When You Reach the End, God Steps In: Turning Crisis into God’s Glory

SERMON : When You Reach the End, God Steps In: Turning Crisis into God’s Glory

9 FEBRUARY 2025

Scripture Reference:

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Man’s Extremity, God’s Opportunity – Revealing God’s Glory.

Introduction

Life is filled with challenges that stretch us to our limits—moments when we feel overwhelmed, defeated, and powerless. It is in these very moments of human extremity that God steps in and reveals His power and glory. When we come to the end of ourselves, we open the door for God to work in ways we could never imagine.

Throughout the Bible, we see stories of individuals who reached their breaking points, only to witness God’s miraculous intervention. Whether it was Moses at the Red Sea, Elijah facing the prophets of Baal, or Paul enduring trials and persecution, each story reveals a powerful truth: Our greatest weakness becomes God’s greatest opportunity to show His strength.

Today, we will explore how God uses our moments of extremity to reveal His glory. We will look at five key aspects of this divine truth and reflect on how we can trust God even when life feels out of control.

1. God’s Power is Perfected in Our Weakness

Paul, one of the greatest apostles, faced a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him great distress. Despite praying for its removal, God responded with a powerful truth—His grace was sufficient, and His power was perfected in Paul’s weakness. This teaches us that God doesn’t always remove our struggles, but He gives us the strength to endure them.

When we are weak, we are more dependent on God. Our reliance on Him opens the door for His strength to flow through us. Instead of viewing our weaknesses as setbacks, we should see them as opportunities for God to display His power in our lives.

2. God Shows Up When We Reach the End of Ourselves

Exodus 14:13-14 – “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’”

The Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army—an impossible situation. But it was in that moment of extremity that God parted the sea, revealing His glory and delivering His people.

When we face impossible situations, we often try to fix things in our own strength. But God invites us to “be still” and trust Him to fight our battles. It’s when we let go and surrender to Him that we see His miraculous intervention.

3. God’s Timing is Perfect, Even When We Don’t Understand

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

God’s timing doesn’t always align with our expectations. We may feel like He’s late, but He’s never early or late—He’s always right on time. Lazarus’s story is a perfect example. Jesus delayed His arrival, and Lazarus died. But that delay set the stage for a greater miracle—raising Lazarus from the dead, which revealed God’s glory in an extraordinary way (John 11:4).

When we face delays or unanswered prayers, we must trust that God is working behind the scenes. His plans are higher than ours, and His delays often lead to greater blessings.

4. God Provides in Ways We Least Expect

Genesis 22:13-14 – “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.”

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was the ultimate test of faith. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, God provided a ram as a substitute. This story reminds us that God often provides in unexpected ways, especially when we fully trust Him.

In our moments of extremity, we may not see the solution right away. But God is faithful, and He will provide exactly what we need at the right time.

5. Our Trials Become Testimonies of God’s Glory.

James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth and testimonies of God’s faithfulness. When we endure hardships with faith, we become living testimonies of God’s power and glory.

Our struggles can inspire others to trust God. When people see how we navigate challenges with hope and faith, they are drawn to the God who sustains us.

Encouragement

No matter what you are facing today, remember this: Your extremity is God’s opportunity. When you feel weak, overwhelmed, or hopeless, God is ready to step in and reveal His glory in your life. He specializes in turning impossible situations into testimonies of His power.

You may feel like you’re at the end of your rope, but that’s exactly where God’s strength begins. He is not distant or indifferent to your struggles. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Trust Him to work in ways you cannot see.

Let your trials become opportunities to draw closer to God. Lean on His promises, and remember that His grace is sufficient for you. When you surrender your struggles to Him, you will experience His peace, provision, and power like never before.

Reflection.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Where have you faced extremity? How did God show up in those moments? If you’re in a difficult season right now, what would it look like to fully surrender your situation to God?

Consider the times when God has provided, even when it seemed impossible. Reflect on how those experiences have strengthened your faith. As you look back, can you see how God’s timing and provision were perfect, even if it didn’t feel that way in the moment?

Ask God to open your eyes to His presence in your current challenges. Trust that He is working, even when you don’t see immediate results. Allow His power to be made perfect in your weakness.

Conclusion.

In life’s most challenging moments, when we are at the end of ourselves, God steps in and reveals His glory. Our extremities are not the end—they are opportunities for God to display His power, provision, and grace.

Remember, God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness. When you surrender your struggles to Him, you open the door for His miraculous intervention. Trust in His timing, rely on His provision, and let your trials become testimonies of His glory.

No matter what you are facing, you are not alone. God is with you, and He will see you through. Stand firm in faith, and watch as He turns your extremities into opportunities to reveal His glory.

Closing Prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and strength. In our moments of weakness and extremity, we trust in Your power and provision. Thank You for showing up in our lives when we need You most.

Lord, help us to surrender our struggles to You and trust in Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith, and let our lives be testimonies of Your glory. For those who are facing impossible situations, remind them of Your presence and Your promises.

May we always remember that our extremities are Your opportunities. Let Your power be made perfect in our weakness, and may our lives reflect Your glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

God bless abundantly.