Hear: All of Life is Preparation

Yesterday we were given a great opportunity to worship with Canyon Creek Church, a small congregation in Wilsonville seeking gospel renewal and outreach in that community. Their pastor Travis asked me to preaching in his stead, and I am thankful for the opportunity. (Listen to a recording of the message below, if you wish. Note that the audio quality isn’t the best.)

Message: All of Life is Preparation
 
[download mp3 ]

Primary text: 1 Samuel 18:1-16

Supporting texts: Psalm 57 ; Romans 5:1-5 (+ 8:17-18 in concept)

Here’s a brief intro/summary for the sermon they put in the church bulletin:

As a young man David received a promise and prophecy from God: he was to be king over the nation of Israel. Yet, more than a decade passed before this faithful man would sit on the throne as king. During that time he was the recipient of the mad tirades and lunacy of current king Saul. Everything pointed to God’s promises failing. Why the delay? (David was clearly the better man for the job.)

What was God up to in the process? Watching David’s life and response to disappointments, personal anguish and persecution helps us keep perspective in uncertain times. In this "happy tension" between suffering and glory, David trusted in God’s sovereignty — He knows what He’s doing — and began to learn to see life through God’s eyes. Can you relate to David’s seemingly unending disappointments? Our Creator made us for Himself and never wastes any situation in shaping our character — all of life is preparation .

Essentially this message is one I’ve been "swimming" in for the last four years. Let me know if it impacts you as it has me during this season.