Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, July 16, 2023

Defining Moments of Our Lives

Today, Pastor Michael has turned over the reigns to Duncan Crook.  Duncan is talking about defining moments.

What is a defining moment?  A significant moment, such as success, failure, achievement, demise, talent, etc. The point at which the glory or character of a person or group is revealed or identified. 

Every single life is built upon a series of defining moments.

These moments can change a person’s personality.  Billy Graham’s defining moment was in May of 1934.  Billy Graham’s family were farmers, and Charlotte Christian businessmen wanted to hold an all-day prayer vigil at the Graham family, and a prayer was raised that the Lord would raise up someone from Charlotte that would preach the gospel to all the world.

“At that time, in 1934, it certainly wasn’t obvious that that someone might be me,” Billy Graham wrote later.

Let’s look at some of the defining moments in the Bible.

In John 2, Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.  This was the moment that defined Jesus as a miracle worker.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is perhaps the greatest defining moment in the Bible. 

Another defining moment in the Bible is when the disciples crossed the sea with Him, and He calmed a raging storm.

This event was also a defining event for the disciples as it showed their lack of faith.

Job was stripped of his wealth and family, and he was tempted to curse God. This was a moment that turned Job’s life around, from wealth to poverty. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship golden images of King Nebuchadnezzar, and they were thrown into a fire, which did not burn them.

Two ways we can hinder others from encountering God in their defining moment: people cannot see God through our noise.  And people cannot see God through our sins.

In Mark 4: 37-41, the disciples reacted angrily to their defining moment.  Jesus rebuked them and challenged their lack of faith.  Do you blame God yourself or thank Him for deliverance?

Do you face your fears and build up your faith in your defining moments?

Do you lean on your own understanding during your defining moment?  Do you plan to celebrate your moment without involving God? 

The biggest problem with our defining moments is how to react when they occur. 

Proverbs 3:5 (CSB) Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding.

What did we learn here today?

1. In every moment, we can trust Jesus.
2. In every moment, Jesus is with us.
3. In every moment, we need Jesus.

Verses can be found in John 4: 1-26, John 4: 39, John 2: 1-11,  John 3: 16-18, Hebrews 9:22, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 6: 23, Mark 4: 37-41,  Job 2: 7-10, Daniel 3: 16-28, and Proverbs 3: 5-6 (plus more!).

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.