IMPACT Recap

It Didn't Turn Out As I Hoped

August 16, 2021 · 1:02:45

HopeFaithPurpose

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn delivered a message of hope and resilience titled 'When Things Don't Go As You Hoped.' He began by encouraging the congregation that their story is not over, using the crucifixion and resurrection as the ultimate example of God turning hopelessness into hope. He emphasized that God, as the author and finisher of our faith, is still at work in our lives, even when we feel crushed. The pastor pointed to the Apostle Paul's life of hardship and unwavering faith, as described in 2 Corinthians, to illustrate that with God, we are 'hard pressed but not crushed.' The second main point focused on standing strong in the Lord's power by putting on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, to withstand spiritual battles. Pastor Travis warned of a real enemy who seeks to deceive and devour, urging believers to be alert and sober-minded, relying on God's discernment. The third point highlighted that God's plans are spiritual, not logical, and He often works in mysterious and unexpected ways, as seen in the stories of Moses and Balaam. The final and central exhortation was to never stop hoping in the Lord, referencing Isaiah 40:31, which promises renewed strength for those who hope in Him. The pastor concluded with an altar call, inviting those who had never surrendered their lives to Christ to do so, leading the congregation in a prayer of salvation.

Main Points

  • Your story is not over; God is still at work in your life, and with Him there is always hope.
  • Stand strong in the Lord's mighty power by putting on the full armor of God to withstand spiritual attacks.
  • Do not stop hoping in the Lord, for He renews the strength of those who hope in Him.

Verses Mentioned

  • Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV)
  • 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (NIV)
  • 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." (NIV)
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him—" (NIV)
  • Ephesians 6:10-12 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (NIV)
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 - "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (NIV)
  • Nehemiah 8:10 - "Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."" (NIV)
  • Exodus 15:2 - "The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." (NIV)
  • Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (NIV)
  • Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)
  • 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV)
  • Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (NIV)
  • John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)
  • Proverbs 20:24 - "A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?" (NIV)
  • Psalm 119:133 - "Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." (NIV)
  • Daniel 6:22 - "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." (NIV)
  • Isaiah 40:31 - "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)
  • Romans 10:9 - "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NIV)
  • John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

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