Words to the Wise 5: What to Do When God Doesn't Show Up Like You Hoped Hal Mayer Luke 24:13-14 13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along, they were talking about everything that had happened. Luke 24:15-16, 21 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him… 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. God is more committed to your character then your comfort! We often miss God’s presence because: 1. We are looking for . When we pray and God doesn’t obey — do we walk away? 2. . Pain turns us inward. If we are not careful – we get stuck. Acts 16: 22-23,25 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison… 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Paul’s Process in Pain: Worships 2 Corinthians 1: 4 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I. As long as we stay focused on our - we will never recycle it. Luke 24: 22-23 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! II. Sometimes when God does what he – we miss it. Luke 24: 32 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” III. Trust God’s promise of more than your of his presence. 2 Kings 6: 17 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. IV. IF YOUR DOESN’T MATCH THE – TRUST HIS . 1 Peter 4: 12 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. James 1: 2-3 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Luke 24: 33,35 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem… 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. NOTE: God wants to use you as a billboard for his grace. NOTE: HE MAY NOT BE THE JESUS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BUT HE IS THE JESUS YOU NEED!