SARAH’S DISAPPOINTMENT
by Pastor Richard Tow
February 7, 2016
Text: Genesis 18:9-15
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Description: This message uses Sarah’s experience to discuss how we can successfully deal with disappointments that come into our lives. Sarah did not handle her trials and disappointments perfectly; but God counted her faithful and she serves as an example for all of us. Pastor Richard shares seven keys for processing disappointment.
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OUTLINE
Sarah’s Disappointment
2/7/16 Pastor Tow
Intro
I. Look at Sarah’s Disappointment.
(1) Sarah was barren (Gen. 11:30).
(2) God promised a child (Gen 12).
(3) Sarah followed God’s command.
(4) Problems arose during the journey.
— Famine
— Egypt
— Conflict
(5) After ten years Sarah gave Hagar and Ishmael born (Gen. 16).
Gen. 16:2 “…the Lord has restrained me from bearing children.”
(6) At least thirteen years later three angels came.
— Gen. 18:9-15
— Laughter (incredulous chuckle: Oh sure…)
(7) At 90 years old, God fulfilled the promise.
— Laughter (this time joyous) Isaac means laughter.
II. How Do We Deal With Disappointment?
(1) Realize you’re not the only one.
— Facebook research
(2) Realize God is using your journey to shape you for eternity.
— Father gives children what’s best for them, not always what want
(3) Express your disappointment appropriately.
— Abraham Lincoln quote
— 1 Sam. 30:6
(4) Learn to adjust your perspective.
— God is at work in your behalf.
(5) Know that the Lord is with you.
— Heb. 13:5; Isa. 43:1-2
(6) Consider how your actions affect others.
— Deut. 20:8
(7) Stay faithful even when life is not going the way you hoped it would.
— Concert story