TLDR;
This sermon explores the idea that God is the author of our lives, writing a unique story for each of us. It emphasizes that even during periods of waiting, confinement, or when it feels like nothing is happening, God is still at work, enlarging our faith and preparing us for future blessings. The message encourages listeners to actively participate in their story, pressing into each chapter and trusting that God will complete what He has started.
- God is the author and finisher of our faith and our stories.
- Times of waiting or confinement are opportunities for growth.
- God measures our spiritual journey over years, not days or weeks.
- We should actively lay hold of the story God is writing for us.
Introduction: God is Writing Your Story [0:00]
The sermon begins with a prayer for the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance. It references Hebrews 12:1, which speaks of a "cloud of witnesses," interpreting this not as past heroes watching us, but as testimonies to God's grace, declaring that God is faithful and finishes what He starts. The speaker expresses a desire to be part of that cloud, sharing a story of faith and God's faithfulness to future generations.
Jesus: The Author of Faith and Our Story [3:03]
The speaker focuses on Jesus as the author and finisher of faith, emphasizing that Jesus designed faith and is the source of it. Referencing Revelation 1, Jesus declares Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, implying that He encompasses everything in between. As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus is the very essence of words, sentences, and stories, making Him the ultimate author of our lives.
New Chapters and Laying Hold of Your Story [6:52]
Using the example of John on the island of Patmos, the speaker illustrates that it's never too late for Jesus to write a new chapter in our lives, even the best one. He stresses that knowing God is writing our story isn't enough; we must actively lay hold of that story, passionately desiring every chapter God has for us. Stories are powerful because they allow others to find themselves within them, providing courage for their own journeys.
The Power of a Damascus Road Story [11:09]
The speaker uses Paul's Damascus Road experience as an example of a powerful story that helps others grasp the kingdom of God. He expresses a desire for people to have their own "Damascus caliber" stories that others can connect with and find their destiny in God. Even when it feels like there's no story happening, God is still at work, often writing long, suspenseful, and romantic stories that draw us closer to Christ.
Jacob: Captivity for Enlargement [15:50]
The message addresses the times in our lives when it feels like nothing is happening, using the examples of Jacob and Abraham. Jacob's family was placed in Egypt for over 200 years, seemingly in captivity, but this was actually God's way of protecting and enlarging them. This "captivity" allowed them to grow into a nation capable of taking their promised land. The speaker encourages listeners to "never waste a good prison sentence," turning confinement into an incubator for growth in faith, love, and knowledge of Christ.
Abraham: Strengthened in Faith Through Delay [21:15]
Abraham waited 25 years for the promised miracle baby. Despite his wavering faith, the scripture says he "did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith". The speaker explains that God measures our spiritual journey over years, not days or weeks, focusing on our overall growth and trajectory. Even with ups and downs, God is looking to see how we walk with Him over time.
God's Perspective on Our Spiritual Journey [25:16]
God doesn't focus on our daily or weekly fluctuations but rather on where we will be in the years to come, emphasizing continuous growth in faith, grace, and intimacy with Christ. The speaker acknowledges his own emotional roller coaster but affirms his commitment to using the time to grow larger in faith and righteousness. He warns against the enemy's lie that our weaknesses disqualify us from the story, urging listeners to never let go of their story and to press into every chapter.
Conclusion: Stay in the Story [29:31]
The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to stay in the story God is writing for them, trusting that He will finish what He started. Our stories are in the hands of the Alpha and Omega, who is skilled at crafting them.
Bob Sorge's Personal Story [31:19]
Bob Sorge shares his personal story of developing a throat problem in 1992 that led to surgery and chronic pain. He recounts his struggle to reconcile his theology with his suffering, feeling unable to quit his ministry but also unable to continue. During a sabbatical, he experienced a moment of desperation and anger, even considering abandoning his faith.
A Baseball Game and a Sign from God [36:05]
In a moment of rebellion, Sorge took his children to a baseball game on a Sunday, something he had never done before. Despite the fun, he still felt miserable and questioned God. He then had a crazy thought about catching a baseball as a sign of God's presence and love. Although he didn't ask God for it, a baseball miraculously landed in his daughter's lap.
God Gave Me a Baseball [43:52]
Sorge interpreted this event as a personal message from God, assuring him that He was not finished with him and that he should continue to abide in His love and word. The baseball became a symbol of God's continued presence and faithfulness in his life.