December 13, 2015

When God Asks You to Attempt the Impossible

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Fear Not Scripture: Luke 1:26–56

Fear Not
When God Asks You To Attempt the Impossible
Luke 1:26-56

Fear can keep us from experiencing God’s best in our lives

We will live life focusing on our Fears or focusing on God in Faith

Clearing Up a Few Misconceptions about Mary

  • Mary was not Sinless
  • Mary is not a Mediator between God and humans
  • Mary is not to be Worshipped or Prayed To
  • Mary is a great Example of someone who moved past her fears and believed God for the impossible

In Order to Experience God’s Best in My Life, I Must…

1. Push Past my fears (26-30)

  • Fear of Criticism
  • Fear of the Supernatural
  • Fear of Inadequacy
  • Fear of Change

What fears may be keeping me from experiencing God’s best in my life?

2. Decide to pay the cost (31-33, 38)

  • It cost Mary her Reputation
  • It cost Mary her Comfort
  • It brought new Problems into her life

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:27–28)

What am I willing to give up in order to experience God’s best in my life?

3. Dare to trust His promises (34-37)

Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving forward in spite of your fears. It’s facing your fears. (45)

Instead of worry, Mary Worshipped (46-55)

Instead of panicking, Mary Praised and Prayed

“What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

Where is God calling me to trust Him?

4. Desire to do His will (46-48)

Mary Displayed 2 Key Attitudes:

  • Enthusiasm/Eagerness
  • Humility

“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8)

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

Questions for Reflection:

  • God, what do you want to do in my life today?
  • What desires is God placing on my heart and life?
  • What fears may be keeping me from experiencing God’s best in my life right now?
  • What am I willing to give up in order to experience God’s best in my life?
  • Where is God calling me to trust Him?

other sermons in this series