IMPACT Recap

Embrace The Pain

July 18, 2022 · 0:47:42

SufferingPurposeIdentity

Recap

Guest Speaker Stephen Chandler opened with a celebration of God's presence and a declaration that miracles are in the room. He taught from 1 Samuel 16, focusing on the anointing of David. Pastor Stephen used the metaphor of an olive press, explaining that olives must be pressed to release their most valuable oil, which was used for anointing kings and worship. He connected this to the pressure and pain we experience in life, arguing that God can use these difficult seasons to produce a supernatural anointing and purpose in us, just as the pressing produced the oil. He emphasized that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, and that David's anointing came despite being overlooked by his family. The message encouraged listeners not to run from pain but to see it as a potential bridge to God's purpose, to look past the pain to God's promise, and to pour out their pain in God's presence to transform it into anointing. Pastor Stephen shared a personal story about the loss of his mother to illustrate God's sustaining grace in profound pain. He concluded with an invitation to accept Jesus, emphasizing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Main Points

  • Do not run from pain, as God can use difficult seasons to produce a supernatural anointing and purpose in your life.
  • Look past your present pain to the promise God has for you on the other side, fixing your eyes on Jesus as your example.
  • Pour out your pain in God's presence; where you take your pain determines whether it becomes an anointing or a trauma wound.

Verses Mentioned

  • 1 Samuel 16:6-7 - "When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, 'Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.' But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (NIV)
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 - "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah." (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)
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 - "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (NIV)
  • Hebrews 12:2 - "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV)
  • Psalm 3:2-6 - "Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Samuel 16:7 - 'The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'

Focus Point: God's perspective on your value.

Action Plan: Write down one insecurity about your appearance or background, and then write a truth about what God sees in your heart.

Deep Prayer: God, thank you for seeing and loving my heart. Help me to value what you value today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed...'

Focus Point: Recognizing pressure without being destroyed.

Action Plan: Identify one area where you feel 'pressed' today. Acknowledge it, then declare out loud, 'I am pressed but not crushed.'

Deep Prayer: Lord, in this pressure, remind me that you are with me. Sustain me with your strength.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Hebrews 12:2 - 'For the joy set before him he endured the cross...'

Focus Point: Looking past pain to promise.

Action Plan: Think of a current difficulty. Write down one promise from God (e.g., His presence, future hope) that is on the other side of it.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, help me to fix my eyes on you and the joy of your promises, giving me endurance for today.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Psalm 3:3-5 - 'But you, LORD, are a shield around me... I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.'

Focus Point: Pouring out pain in God's presence.

Action Plan: Spend 5 minutes in quiet prayer, honestly telling God about a hurt or worry, then sit silently to receive His peace.

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, I bring my pain to you. Be my shield and sustain me as I rest in you.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: 2 Corinthians 4:17 - 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.'

Focus Point: The eternal purpose in temporary trouble.

Action Plan: Reflect on a past difficulty. Write down one way you grew or how God used it, no matter how small.

Deep Prayer: Father, help me to trust that you are working an eternal weight of glory through my current struggles.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Samuel 16:13 - '...the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.'

Focus Point: The anointing for your purpose.

Action Plan: Ask God to show you one area of your life (work, family, service) where He wants to bring supernatural results through your natural efforts this week.

Deep Prayer: Lord, anoint me for your purpose. Let my life bring you glory as I rely on your Spirit's power.

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