Audio from Senior Pastor Vaughn Drawdy on Sunday morning September 3rd, 2017.
Our Valleys:
Sickness & Death
Poverty
Disaster
Addictions
Sinful Consequences
Actions of Others
Spiritual Dry Places
Disputes or Threats
Unforgiveness
(Fear, Stress, Anxiety)
Jesus said we would have valleys (trouble) in this life. But we can have victory.
John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
VICTORY is hard to see at times.
It is hard to see the big picture when you are right in the middle of the valley.
Genesis 50:20 (Joseph)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
God uses (redeems) our valleys for His purpose. Our VICTORY reveals Christ.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The Process of Revealing His Victory
Valleys are places of revelation & growth - We learn that God is with us.
We are being changed from (valley to valley) - glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)
To survive/thrive - embrace, know, & obey His Word
To survive and thrive - embrace, know, & obey His Word.
1. Understand: God is at work in us.
Philippians 1:6
“...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
2. The process produces HOPE
Romans 5:1-5
Does Scripture give us an example of the process?
1 Samuel 17:1-51 (key verses 34-37)
David had HOPE.
An inner strength and confidence in the valley of death (facing Goliath) from past valleys of despair to survive and thrive - embrace, know, & obey His Word.
Where’s your faith? Do you have HOPE?
Another example of this process:
Exodus 15:20-21
Why did Miriam pack a tambourine?
She knew, no matter where God leads us, we will worship Him. For He is the protector, provider, and Savior. She was there from the Nile to the Red Sea. She grew from valley to valley.
How have you grown through the valleys?
Do you feel like a victim?
Maybe you need to reassess your valley.
How has God been faithful in your past?
God is at work in you, through you and around you for His glory.
Where’s your tambourine (your HOPE)?