In today’s service, we focused on the fact that with Jesus, nothing is wasted. No hurt, no circumstance, no pain, no insult, no distress, no disaster, and no devastation is wasted for those who love God and who are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28). In some amazing way, only Jesus is able to take our hurts and pains to make something beautiful out of them. No one else can do that. We can’t change our circumstances, but God can use our circumstances to change us.
What were those areas that you said you wished could be done away with today? If you had a magic wand, what would you just get rid of if you could? But stop asking: why is this happening? Begin to ask: what is God doing? Put up your sensors to notice when God is making things beautiful out of something tragic. See how, even through obstacles, God is able to make you more like Jesus. Don’t waste your time trying to figure it out, just allow God to continue to change you.
The Rev. James Cleveland penned these words to this song that we played today as we closed:
Chorus:
I don’t feel no ways tired,
I’ve come too far from where I started from.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy,
I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.Vamp:
I don’t believe He brought me this far
(repeat as desired)I’ve been sick (I don’t believe),
but God brought me (He brought me this far).
I’ve been in trouble (I don’t believe),
but God brought me (He brought me this far).I’ve been friendless (I don’t believe),
but God brought me (He brought me this far).
I’ve been lonely (I don’t believe),
but God brought me (He brought me this far).Please don’t leave me (I don’t believe),
don’t leave me Jesus (He brought me this far).
Don’t leave (I don’t believe),
don’t leave me Lord (He brought me this far).I don’t believe (I don’t believe)
that God would bring me
(would bring me this far).I don’t believe (I don’t believe)
that God would bring me
(would bring me this far).I don’t believe (I don’t believe)
that God would bring me (would bring me this far just to leave me).
Poweful words and a powerful testimony that I pray can be yours. You can listen to the song below:
We worshipped to these songs today:
- Beautiful One – Tim Hughes
- All Creatures of Our God and King – David Crowder Band
- Creator King – Don Moen
- Glorious One – Steve Fee
- Amazed – Jared Anderson
Next week, is the final day in the “Thanks for Nothing” series and it’s going to be amazing as we share the Lord’s Supper together. See you tonight at the YMCA! Bring some canned food for the needy in Greenwood.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.