AfterThoughts: September 8, 2024

September 8, 2024
Uncharted
Acts 16:6-40

This week, Pastor David taught a message from Acts that reflects on Paul's continuing journey to spread the Gospel. Two important points we unpacked were:

God Guides Us Through Obstacles and Opportunities in Life
Our Difficulties and Uncertainties in Life Are Invitations to Trust in God’s Sovereignty Over Our Life

GOING DEEPER:

Pressures come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Over time, the pressures of life will reveal what is truly inside of you. How have you found this to be true in your own life? What did you learn about yourself when the pressure was applied?
Pastor David reminds us that God guides us through the obstacles and opportunities in our lives. He often leads by restraint first and then by prompting. How have you underestimated the love behind God’s “no” at certain times in your life? How can you practice thanksgiving this week as you think of how God’s “no” led you to God’s “yes” later in your life?
This passage teaches us to see that our difficulties and uncertainties are invitations to trust God’s sovereignty in our lives. At midnight, despite being squeezed by being beaten and put in prison and shackles, Paul and Silas prayed and began to sing. They knew and trusted the One who had faced His own midnight. What usually happens when you face a “midnight?” How can the truth of the Gospel of Jesus lead you to praise and sing when you are squeezed by pain, illness, disappointment, or brokenness?
Pastor David shared that music can be a vehicle for joy when we are being squeezed by the pressures of life. When has praising God through song lifted you and encouraged you?

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

STAY IN TOUCH WITH DAWSON:
WEBSITE: dawsonchurch.org
EMAIL: connect@dawsonchurch.org
TEXT: Text CONNECT to 205-997-3717