Sermon Recap

The sermon title was "When God Doesn't Do What We Want" and the scripture was John 11:17-22. What do we do when God doesn’t do what we want? When we pray for a parking space, or a lottery win, or for a few extra minutes before the bridge goes up, we simply shrug our shoulders and keep it moving when God doesn’t do what we want. But what about when we are praying for serious, life-changing issues like a health scare or problems with the children or immanent death of a loved one? What do we do then when God doesn’t do what we want? Following Martha’s example when her brother Lazarus died (John 11:11-44), I suggested we work to keep our emotions from hijacking our actions and we go to Jesus for comfort and support. Secondly, we should stand on the truths we have always believed, clinging to the Scripture’s promises. Finally, we remember that God’s ultimate purpose is to reveal His glory and save His people from sin, not to be a butler that jumps at our every request. Remember, God himself suffered the loss of His only Son when He died on the cross for our sin. So, we can trust His plan that He is working all things out for His glory and our good. Dealing with difficult situations can be stressful and scary. We can become angry, frustrated, fearful, and become doubtful. But if we follow Martha’s example, we can navigate those times when God doesn’t do what we want.