This week – Reframing

• Think in terms of glasses – if you have the wrong lenses you cannot see clearly
• I am not talking about positive thinking as if your thoughts change the universe

Romans 8:22–31 (NIV)

1.  Have the right expectations – we will have to replace and rewire —
   • Notice – even believers groan inwardly –something isn’t as it should be
2. Notice we have the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness
3. We know that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose
4. The enemy lies to us – causes us to question Gods presence –His forgiveness –His call

Reframing our past

A. God has been working behind the scenes of our lives

• God foreknows who will follow Him and He works with that knowledge in mind as He deals with us before we knew Him
• There are consequences but God works in our past to bring us to our present so that we can be saved and used for the ministry He has for us
• God was directing our lives by answering in ways we would not have chosen – unanswered prayers –difficult situations
• God is moving and shaping us for His work –

Colossians 1:17 (NIV) — 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. B. God knows us by name and has been shaping us for His work

Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV) — 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, (masterpiece) created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Pre-framing our future

C. With this knowledge, I can go forward with confidence that the Lord knows my name and will be working in my life

Romans 8:31–39 (NIV) Philippians 4:10–13 (NIV).

The challenge

1. Evaluate your thinking (what’s natural to us doesn’t seem like a lie)
2. Replace the ruts with trenches of truth
3. Allow others to help remind you and build the trenches of truth in your life