ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

God Acts on Our Behalf

This is an outstanding sermon message by Charles Stanley on waiting on God for answers and direction to our prayers, needs and life in general. If you have been praying about a need, desire or want, then you owe it to yourself to watch the video from the link listed directly below. The sermon outline is included just below the video link: ~ Ranb2khz

http://intouch.org/broadcast/video-archives/content/topic/god_acts_on_our_behalf_video


Scripture Reading:

Prayer for Mercy and Help

"1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence.

2 As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil — to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!

3 When You did awesome things which we did not expect, You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence.

4 For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him." ~ Isaiah 64:1-4

I. Introduction: In order to grow as believers, you and I must learn to wait on the Lord. When we surrender to His timing, He does mighty things in and for us, according to His will and His timing. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him (Life Principle #14). In other words, we must allow His timing — not our own agenda — to guide our lives. That way, we can experience His very best.

II. Waiting on God

A. What is God’s role in our waiting?

1. The Father’s reveals His will.

2. He also guides our choices and protects the outcome of our obedience.

3. When we obey Him, we are shielded from all kinds of damaging circumstances.

4. As we wait, the Lord heals, comforts, teaches, and empowers us.

5. He encourages, answers prayers, and gives peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

B. What does it mean to wait on God?

1. Resting in the Lord requires patience, which is simply the will to wait.

2. You and I must also listen for further instruction, instead of rushing ahead with our solution or agenda.

3. Waiting requires that we calmly accept the Lord’s work in our lives.

4. Some of us may have to surrender what seems like an immediate need and resist the temptation to set our own timeline.

5. Waiting on Him is purposeful anticipation that God will accomplish what He promises.

C. The Psalms speak of waiting on God.

1. The Psalms speak of waiting on God.

2. Those who obey Him ultimately won’t suffer shame (Psalm 25:3).

3. Resting in the Lord is not passive, but active (Psalm 37:7).

4. As a result of surrendering to His timing in faith, we can expect His very best (Psalm 37:34).

D. Why do we have to wait? God is…

1. Arranging circumstances (e.g., Israelites marching numerous times around Jericho; David waiting to be made king).

2. Purifying our motives. Rather than act out of lust, greed, or pride, we should be stirred by love, service, and obedience.

3. Teaching us to rely on Him. If every prayer were answered immediately, we might never learn to trust God.

4. Protecting us from unseen danger. Those who rush ahead of the Father run into unexpected difficulties.

5. Preparing us to impact others. When you wait on God’s timing, you can be an awesome testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness.

E. What are our choices?

1. We can manipulate circumstances. Doing this will forfeit the Lord’s best and may even result in disaster.

2. We can walk away from Him. In other words, we can allow disappointment to destroy our fellowship with the Father.

3. We can wait on the Lord, watch Him work, and reap the reward.

F. The Requirements

1. Faith: Can you trust Him when things get difficult?

2. Patience: We must set aside our own agenda and allow Him to work.

3. Humility: Prideful people often disobey God. They might believe their plans are better than His, or perhaps they worry too much about what others will think.

4. Courage: This is necessary if we are to resist the temptation to do things our way, disregard negative peer pressure, and stand firm against the fear of failure.

G. The Consequences of Failing to Wait

1. We experience disappointment.

2. We step outside of God’s will.

3. We miss out on His best.

4. We bring hurt, pressure, and suffering upon ourselves. Resisting Him always has negative consequences.

III. Conclusion: When believers grow impatient, it is easy to rush ahead of God’s work. My prayer is that we would learn to wait on His answer — and do it joyfully. Why? God’s Word says that He acts on behalf of those who trust in Him. No, He doesn’t promise to give us everything we want. But when you and I watch for His provision, it will come — every time.