Moments of peace are precious. When we find them, we hold on tight and pray they last. But there’s a peace that goes beyond our understanding — beyond the pain and fear we face today. This Christmas season, if you’ve been Missing Peace, come discover it with us! SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER
Message Series: MISSING PEACE
Today: When You’re Disappointed By God
Text(s): Luke 2:10-14(NLT)
Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)
Pastor Tom Cogle
Sunday, December 17, 2023
…“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.Luke 2:10-12 NLT
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14 NLT
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.Matthew 1:18-19 NIV
· kiddushin (engagement)
· Huppah (marriage ceremony)
Two Truths to Help You When You Don’t Understand
1. You don’t have to understand the plan to trust God has a purpose.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.Proverbs 19:21 NIV
But after [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 NIV
2. Your disappointment with God might actually be a divine appointment from God.
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV
TALK IT OVER
You don’t have to understand God’s plan to trust that He has a purpose. Is that kind of trust easy or difficult for you? What steps could you take to put more trust in God?
Your disappointment with God might actually be a divine appointment from God. Have you ever experienced this in your own life? What happened?
Are you currently dealing with disappointment? How can you trust that God has a purpose for your life, even in the middle of a disappointment?