chapel reflection - when you're down to nothing - with supporting notes for classroom and personal study

"When You're Down To Nothing, God Is Up To Something"

by Sammie L Turner Jr

Our corporate text is Nehemiah 2.17-20.  We will read in unison. 

[pause]  Let us begin.

Nehemiah 2

17  Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire:  come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18  Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me.  And they said, Let us rise up and build.  So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19  But when Sanbal'lat the Hor'onite, and Tobi'ah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

20  Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build . . .

(2 Chronicles 15.7; 1 Corinthians 15.58; 2 Corinthians 9.6-8)

God always adds a blessing, to the reading of his Word.

(Isaiah 55.10,11)

Introduction

I'm grateful for this opportunity to share with you good news, for today and the days ahead.  I thank God for using me in his service.

There's a quote that I like, and it goes like this,

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

As is often the case sayings, such as this one, have profound meaning, enlighten us, give us comfort, strengthen and encourage us.

At this time in life I am bombarded with problem upon problem.  So now, in particular, I am very interested in understanding the significance of this statement.  I ask, "How is this true?  What does it mean?"

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."?

I need to know.  We need to know.

Prayer

We bow our heads in prayer.

Dear God, you have a message for us today.  Reveal to us how you so powerfully dismantle every one of our problems and so graciously lift us up to heights unknown, by your grace and for your glory.  Thank you so much.  We give you ALL the praise forever.  Amen.

Exploration

Have you ever been in a situation where, when out of nowhere you're facing an "insurmountable" problem?  No advanced warning?  No rehearsed preparation?  And hurt and fear is present?

Such was the case one workday morning.  Totally unexpected, and unwanted, it seemed as if "a giant, high on a hill, threw a huge, heavy, crushing boulder" at me and said, "Catch!"

Early that morning the director of our department met with me and an angry professor who had not received work he requested to be typed.  My response to the professor was immediate, peaceful and affirmative.  I promised him I'd find out what happened and return the work to him as soon as I could.

I discovered the clerk to whom this assignment was given, left the multi-page document in a desk drawer for several days.  Happy it was found, I personally completed the task and returned it promptly to the professor that morning. 

When the work day was complete another surprise occurred, a pleasant one this time.  Just before leaving for home, the department head met with me again, and told me he liked how I handled the situation.  He was impressed.   He was thankful.  And I was grateful to God.

The "gigantic boulder" was caught.  The horrific experience vanished.  Peace, productivity and appreciation prevailed, ALL to the glory of God.

When we experience difficult times, problems occurring back-to-back and solutions slow to come, it is also during these times that God is doing something good, even something great for us in our lives.  So hold your head up, keep a smile on your face, joy in your voice and confidence in your heart.  Why?  Because perhaps, unbeknownst to you, God is at work.  Yes, God is at work strengthening you, improving you, building and preparing you for great things.  God is at work doing great things through you.  God is at work doing great things for you and for others. 

When times are difficult, hold on and trust God.  For God will use you, his chosen one, to show you, somebody and even the world, his mighty and glorious power. 

Our Bible story illustrates so profoundly how God used Nehemiah and others who were willing to rebuild and restore Jerusalem when it was in horrible shape and shamefully desolate.

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something."

God will prove his great love for ALL of us if we let him, no matter how great the test, trial or tribulation.  Hold on and never doubt, no matter what. 

[humor]  A mother asked her son, "Why aren't you going to church today?"  "I don't want to," he replied.  "Give me three reasons," she said.  "The people are mean.  They're hypocrites.  And they don't like me," he said. "I'll give you three reasons" she responded "why you should go to church:  God is good.  You're 25.  And you're the Pastor."

No one has an excuse for not doing better.  None of us have an excuse for not being the very best we can be.

If we seek God, trust him and put forth the effort, God will make that fixed income work.  'Make that broken down car work.  'Make that employer give you a great paying job.  God will bless you with a new car.  'Put food on your table.  'Give you nice clothing.  If you so desire, God will bless you with a profitable business, give you good employees and bless them too, with great salaries.  He will heal, protect and keep you, and increase your blessings.  When you try, you'll be delighted at what you accomplish with God's help, and you will inspire others too.

So trust God.  Roll up your sleeves.  Put your shoulders to the wheel and help get the job done.  Do your part.  If dinner isn't ready, pitch in and give a helping hand.  If church is boring, help make worship and praise inspiring and joyful.  When the piano or organ doesn't work, don't let that stop you.  ‘Pray on, sing on and rejoice until the power of the Lord comes down.  I dare you to try God.

When you are faithful with good works, God will reward you. 

God loves you.  God is happy and excited for you.  God is happy and excited to do great things for you, and all of his children.  He wants ever so much for you to be successful, prosperous, fruitful and happy beyond your greatest imagination.

Saints we need to know,

[quotations]

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you'll always be right."

"A limitation is a limitation only if you let it to be one."

"Our extremity is God's opportunity."

These proverbs ring true for ourselves, and also for those around us.

[exemplary story]

There was a young man trying to complete his day's work at the office.  However, the computer was not functioning properly.  The more he tried, the more frustrated he became, until finally he yelled, "This computer is not working!"  "Make it work!" his coworker responded. 

Wow!

In no uncertain terms and very emphatically indeed the tone was set, there would be no pity party and no giving up in that work environment.

