Trusting God

Weekly Update – February 8th, 2024

Every single person experiences adversity.  Some walk through the threat of cancer, the heartache of losing a loved one or the emotional pain of dealing with a rebellious child.  Others experience the frustration of dashed hopes and unfulfilled dreams.  Then there is injustice, loneliness and grief as well.  Added to this, world events also have the ability to bring anxiety and fear to our hearts.  Some pain is quick and traumatic, other pain is chronic and persistent.  Regardless of the hurt, the common phrase, “Life is difficult” is true.  Christians are not immune to adversity either.  In fact, at times, it may seem as if their pain is more deeply felt than an unbeliever.  The natural question that arises then is, “Where is God?” 

It is not easy to trust God, especially in adversity.  The apostle Paul pleaded with God to take away the “thorn in his flesh.”  Joseph asked Pharaoh’s cupbearer to “get me out of this prison” (Gen. 40:14).  And the writer of Hebrews says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful” (Heb. 12:11).  It is during these times of adversity that we must remember that God is in control of our situations.  And even if we don’t understand, we must learn to trust him.  How do we do this?  Well, Jerry Bridges in his book titled, Trusting God offers three important truths necessary for us to believe if we are to trust the Lord.

First, we must believe that God is completely sovereign.  As Bridges says, “the sovereignty of God is asserted, either expressly or implicitly, on almost every page of the Bible.”  Consider what Lamentations 3:37-38 says, “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?  Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?”  Whether it is good or bad, the Lord is in complete control.  He has planned the end from the beginning and is moving all things towards His desired end. 

Second, we must believe that God is infinite in wisdom.  After the apostle Paul considers the great plan of God for salvation in the book of Romans, he says this in 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out!”  God’s plans and His ways are frequently beyond our ability to understand.  But like Paul, we must bow before the mystery of God’s actions and trust in Him.   

Third, we must believe that God is perfect in love.  It should comfort us to know that both good and calamity come either by God allowing it or causing it.  And the reason why it should comfort us is because we believe that it comes from God’s great love for us.  God does not exercise His sovereignty or His wisdom capriciously, but He does so in love.  Love does not always mean that we will be free from pain.  But it does mean that all things under the control of God, which is everything, are done for our ultimate good.

Since we started our series on James a few weeks ago, we have been talking a lot about trials.  Though trials may be for our good (James 1:4), as we have all experienced, they can still be incredibly difficult.  The temptation is to distrust God, be enticed by our own desire for resolution and be led into sin (James 1:13-14).  But we must remember, “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial” (James 1:12).  How do we remain steadfast?  By trusting God. If you are currently struggling through a trial right now, I would encourage you to check out this resource.  You can get a copy of Trusting God from the church bookstore for just $10. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
- Proverbs 3:9-10

Announcements:

Valentine’s Fundraising Dinner: On Friday, February 9th at 6:00pm the youth will be hosting a Valentine’s dinner in the Fellowship Hall. The suggested cost is $10 per person. All are welcome. Let Dan Holsten know if you plan to come.

Women’s Bible Study: The seasonal ladies’ Bible study will begin on Tuesday, February 20th. Sessions will be offered at 9:30am and 6:30pm. More information and a signup sheet are available on the bulletin board in the hall.

Men’s Bible Study: This men’s study is based on the book, The Exemplary Husband. The study is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday night of each month at 8:00pm in the library. If you are interested see Clint Blankenship.

Greeting Team: If you are interested in joining the greeting team, there will be a sign up sheet in the hallway this Sunday. We are looking for volunteers to serve one week a month on this rotation. If you would like more information, connect with Matthew Klika.

Home Groups: A potential new group will be forming for this coming spring. If you are not in a home group but would like to join one, look for a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal. We are also in need of spaghetti-o’s, ravioli, dry pancake mix, and maple syrup.

Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Check the update or email Betty for more information on how you can serve.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of the minor prophets will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm. There will be no evening activities on Wednesday, December 27th.