Unexpected Unhurrying: 

• God wants us to rest in Him –
• The world is exhausting – suffering is a result even for believers

1. A disciple of Jesus rests — Jesus Himself had a lifestyle of withdrawing – resting

• God wants us to rest – the law –

Romans 8:29 (NIV) ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Luke 5:16 (NIV) ¹⁶ But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

2. The world is broken and tires us out – struggle requires rest

• God does use suffering at times to force us to rest
• It’s essential that we learn how to do this because it is a part of the world we live in
• Sometimes it has nothing to do with correction because we are wrong but even for our protection

3. There are different kinds of suffering

• Physical or mental anguish as a result of a broken body or accident
• Waiting can be a cause for suffering
• Trials of all kinds can come

Romans 8:22–25 (NIV) ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

1 Peter 4:12–14 (NIV)

God actually uses suffering for our good –sometimes He allows sometimes causes but its always for our good

• He forces us to rest at times –
• He doesn’t just allow – He causes the struggle so we will rest on Him
• We live in a world where suffering is always bad
• But suffering actually can protect and help us to develop character
• It shapes us for ministry
• It prepares us for war

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NLT) ⁷ even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. ⁸ Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

James 1:2–3 (NIV) ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

4. What does resting look like? –Resting on

• Trusting in what God has already said –it is written
• Persevering by looking ahead
• Rest and yoke

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Trusting in what God has already said

• Notice the devils lies – too late – where is He – too far –
• Who does God say I am –my Identity
• Sometimes you will need help – don’t fight alone –go the Lord –share with your friends – Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

Matthew 4:4 (NIV) ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Duet 8)

Psalm 1:1–2 (NIV) ¹ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, ² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV).

Persevere with your eyes on Jesus –looking past struggle

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Looking ahead to the better country 

Hebrews 12:7–11 (NIV)

Resting in the midst of suffering

1. Resting doesn’t mean absence of all activity –Jesus rested in His position and condition—mentally at peace
2. What If I am suffering because I caused it via sin or unwise decision making?

• I bring it to Him and rest in the fact that I have come to the right place and the Lord forgives me
• There may be consequences but I am not thrown away or alone in carrying them

James 5:16 (NIV) ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 103:11–12 (NIV) ¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

1. If I am unsure why I am struggling – I rest in the Lord

• It’s not Karma
• I rest on – stand on the promises of God –Hope, peace, joy as I look forward -He will work it out for good
• Example: The bird came to rest on the tree limb

Hebrews 11:13–17 (NIV)           Romans 8:28 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: How has the snow, ice, or frigid cold slowed you down lately? What did you do or not do?

Main Point: Sometimes we are forced to slow down due to a tragedy, illness, or a season of spiritual dryness. God may be using this situation to force us into unhurriedness.

Main Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Head Questions

• How did God respond to Paul’s pleas to remove his “thorn in the flesh”? What can we learn about God from this response?
• Verse 10 lists different types of hardship. Which one would be hardest for you to remain faithful through?

Heart Questions

• What in your life has forced you to slow down? What did you learn through that experience?
• Do you struggle with not having all the answers for God allowing suffering? How have you wrestled with this issue?

Hands Questions

• What habits can you develop (or are already practicing) when things are going well that can help sustain you during hardship?
• What does it look like to work from your rest, rather than rest from your work? What does it mean for you to rest in Him?

Additional Scripture: Romans 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Hebrews 12:1-4, John 9:1-3

Tips and Resources: The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

For more sermon resources, podcasts, and other tools go to:  https://realliferesources.org/current-series/ (www.realliferesources.org)