Extenuating Circumstances

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

February 11, 2017

Key Texts: John 3:16-17; Matthew 26:36-43; Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 6:9-12; 1 John 1:9, Jude 20, 21

SOP Reference: Desire of Ages, pg. 669-670

Introduction: There are times in life when we find ourselves up against enormous struggles.  Some so bad even, that we lose sight of hope...we convince ourselves that there is no turn around.  Or, we go to the level that God has maybe forgotten us altogether.

Segue into the highway detour example.  God has unexpected detours on life’s path.

I. God’s Struggle (John 3:16, 17 & Matthew 26:36-43)

  A. God’s love dictated His choice

    1. He loved to an unthinkable depth

    2. His love chooses the impassible path

  B. Desire didn’t stop Jesus

    1. His victory was evident of this

    2. His victory becomes our victory – every time! (1 John 1:9)

II. Extenuating Circumstances (Genesis 22:1-4)

  A. Abraham had waited and waited for the promise of a son to be fulfilled

  B. God now asked him to do the unthinkable

    1. Slay Son

    2. Trust without knowing end-result

      a. Jesus had to do this too

      b. God the Father had to trust that His son wouldn’t fail

  C. Abraham’s trust overshadowed any possible doubts

    1. God will help us when we choose apart from our feelings (Hebrews 6:9-12)

    2. As Abraham did, we must cling to the love of God through faith (Jude 20, 21)

SOP: At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.

Conclusion: What pitfalls have you found yourself in your life?  Have you lost sight of the hope that Jesus loves you, He wants to take care of you, and He is coming again for you?  Cling to His promises and know that He has already reached down to the lowest point of degradation and abasement to take hold of you.  Reach out right now and take hold of His hand.  And remember, for you, He has is willing to endure extenuating circumstances.