What Have You Attracted?
Introduction
In this powerful sermon, we explore the theme of attraction and how our fears and focus can shape our experiences. The message is anchored in the story of Job, a biblical figure whose trials and tribulations are well-known. The sermon challenges us to examine what we are attracting into our lives and to consider whether our focus is aligned with God's purpose.
Key Scripture: Job 3:25
The main scripture for this sermon is Job 3:25, where Job expresses, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." This verse is pivotal in understanding the connection between our fears and the realities we face.
Main Themes
1. The Power of Focus and Fear
Job's Experience: Job's story is a testament to how fear can manifest the very things we dread. Despite being a "perfect and upright man" (Job 1:1), Job's fear for his children's sins led to daily sacrifices, driven not by reverence, but by fear.
Fear vs. Faith: The sermon emphasizes that fear is an emotion that can attract negative outcomes. Just as Job feared for his children, we too must be cautious of what we focus on, as it can attract similar results.
2. Positioning and Protection
Right Positioning: The importance of being in the right place spiritually is highlighted. Being out of position can lead to being "stolen out of the earth," as grace and mercy have limits when we are consistently out of place.
God's Protection: The sermon discusses how God can allow trials, like those faced by Job, to test our faith. These trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen and prepare us for greater blessings.
3. Understanding Trials
Divine Trials vs. Self-Inflicted Struggles: Not every struggle is a divine trial. Many challenges are self-inflicted, resulting from our actions and focus. True divine trials are preceded by lessons and are followed by blessings.
God's Sovereignty: The sermon reminds us of God's sovereignty, as seen when God permitted Satan to test Job (Job 1:12). This demonstrates that God is in control and uses trials for our ultimate good.
Conclusion
The sermon concludes with a call to action: to walk in faith and not fear, to align our focus with God's will, and to remain steadfast in trials. We are encouraged to ask God for guidance in our daily lives and to trust in His plan, knowing that He desires our prosperity and well-being (3 John 1:2).
By examining the story of Job and our own lives, we are reminded that what we focus on, we attract. Therefore, let us focus on God's promises and His assignment for us, trusting that He will guide us through every trial to a place of victory and peace.
For further reflection, consider reading the full story of Job in the Bible to understand the depth of his faith and the restoration that followed his trials.