WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, May 23, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
By Michael D. O’Neal……Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church……Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-11
Text: Acts 12:11
Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Introduction: In prison, Peter was led by an angel to freedom. However, since he had been asleep when the angel appeared to him, he had some doubt as to whether or not he was really seeing an angel or whether he was just having a vision or dream. However, although he wasn’t sure of what was going on, he continued to go forward until he got out of prison.
I believe there are some practical lessons here that we can learn about times in our lives when we don’t know for sure what is going on. By the way, rest assured that although YOU may not always know what is happening, GOD DOES. Amen! 🙂
I. CHANGES WILL COME,
BUT WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP GOING FORWARD
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
A. Finances may diminish, but keep going forward
B. Friends may desert you, but keep going forward
C. Family may depart, but keep going forward
II. CONFUSION MAY COME,
BUT WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP GOING FORWARD
Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
A. Sometimes confusion is due to sin that is unconfessed
1. If that is the case, don’t let the confusion stop you.
2. Confess the sin. Forsake it.
3. Keep going forward!
B. Sometimes confusion is due to Satan when he is undetected
1. If that is the case, don’t let him stop you.
2. Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3. Then keep going forward!
C. Sometimes confusion is due to a situation that is unusual
1. If that is the case, don’t let the situation stop you.
2. Trust God, and be content.
3. But keep going forward!
III. CHANCES WILL COME,
BUT WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP GOING FORWARD
Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
A. Chances will come to suffer great trials
1. Endure affliction.
2. Look to Jesus!
3. And keep going forward!
B. Chances will come to see great things (the angel, the door opening by itself)
1. Rejoice in the greatness of God!
2. Don’t let the things distract you.
3. Keep going forward!
C. Chances will come to step through great thresholds
1. Thank God for open doors!
2. Use them for His glory!
3. And keep going forward!
IV. CONFIRMATION WILL COME,
AND YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU KEPT GOING FORWARD
Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Hindsight is a blessing. It is always a joy to look back and see that God has brought you on a sure path.
A. Confirmation will come of God’s devotion
1. God has not forgotten you.
2. You may not sense that He loves you at all times, but He does.
B. Confirmation will come of God’s direction
1. Abraham went out, not knowing where he went, but God knew where He was sending him.
C. Confirmation will come of God’s deliverance
1. God brought Job out of his troubles.
2. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
3. God will bring you out eventually.
4. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning!
Through shady green pastures so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along.
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.
Some through the water, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood!
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
In the night season and all the day long.