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Dear Saddleback Family,

Use the Message Action Plan below to help put the things you learned this weekend into practice. If you missed last weekend's message, click here to watch it online.

THIS MAKES NO SENSE
Great Lessons from the Lesser Known, Part 2
January 30 & 31, 2016
Pastor Steve Adams

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

• The mystery of God's ways are beyond my comprehension

"Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT)

The Uncomfortable story of Hagar

• In His loving grace, God works out His supreme purpose within and in spite of our corrupt human nature.

When my life doesn't make sense, I will . . .
1. Remember God's Promises

 "Then he added, 'I will give you more descendants than you can count.' "
                                                                        Genesis 16:10 (NLT)

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. . ."

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN:  Write down 3 promises that God makes in the Bible that give you comfort at this point in your life.  Review these promises at least once a week and see if you have seen His promises in your life.

When my life doesn't make sense, I will . . .
2. Rely on God's Plan

"The angel of the Lord said to her, 'Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.' "  Genesis 16:9 (NLT)

• My way seems to make sense, but will just create more trouble

 "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)

". . . we are perplexed, but not driven to despair."

• God's way may not make sense in the moment, but I know His plans are good and full of hope.

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' " Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

• Hagar didn't have an explanation, she only had a directive.

The key – She acted on that directive.

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." James 1:22 (NLT)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN:  Write down 3 actions that you are not doing because you are afraid of where God's directives are leading you (joining a small group, tithing, going on a PEACE trip, etc…).  Share with a close friend or your small group and start taking steps to move these actions forward.

When my life doesn't make sense, I will . . .
3. Recognize God's Provision

"Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink." Genesis 21:19 (NLT)

God's provision is exactly what we need, when we need it. 

"We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God"

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN:  Write 3 things that you are doing because you don't think God is a) answering your prayers fast enough, b) you haven't prayed about it and your decision is causing angst in your life, or c) you believe that God wouldn't be interested.  Turn these 3 items over to God and watch Him answer in ways you cannot imagine.

When my life doesn't make sense, I will . . .
4. Rest in God's Presence

 "Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, 'You are the God who sees me. . .' "      Genesis 16:13 (NLT)

"We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed."

 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5 (NLT)

• In His presence I find . . .

Peace in the midst of the chaos
Perspective that overshadows the questions 
Power to overcome the pressures, expectations, and responsibilities

Because it doesn't make sense doesn't mean it's senseless.