When YOUR WORLD IS SHAKEN UP
UNSHAKABLE! Thriving No Matter What They Throw at You — Part 1
Rick Warren
July 23-24, 2016
". . . all the foundations of society are being shaken to the core." Psalm 82:5 (LB)
Introduction to Daniel's Life & Book: Daniel 1:1-7
WHAT TO DO
- DON'T BE SURPRISED BY ADVERSITY
"Dear friends, don't be shocked or surprised when you suffer through painful tests and trials as if something strange is happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
Jesus: "In this world you WILL experience difficulties! But take heart! I have conquered the world! I've told you this so that in trusting me, you will be unshakable and deeply at peace." John 16:33 (Mes)
4 sources: MY OLD NATURE, THE WORLD, SATAN, GOD
ACTION PLAN: Make a list of 3 recent adversities you experienced. Next to each of them, write down what your immediate response was and how you should have responded. Share with your Small Group.
- LOOK FOR WAYS GOD MIGHT USE IT FOR GOOD IN MY LIFE
God says: "The plans I have for you are plans for good and not to harm you.
They are plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
- GOD SHAKES THINGS UP TO INSPECT ME
"The Lord searches our hearts and examines our deepest motives so he can give to each person his right reward, according to how he has lived." Jeremiah 17:10 (LB)
". . . God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you'd keep his commands." Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)
ASK: What does this problem reveal about me?
- GOD SHAKES THINGS UP TO CORRECT ME
"God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to him . . . God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is. It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace." Hebrews 12:8-11 (CEV)
"When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he says, 'I will not only shake the earth but the heavens too.' By this he means that he will sift out everything without a solid foundation so that only the unshakable things will be left." Hebrews 12:26-27 (LB)
"Consider yourself fortunate when God all-powerful chooses to correct you." Job 5:17 (CEV)
ASK: What is this problem teaching me?
- GOD SHAKES THINGS UP TO DIRECT ME
"A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 (GW)
"Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30 (TEV)
"I have thought about my life, and I've directed my feet back to your
written instructions." Psalm 119:59 (GW)
ASK: Where is this problem leading me?
- GOD SHAKES THINGS UP TO PROTECT ME
"God has led you away from danger, giving you freedom." Job 36:16
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good . . ." Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
ASK: How could this problem be protecting me?
- GOD SHAKES THINGS UP TO PERFECT ME
"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who
calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself
perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation." 1 Peter 5:10 (TEV
"We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to be patient. And patiencedevelops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it . . ." Romans 5:3-4 (LB)
ASK: How can I grow from this problem?"Pain is the high cost of growing up."
ACTION PLAN: Write down these points and the questions associated with them. Keep them somewhere easily accessible and go back to them whenever a shake up is happening in your life.
- TRUST GOD FOR WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND
"Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything
that happens along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 (LB)
"Trust the Lord with all your heart. Don't depend on your own understanding.
Honor the Lord in everything you do and he will give you success." Proverbs 3:5-6
ACTION PLAN: Take the points from this message into your quiet time this week. If there is a shake up going on in your life right now, talk through these points with God. Choose some of the verses to take into prayer as well.
