah and Joseph's stories illustrate the importance of being open to divine interruptions and responding with faith and obedience. Zechariah struggled with doubt when his prayers seemed unanswered, yet God met him with a promise. Joseph faced a difficult decision but chose to trust God's plan, demonstrating radical obedience. Both men played pivotal roles in God's redemption plan, reminding us that our lives, too, can be used in extraordinary ways when we trust and obey God.
Key Takeaways
1. Trust in Divine Timing: Zechariah's story teaches us that God's timing often doesn't align with our own plans. Even when prayers seem unanswered, God is working behind the scenes. Trusting in His timing requires patience and faith, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory.
2. Embrace Holy Interruptions: Life is full of unexpected turns, much like the call to ministry the Pastor Oliver experienced. These interruptions can be divine invitations to participate in God's greater plan. Being open to them requires a willingness to let go of control and trust in God's purpose for our lives.
3. Overcoming Doubt and Fear: Both Zechariah and Mary's husband Joseph faced doubt and fear, yet they chose to listen to God's voice. Doubt is a natural part of faith, but it shouldn't paralyse us. Instead, it can be a catalyst for deeper trust and reliance on God, who meets us in our uncertainty.
4. Radical Obedience: Joseph's decision to follow God's plan, despite the risks, highlights the power of obedience. Obedience often requires stepping out of our comfort zones, but it is in these moments that God's purposes unfold. Are we willing to take such steps of faith in our own lives?
5. Our Role in God's Story: Zechariah and Joseph's stories remind us that we each have a role in God's redemption plan. By saying "yes" to God, we can impact the world around us. Reflect on your life and consider where God might be inviting you to trust, overcome fear, or step forward in obedience.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Trusting God's Perfect Timing
Scripture:
Luke 1:13-14
But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
In the story of Zechariah, we see a man who had been praying for a child for many years. Despite his faithfulness, it seemed as though God was silent. However, God was working behind the scenes, preparing a plan that was far greater than Zechariah could have imagined. When the angel Gabriel appeared to him, Zechariah's initial reaction was doubt, a natural response when faced with long periods of waiting. Yet, God's promise was fulfilled in His perfect timing, teaching us that His plans are always for our good and His glory.
Trusting in divine timing requires patience and faith, even when our prayers seem unanswered. It is a reminder that God is always at work, orchestrating events in ways that we may not understand but are ultimately for our benefit.
Reflection:
Think of a situation where you are waiting for an answer from God. How can you practice patience and trust in His timing today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You hear my prayers, even when I struggle with doubt. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing and to remain faithful in my waiting. May I find strength in my uncertainties and be open to the ways You are working in my life. Amen.
Day 2: Embracing Holy Interruptions
Scripture:
Proverbs 16:9
'We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Life often presents us with unexpected turns, much like the divine interruptions experienced by Zechariah and Joseph (Mary’s husband). These moments can be seen as invitations from God to participate in His greater plan. Embracing God’s interruptions requires a willingness to let go of our own plans and trust in God's purpose for our lives.
It is in these moments of surrender that we find ourselves aligned with God's will, allowing Him to work through us in extraordinary ways. By being open to these divine invitations, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, even when it means stepping into the unknown.
Reflection:
Consider a recent unexpected event in your life. How might God be inviting you to see it as a divine opportunity rather than an inconvenience?
Prayer:
Gracious God, help me to recognise the holy interruptions in my life, just as Zechariah and Joseph did. Teach me to embrace the unexpected moments that lead me closer to Your will. May I be willing to surrender my plans and trust in Your perfect timing. Grant me the courage to respond with obedience and faith, even when it feels uncomfortable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Day 3: Overcoming Doubt and Fear
Scripture:
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Both Zechariah and Joseph (Mary’s husband) faced moments of doubt and fear when confronted with God's plans. Zechariah doubted the angel's message, while Joseph wrestled with the decision to take Mary as his wife. Yet, both men chose to listen to God's voice and move forward in faith. Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, but it should not paralyse us. Instead, it can be a catalyst for deeper trust and reliance on God. When we bring our doubts and fears to Him, He meets us in our uncertainty, providing the strength and assurance we need to move forward.
