TEXT: ACTS 8:26-40
TITLE: FROM PROBLEMS TO POSSIBILITIES
INTRODUCTION
A. We prefer comfort…
B. Unfortunately, we sometimes find ourselves in deserts
C. The human tendency is to see deserts as problems
D. However, perhaps God sends me to the desert for someone else’s good
PROBLEM
A. God sends Philip to the desert
1. Deserts are hot, barren, dry and dead
2. Deserts reflect no life and no hope
B. Note: What Philip does not do
1. Fuss and complain
2. Engage in self-guilt and self-blame
C. Note: What Philip does do
1. God said, “Get up and go.”
2. Philip got up and went
D. When God sends me to the desert, how will I respond?
POSSIBILITIES
A. “It is not about me”
B. The Ethiopian eunuch: Tradition says that he went back to Ethiopia and became a missionary for Christ
C. Today: How will those whom I bless go on to bless others, who will bless others, who will bless others?
HOW?
A. See the oasis in the desert
B. The Red Sea Exodus 14:19-31
C. Water from a rock – Exodus 17:1-6
D. The Jordan River – Joshua 3:15, 16
E. Bottomless barrel of mean and jar of oil – I Kings 17:8-16
F. Continuously pouring jar of oil – 2 Kings 4:1-8
G. From the problems, God stretched them for new possibilities
1. Digging New Wells – The source of where I receive has changed
2. Plowing New Ground – The foundation out of which I receive has changed
3. Engaging New People – Those who partner with me has changed
Challenge for the Week: That I will see my problems as possibilities
