At Hope’s End? Rely on God’s Word

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES God's Dream For Your Life

At Hope’s End? Rely on God’s Word By Rick Warren — May 10, 2015 “Abraham, when hope was dead within him, went on hoping in faith …. He relied on the word of God.” (Romans 4:18 Phillips) How do you know when hope has died in your life? You start using the word “never.” I’m never going to get married. I’m never going to graduate. I’m nevergoing to get well. I’m never going to get out of debt. I’m never going to be able to let go of my past and forget all of that shame and heartache. I’m nevergoing to be able to change. I’m never going to see this situation turn around. That’s when hope has died. What do you do when your hope dies? Romans 4:18 says, “Abraham, when hope was dead within him, went on hoping in faith …. He relied on the word of God” (Phillips). When you are at a dead-end, you need the Bible. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Think about it. Write it down on little notecards, and go over it. The Bible is full of promises. You rely on the Word and trust in its promises, and it will revive you emotionally. Nothing else is going to encourage you like the Bible. When you rely on the Word of God, you don’t panic because you’re reminded that, even though something is out of your control, it’s not out of God’s control. A dead-end is a test of your faith. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:17, “While God was testing him, Abraham still trusted in God and his promises, and so he offered up his son Isaac” (TLB). God said he wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son, and Abraham didn’t blink an eye. He didn’t panic because he remembered what God could do, and he relied on what God had promised him. What happens when God takes your most precious dream and wants you to give it up? Can you do that in faith? You’re at a dead-end, and God’s going to deliver you if you give the right answer. Some of you are at a dead-end now, and it seems there is no way out. But things are never as bleak as they seem. You’re looking at it from the human viewpoint rather than from God’s viewpoint. Romans 4:20 says, “Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened.” A promise is only as good as the character of the person who makes the promise. The Bible says God cannot lie because he is complete truth. If he makes a promise to you, he’s going to fulfill it. It will happen exactly as he has said. When you’re at your dead-end, trust in that truth. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick. Talk It Over Even if you’re not at a dead-end right now, how can you use God’s Word to prepare yourself for this phase of faith?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdpoNtAiTQA What promises from God encourage you when you are at a dead-end? How do you think God will respond to someone who turns to his Word when facing a dead-end? Today’s Scripture “So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.” (Proverbs 23:25, NLT) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS God Bless Mothers Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. We honor their love, life and investment into families. Proverbs 31 talks about the woman who honors the Lord and tells us that she deserves honor. In verse 28 it says, “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Today, we rise up and bless the mothers, but we also rise up and bless all who honor the Lord! Psalm one says that when we take delight in His laws, when we put Him first place, we open the door to His blessing in our lives. A Prayer Today “Father, today I choose to bless and honor You as I bless and honor my own mother. Thank You for the gift of family and for showing us Your nurturing nature through the heart of a mother in Jesus’ name. Amen.”