Francis Chan: God's Patience With Our Weaknesses (Part 1)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that we all go through weeks, even months, where things just don't seem to be working out. We feel like we're not making progress in our spiritual lives, and our actions are not aligning with God's will. But the Bible teaches us that God is patient with us, just as He was with the disciples who struggled with their own weaknesses and mistakes. We need to look at our lives as a puzzle, comparing them to the picture of what we're supposed to be like according to God's Word. We must start putting the pieces together, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Key Scripture References

• Luke 9:37-42 - This passage shows us how Jesus' disciples struggled with their own weaknesses and mistakes, but God was patient with them. It's a reminder that we're not alone in our struggles, and that God is always willing to help us grow and mature.
• Luke 9:37-42 - The story of the man whose son was possessed by a demon teaches us about the desperation and hopelessness that can come when we feel like we're not making progress in our spiritual lives. But it also shows us that Jesus is always available to help us, no matter what we're going through.
• Matthew 17:14-21 - This passage teaches us about the importance of prayer and faith in dealing with difficult situations. It reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, God can still work miracles in our lives if we trust in Him.
• Galatians 5:22-23 - These verses remind us that as believers, we are called to live a life of patience and self-control. We must not give up when things get tough, but instead, we should keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that God will help us through.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - This passage teaches us about the importance of humility and dependence on God. It reminds us that even when we feel like we're not making progress, God is still working in our lives to make us more like Him.

Key Takeaways

• We all go through weeks, even months, where things just don't seem to be working out.
• God is patient with us, just as He was with the disciples who struggled with their own weaknesses and mistakes.
• We must look at our lives as a puzzle, comparing them to the picture of what we're supposed to be like according to God's Word.
• God can come into our lives and restore our lives, no matter how scattered they may seem.
• We must not give up when things get tough, but instead, keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that God will help us through.

Application Questions

• What are some areas of your life where you feel like you're not making progress?
• How can you apply the principle of patience and self-control to these areas?
• What steps can you take to start putting the pieces together in your life, even when it feels like everything is falling apart?

Conclusion

This message reminds us that we're not alone in our struggles. God is patient with us, and He's always willing to help us grow and mature. We must look at our lives as a puzzle, comparing them to the picture of what we're supposed to be like according to God's Word. And when things get tough, we must keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that God will help us through.