Message Action PlanSETBACK: A loss of progress, a defeat of a plan, or a reversal of good fortune; Anything that sets you back
"I looked for good to come, but evil came instead. I waited for some light, but darkness fell instead. The churning inside of me never stops and waves of misery crash over me." Job 30:26-27
HOW DO I TRUST GOD FOR A COMEBACK
WHEN MY SETBACK SEEMS IRREVERSABLE?
T.R.U.S.T. God like Job did
TELL GOD EXACTLY HOW I FEEL
"Job stood up, tore his robe in grief, and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped." Job 1:20 (GW)
Job: "I can't be quiet! I'm angry! I have to speak!" Job 7:11(TEV)
"Cry out in the night . . . Pour out your heart like water in prayer to the Lord." Lam. 2:19 (NCV)
"I believed, so I said, "I am completely ruined!'" Psalm 116:10 (NCV)
REFUSE TO BECOME BITTER
Job said, "I came naked from my mother's womb and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! In all of this Job did not sin by blaming God." Job 1:21-22 (LB)
The antidote to bitterness is gratitude for God's goodness
What to remember when you've had a setback:
- God will never stop loving me. Job 10:12
- God has a plan for my life. Job 23:14
- God cares about every detail of my life. Job 23:10, 31:4
- God is in control of things don't understand. Job 34:13
- God will protect me. Job 5:11
"Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I'll still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my Savior." Hab. 3:17-18 (TEV)
Action Plan: Pick a "What to remember" promise that is most challenge for you to accept and memorize the verse(s) regarding that promise.
UNITE WITH PEOPLE WHO'LL HELP ME FOCUS ON GOD
(Elihu) "Don't let your anger and the pain you endured make you sneer at God. Reputation and riches cannot protect you from distress, nor can you find safety in the dark world below. Don't turn to evil as a way of escape. God's power is unlimited . . . Others have praised God for what he has done, so join with them." Job 36:18-24 (CEV)
"True wisdom and real power belong to God. From Him we learn how to live and also what to live for." Job 12:13 (Mes)
"Go to the Lord for help, and worship him." 1 Chron. 16:11 (TEV)
"Those who worship God will be encouraged." Psalm 69:32 (TEV)
David: "Here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in Your strength and glory." Psalm 63:2 (Mes)
PAUL "Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom." Ph. 1:19 (NCV)
Action Plan: If you haven't yet, join or start a Saddleback small group! Click here to learn more about small groups at your campus.
SURRENDER MY FUTURE TO GOD
"Job's wife said to him, 'Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Why don't you just curse God and die?' Just end it!' But Job replied, 'You talk like a godless woman! Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?' So in all this, Job said nothing wrong." Job 2:9-10 (NLT)
Job: "Even if God takes my life, I will still trust him!" Job 13:15
"People who don't know God are always worrying." Matthew 6:32a (CEV)
Action Plan: Do you surrender your life to God? This week, pray through areas of your life and surrender them to God's will. Make sure not to hold anything back from him.
TRUST JESUS FOR EVERY DETAIL OF MY COMEBACK
Jesus: "By trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 (Mes)
JOB's COMEBACK
"After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord gave him success again. In fact, the Lord gave Job twice as much of everything as he had been blessed with before." Job 42:10
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Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship demonstrates step-by-step how to do a daily quiet time with God. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen, click here
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over, click here.
