God is working to write a beautiful story with your life, but it doesn’t feel that way all the time does it? Instead of feeling fulfilled, we feel empty, alone, and broken. We feel that we are too broken and too messed up for God to be able to fix. The truth is while you might find yourself in an unexpected circumstance, God’s plan hasn’t fallen apart. In this week’s message, Pastor Ken uses the Incredible 2 as an example of how life can take unexpected turns and shows from the Bible 4 ways that you can deal with these difficult times of life.

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MESSAGE NOTES

We believe God has an exciting and unexpected story for your life. Over the next month, we’re going to look at what we’re supposed to do when God’s story for your life takes an unexpected turn.

When life plays out differently than we want it to and suddenly we find ourselves in a place we do not want to be. What we do we do then? What do we do when God’s plan for our life isn’t exciting? When it’s not certain? When it’s not logical? When it’s not convenient?

Movie Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5qOzqD9Rms

Incredibles 2: Mr. Incredibles has super powers but finds himself in a season of life that is less exciting. He has stay at home while his wife fights crime.

We all know what it’s like to be in a stagnant season of life. You’re waiting. You want things to change. That’s the story of Moses before God shows up in Exodus.

Exodus 2:11-23 11 When Moses had grown up (40 yrs), he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work (had compassion). During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. 13 The next day, when Moses went out to visit his people again, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. “Why are you beating up your friend?” Moses said to the one who had started the fight. (Again, he’s looking after his people) 14 The man replied, “Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?” Then Moses was afraid, thinking, “Everyone knows what I did.” 15 And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian.  “Where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave him there? Invite him to come and eat with us.” 21 Moses accepted the invitation, and he settled there with him. In time, Reuel gave Moses his daughter Zipporah to be his wife. (Reuel – friend of God) 22 Later she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, for he explained, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”

Be faithful even when it’s not exciting.

Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Be patient; God is still at work in the ordinary moments. 

Moses doesn’t stop being the person God’s called him to be. Even when his circumstances change. He’s no longer positioned for power, but he still fights for justice. He’s no longer where he wants to be but he still keeps pushing forward.

James 5:7-8 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Be content while you wait

God calls us to to find contentment in every season of life, even when our lives aren’t where we want them to be.

2 Timothy 6:6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

If you can be content in any season of life, you are wealthy. If you can find joy in any circumstance, you are rich. If you can God in any season, you are mature. Because you know that God is still at work.

Be encouraged; God hasn’t forgotten you

At the right time, God acts.

Exodus 2:24-25; 3:10

24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.

10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.

God delights in building cathedrals out of rubble

Will you be content, even in the unexpected seasons? Be faithful, even when it’s not exciting. Be obedient, even when you’re waiting. Be content, even when if you want change. 

The true test of faith is how much you trust God, even when life isn’t where you want it to be. Even when it’s slow and boring. Faith is knowing that God is still at work.