The Sinkhole Syndrome – Part 3 – “Embracing God's Design”

Deuteronomy 8:11 Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.

15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry.

16 He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.' 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he made to your ancestors.

1. Humility reveals your dependance – Tests reveals your character.

Luke 16:10 If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.

· Our response to the problem determines whether we receive the provision.

Exodus 15:22 22 Then Moses led the people of Israel on from the Red Sea, into the wilderness and were there three days. 23 They couldn't drink the water because it was bitter. 24 Then the people turned against Moses. "Must we die of thirst?" they demanded. 25 Moses cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord showed him a tree to throw into the water, and the water became sweet.

2. In the problem we experience the omnipresence, not the manifest presence of God.

2 Chronicles 32:31 God withdrew from Hezekiah, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

· The only time the teacher is silent is during a test.

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the animals the Lord had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden? 2 Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, the woman replied. 3 It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die. 4 You won't die! the serpent replied to the woman. 5 God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.

3. Jesus did in 40 days what Israel didn’t do in 40 years. Luke 4:1-21

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. 7 Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don't be envious of evil men who prosper. 8 Stop your anger!. Don't fret and worry-it only leads to harm.