Therefore,

In the name of Jesus, we cast out the spirit of defeat!

In the name of Jesus, we loose our shackles!

In the name of Jesus, we set the captives free!

In the name of Jesus, we are saved!

In the name of Jesus, our loved ones are saved!

In the name of Jesus, we are healed!

In the name of Jesus ALL pain, anguish, fear and hurt is vanished forever!

In the name of Jesus, our burdens are moved!

In the name of Jesus, our problems are solved!

In the name of Jesus, we are kept safe from ALL hurt, harm and danger!

In the name of Jesus we bind the spirit of giving up, hopelessness, depression, false pride, self-pity, hurt, sadness, despair, complaining, weakness, slothfulness, doubt, fear, anger, killing and suicide!

In the name of Jesus, we bind the raging devil!

In the name of Jesus, we have victory.

In the name of Jesus, we have life more abundantly.

In the name of Jesus, we have joyous and glorious life eternal!

Scripture says . . .

And ALL things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  Matthew 21.22

ALL things are possible to them that believe.  (Mark 9.23)

We walk by faith, not by sight.   2 Corinthians 5.7

Call those things which be not, things that are.  (Romans 4.17)

Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  (Palms 37.4)

We have not, because we ask not.  (James 4.2)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  Jeremiah 33.3

We will do ALL things through Christ Jesus which strengthens us.  (Philippians 4.13)

Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.

I John 4.4

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  Zechariah 4.6

[W]e went through fire, and through water:  but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.  Psalms 66.12

I come that you might have life more abundantly.

John 10.10

I come that you might have peace through eternity.  (John 14.1-3, 27)

Oh that people would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to them and their children.  (Psalm 107.8)

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34.3

O taste and see that the Lord is good.  Psalms 34.8

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  Psalms 27.10

The Lord upholdeth ALL that fall, and raiseth up ALL those that be bowed down.

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of EVERY living thing.  Psalms 145.14,16

Scripture says, Let the weak say I am strong.  Joel 3.10

Scripture says, With people this is impossible; but with God ALL things are possible.  (Matthew 19.26)

Scripture says, In ALL things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  (Romans 8.37)

Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up . . .  For the King of glory shall come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, he is the King of glory. 

Whose report do you believe?  We shall believe the report of the Lord. 

Whose report do you believe?  We shall believe the report of the Lord.

His report says, "I am saved!"  His report says, "I am healed!"

His report says, "I am free!"  His report says, "Victory!"

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something!"

Encouragement

With these words burning in our hearts, we will go forth with confidence and holy boldness, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.  (1 Corinthians 15.58)

In the name of Jesus, we break every barrier.  'Crush every problem.  We are healed from every infirmity.  We are saved.  We are safe.  We are elevated in every area of life.  And with joy and thanksgiving, we rejoice and praise God always.

Praise

Now let us bow our heads and lift up our hearts in praise.

Thank you Jesus for using me to bring healing, restoration, victory and salvation to your people through your Word.  We rejoice in knowing your glory and power made manifest  everyday in our lives.  We rejoice in your blessings given us, which exceed our comprehension.  These blessings are

freely given by your grace, goodness and mercy.  “Little becomes much when we place it in the Master's hands."  For this we are grateful and give you thanks now and corevermore.  Amen.

God always adds a blessing to the hearing, receiving and doing of his Word.

Thy Kingdom Come.  Thy Will Be Done,

In Earth, As It Is In Heaven.  Matthew 6.10

To God Be ALL the Glory and Praise,

From Generation to Generation,

Age to Age,

World without End.

Amen and Amen.

For end of service

Song

Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.  The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.  Amen.

Benediction

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout ALL ages, world without end.  Amen and Amen. Ephesians 3.20,21

Admonishment

And now, let your light so shine, that people will see God's marvelous works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5.16)  Go now into the world lifting up the name of Jesus.  Go now into the world always praising God.  Go now into the world ever rejoicing.  For God is doing great things for us, whereof we are exceedingly glad!  (Joel 2.21; Psalms 126.3)

End of reflection 

Announcement

Speaking Engagements are Welcomed.

Contact:  Sammie L Turner Jr at 847 328 4820.

Related texts

*Genesis 39-41, Joseph made ruler of Egypt after hardship

*Daniel 3.1-30, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed'nego delivered from furnace and promoted

*Daniel 6, Daniel miraculously, safely and beautifully delivered from lions' den and restored to greater prominence

*Job 42.10-17, Job's restoration is greater after hardship and suffering

*Acts 12.1-25, God's great servant Peter marvelously freed from prison

*Acts 16.11-40, God's great servants Paul and Silas marvelously freed from prison

Notes

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and 
bread to the eater:  (2 Corinthians 9.10)

so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth[, saith the Lord]:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  Isaiah 55.10,11

Let your light so shine that people will see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5.16)

Be glad and rejoice for the Lord will do great things.  Joel 2.21

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Psalms 126.3

related quotes

A set back is a set up for a blessing.

A set back is a set up for a come back.

A set back is a set up for triumph.

So, don't complain, doubt, fret, fear, faint, fall, give up, be frustrated, have a bad attitude, etc.  Instead, rejoice and give God praise ALWAYS.

When you're down to nothing.

            God is up to something.