In Between || Pastor Mike McLaughlin

Summary

In this inspiring sermon, Pastor Mike shares a message about navigating seasons of tension and waiting on God. He begins by recounting a personal story of helping a young mechanic, illustrating how God orchestrates situations for growth. Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus, praying, and worshiping during times of uncertainty. Drawing from biblical examples, such as Peter walking on water and Paul and Silas in prison, he encourages believers to stay active in faith, prepare for their calling, and surround themselves with supportive community while trusting in God's timing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Worship is a powerful experience that can deeply move individuals, as emphasized by Pastor Mike's reflection on worshiping all day.
• 🙌 Pastor Mike shared a story about helping a young man fix his truck, showing how God can arrange experiences to help us share knowledge and assist others.
• 🙏 In times of struggle and uncertainty, Pastor Mike emphasized the importance of continuing to seek God, pray, and show up with a good attitude.
• 🕰️ The tension between the 'why' and the 'what' was a key theme, as Pastor Mike explored the discomfort of waiting and trusting God's timing.
• 💪 Pastor Mike connected the concept of 'time under tension' in physical workouts to spiritual growth, stressing that trials can strengthen faith.
• 👀 Staying focused on Jesus is crucial, as demonstrated by Peter's experience walking on water, only succeeding while keeping his eyes on Jesus.
• 🛐 During periods of waiting or tension, believers are called to pray, worship, and actively engage in their faith, rather than passively waiting for results.
• 🎶 Worship has the power to shift atmospheres, as seen when Paul and Silas worshiped in jail, leading to miraculous events and conversions.
• 📈 Pastor Mike encouraged actively working toward goals, explaining that progress requires dedication, action, and not merely waiting passively.
• 👥 Surrounding oneself with strong, faithful friends is essential for maintaining spiritual focus and staying on the right path.

Q & A

What was the speaker's reaction to the worship experience?

The speaker was deeply moved by the worship, describing it as heavy, like war drums and a battle cry. They were surprised that the song 'We Crown You King of Glory' was part of the worship, feeling that it worked in a powerful way.

Who is the speaker, and what is his profession?

The speaker is Pastor Mike, who also works as a Ford mechanic.

What story did Pastor Mike share about his work with a young mechanic?

Pastor Mike shared a story about a young mechanic struggling to fix his Chevrolet truck. After learning a new skill at work, Pastor Mike was able to help the young man by guiding him to fix the issue with his truck, seeing it as a divine stacking of events.

What was Pastor Mike's recent personal struggle?

Pastor Mike struggled with questions about his purpose, feeling stuck and wondering why things weren't working out. He was wrestling with the 'why' of what he was doing.

How did Pastor Mike overcome his personal struggle?

Pastor Mike overcame his struggle by continuing to pray, show up with a good attitude, and eventually realized that his purpose was to follow God's lead and be available to minister to others when prompted.

What biblical concept did Pastor Mike focus on during his message?

Pastor Mike focused on the concept of 'tension in between'—the time between being called by God and receiving answers or seeing results, emphasizing that this time can be one of growth, stretching, and strengthening.

What example from the Bible did Pastor Mike use to illustrate staying focused on Jesus?

Pastor Mike used the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus in Matthew 14. Peter was able to walk on water as long as he stayed focused on Jesus, but began to sink when he looked at the storm around him.

What did Pastor Mike emphasize about prayer during waiting periods?

Pastor Mike emphasized that during waiting periods, it's important to pray consistently, seeking God's guidance and maintaining communication with Him, rather than being passive.

How did Pastor Mike relate worship to shifting atmospheres?

Pastor Mike shared the story of Paul and Silas in prison from Acts 16, where their worship caused an earthquake that opened the prison doors. He believes worship can shift atmospheres and bring about breakthrough.

What advice did Pastor Mike give about setting goals and working towards them?

Pastor Mike advised that when setting goals, it's important to actively work towards them, make plans, and avoid being passive. He encouraged taking practical steps while asking the Lord for strategy and surrounding oneself with supportive, like-minded individuals.