pray till the peace comes

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Andy Stanley 12-6-09
"He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands"
When things are fine we don't need good therefore we don't seek him.  When times are good we're not dependent on God.  We don't really learn anything in facy many times if causes us to drift away.  
When life's spinning out of control, we turn to God/something bigger.  
-even if you're questioning God and his plan, that's better than not questioning and going off and doing your own thing because it shows you're still in tune with God.
Romans 8:28 God works all things out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
-He gets moe done in uncertain times, but what are we supposed to do while we wait for God, when the uncertain gets more uncertain?
*Paul was a Jewish man from Jerusalem who went to Europe to spread religion and start new churches.  The fact that Christianity spread out of Palestine is crazy.   He went to convince everyone that God was the messiah.  Leaders felt that he was corrupting Judaism (b/c said didn't have to be circumcised and other stuff"  They put him in prison.  
-But still Paul said "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice!" Philippians 4:4-7
*He didn't say rejoice in your new job, your test grades your ______ always.  No rejoice in God
-No, stop and rejoice in God's mercy, grace and love always.  The fact that we have a home in heaven a place to go when all else ends.  
*I will say it again, rejoice.  That shows that Paul was encouraging  us to reflect on the awesomeness of the Lord.  
We have so many things in this world that try to steal our joy.   
*Paul was saying that we should reel in that happiness and put it back on what it sould have been on all along.  
-If your joy is only associated with good circumstances then your joy will erode and so will your character.  Your character is a result of what God has done inside of you.  
Philippians 4:4-7  
v. 5  "gentleness evident to all"
-don't treat others differently depending on what you're going through.  Don't associate others with the circumstances of the world.  
-the secret to handling difficult times without lettings the difficult times control us: v. 6  "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving PRESENT your requests to God."
*present: reveal; solving a mystery
-spend the time necessary to understand for yourself and then present it to God.  
-you can pray the way you've been praying before but that's not going to help you with anxieties.  "I pray for this and this and oh ya this" or "Here's what I want, Here's why I want ti, Here's what I fear"
Pray until the Peace comes
Heavenly Father, I need you to ______
If you don't I'm afraid that ________
My biggest fear is parallel with my deepest desires. 
Ask yourself, if you've ever revealed your deepest desires to God and if you even know what they are?