Reflection:
Identify a fear or doubt you are currently facing. How can you bring it to God and trust Him to guide you through it?
Prayer:
Lord, I come to You today with my doubts and fears. Just as Zechariah faced uncertainty, I too experience moments of doubt that cloud my faith. Help me to overcome these feelings and to trust in Your promises. Remind me that You are with me, even in my moments of weakness. Fill me with Your peace and assurance, so I can step boldly into the plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Day 4: The Power of Radical Obedience
Scripture:
Matthew 1:24-25
'When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
Joseph's decision to follow God's plan, despite the risks and potential for public disgrace, highlights the power of radical obedience. Obedience often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God with the unknown. It is in these moments of faith that God's purposes unfold, and we become active participants in His story. Joseph's willingness to obey, even when it was difficult, serves as a powerful example of how our obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Are we willing to take such steps of faith in our own lives, trusting that God will lead us where we need to go?
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where God is calling you to step out in obedience? What practical steps can you take today to follow His leading?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, seeking the strength and courage to embrace radical obedience in my life. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing, to overcome my doubts and fears, and to respond to Your voice with faith. May I be willing to step outside my comfort zones and participate in Your grand story of redemption. Amen.
Day 5: Our Role in God's Redemption Story
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The stories of Zechariah and Mary’s husband Joseph remind us that we each have a role in God's redemption plan. By saying "yes" to God, we can impact the world around us in ways we may never fully understand. Our lives, like theirs, can be used in extraordinary ways when we trust and obey God. Each of us has a unique part to play in His story, and by embracing our role, we can contribute to His work of redemption in the world.
Reflection:
Reflect on your life and consider where God might be inviting you to trust, overcome fear, or step forward in obedience. Where might God be inviting you to play a role in His redemption story? How can you say "yes" to His call today?
Prayer:
Lord God, I pray for the courage to embrace my role in Your redemptive story, trusting Your timing and responding to Your call. May I hear Your prompting today so that I can say yes to You! Amen.
Day 6: Expressing God’s Radical Love
Scriptures:
Matthew 1:19-21
'Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Joseph was a righteous man and planned to look after Mary the best he could, even when it seemed that she had cheated on him. His intentions were loving and considerate, perhaps even more than others might have thought she deserved.
However, God called Joseph to a greater, even more radical love, to care for Mary who was carrying God’s Son and ultimately to take on the responsibility to raise Him. This choice may seem easy or obvious to us because it was God’s Son, however, those in Joseph and Mary’s lives would likely find it difficult to believe and there would have been much disgrace and ostracization for them.
While we will not be called on to care for God’s Son, God does call us to embrace radical love for others. We do this through forgiveness, charity, caring, helping, and praying for others – especially those we don’t get along with.
Reflection:
How can you love others more today? What is a practical step that you could take to show someone who has wronged you that you’re willing to love them with the radical love of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray You would grow my capacity to love others more every day. I ask that You would provide opportunities for me to show Your love to others so that I would be able to bring glory to Your Holy name. Thank You Jesus, Amen.
Day 7: Trusting God with Unanswered Prayer
Scriptures:
Luke 1:6-14
'Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Sometimes, God’s timing doesn’t align with our expectations, but it is always perfect. Zechariah and Elizabeth waited and remained obedient to God even though their prayers to become parents seemed to be impossible for God to answer. In the midst of their waiting, they trusted that God was righteous and faithful. God knew them and saw that they behaved righteously even though they had not had answered prayer.
No matter your wilderness and despite your circumstances. God will be with You and is calling you to live righteously, trusting in Him.
Reflection:
Reflect on how you’re living through your current circumstances. Do you need to change your attitude or behaviour despite what you’re going through?
What do you need to surrender and trust God with today?
Prayer:
Lord God, I trust You with my unanswered prayers. I pray that You would bring about the best for me, even if that means I don’t get all that I am asking for. I trust that You are righteous and that You love me. I surrender my circumstances to You. Amen.
