When does a Dead-End …

become different?
1/1/06 AM ~ Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church

Fear, seeing situations as dead ends

Faith, seeing dead ends as runways. 

Hebrews 11:1 ¹Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. New Century Version

We need to learn to see other ways.

Genesis 12 Abraham

Genesis 37 Joseph

Gen 50:20 is Joseph's understanding of Dead Ends 

²⁰You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. NIV

Numbers 13&14 Joshua and Caleb

1.      The promises of God are Good! Numbers 14:7

These two men saw both the blessings and the obstacles but they chose to focus on the promise of God…

2.  The Lord will lead us and give to us His promise.  Vs 8

These two men were not going to step ahead of God but would not lag behind either. 

If we will ask God He will direct us. 

James 1:5  ⁵If

vs.2 "… if only we'd died in Egypt".

4.  The Lord is with us. Vs 9

When we do things God's way we can expect His presence.  

5.  Caleb has a different spirit - he serves me wholeheartedly.  Vs 24

Because of Caleb and Joshua willingness to hold nothing back form God He blessed them both.

Joshua 1:6-9 Three times God tells Joshua to be Strong and Courageous

You must have the faith to believe there’ll be enough of God’s power when you come to a dead end to make it a runway in your life.

·               Look to the promise of God - they are good.

Help, strength, everything we need, the hope of eternity with Him

·               Ask for His leading in your situation today

·               Do not slip into rebellion or resistance

·               Remember that the Lord is with you in whatever circumstance you find yourself in

·               Don't hold back - serve Him wholeheartedly.