People's Church

1. Mary was stuck in heartbreak

John 20:11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (NIV)

John 20:13–17 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (NIV)

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

2. Peter was stuck in failure

3. Thomas was stuck in doubt

John 20:27–28 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (NIV)

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

Psalm 31:4-5 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (NLT)

3 Keys to trusting God on bad days 


1. Trust that God loves you, in spite of your feelings

Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)

1 John 4:16 - And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (NIV)

Ephesians 3:18 - And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (NLT)

Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

2. Trust that God is trustworthy in spite of what you’re experiencing

Luke 23:46 - Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. (NLT)

Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (NIV)

3. Trust God’s hands in spite of what you’re seeing

3A. God’s hands are powerful enough to help

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)


3B. God’s hands are steady enough to lead you

Psalm 139:10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (ESV)

3C. God’s hands are big enough to bless you

1 Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. (NIV)

3D. God’s hands are strong enough to keep you

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (NIV)

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

Psalm 31:4-5 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (NLT)

3 Keys to trusting God on bad days 


1. Trust that God loves you, in spite of your feelings

Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)

1 John 4:16 - And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (NIV)

Ephesians 3:18 - And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (NLT)

Romans 8:38–39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

2. Trust that God is trustworthy in spite of what you’re experiencing

Luke 23:46 - Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. (NLT)

Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. (NIV)

3. Trust God’s hands in spite of what you’re seeing

3A. God’s hands are powerful enough to help

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)


3B. God’s hands are steady enough to lead you

Psalm 139:10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (ESV)

3C. God’s hands are big enough to bless you

1 Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. (NIV)

3D. God’s hands are strong enough to keep you

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (NIV)

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV) 

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)

1. Jesus paid for your sin debt

Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV) 

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (NIV)

2. Jesus can turn your worst days into your best days

Hebrews 8:6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. (NIV)

Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. (NIV)

2A. Better Promise #1: Inward Transformation

Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV)

2B. Better Promise #2: Personal Relationship

Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

2C. Better Promise #3: Forgiveness of sin

Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (NLT)

3. Jesus finished His mission so that you could finish your mission

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

John 1:41–42 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV) 

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)

1. Jesus paid for your sin debt

Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV) 

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (NIV)

2. Jesus can turn your worst days into your best days

Hebrews 8:6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. (NIV)

Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. (NIV)

2A. Better Promise #1: Inward Transformation

Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV)

2B. Better Promise #2: Personal Relationship

Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

2C. Better Promise #3: Forgiveness of sin

Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (NLT)

3. Jesus finished His mission so that you could finish your mission

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

John 1:41–42 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)

John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (ESV)

 

Psalms 69:21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. (ESV)

 

Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (NLT)

 

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)

 

1. Jesus knows your feelings 

 

1A. Jesus knows how you feel about disappointment

 

1B. Jesus knows how you feel about the death of someone you love

 

1C. Jesus knows how you feel when someone gossips and lies about you

 

1D. Jesus knows how you feel when you are betrayed

 

1E. Jesus knows how you feel when people doubt you

 

2. Jesus knows your temptations 

 

Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)

 

2A. FEAR OF BEING EXPOSED

 

2B. FEAR OF REJECTION

 

2C. FEAR OF BEING HURT

 

2D. FEAR OF FAILURE

 

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

 

3. Jesus knows you can approach the throne of grace with confidence

 

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (NIV)

 

Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (NLT)

 

1 John 3:19–22 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)

 

4. Jesus knows if you come confidently to the throne, you will find help in your time of need

 

1 John 3:21–22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)

 

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (ESV)

 

Psalms 69:21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. (ESV)

 

Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (NLT)

 

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)

 

1. Jesus knows your feelings 

 

1A. Jesus knows how you feel about disappointment

 

1B. Jesus knows how you feel about the death of someone you love

 

1C. Jesus knows how you feel when someone gossips and lies about you

 

1D. Jesus knows how you feel when you are betrayed

 

1E. Jesus knows how you feel when people doubt you

 

2. Jesus knows your temptations 

 

Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)

 

2A. FEAR OF BEING EXPOSED

 

2B. FEAR OF REJECTION

 

2C. FEAR OF BEING HURT

 

2D. FEAR OF FAILURE

 

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

 

3. Jesus knows you can approach the throne of grace with confidence

 

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (NIV)

 

Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (NLT)

 

1 John 3:19–22 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)

 

4. Jesus knows if you come confidently to the throne, you will find help in your time of need

 

1 John 3:21–22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)

 

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

Matthew 27:45-46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.  46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)

1. Choose to be real while still being reverent.

Matthew 11:28-29  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT)

1 Peter 5:5-9 - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (NLT)

2. Choose to rest in what you do understand as you wrestle with what you don’t understand yet.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)

Psalm 143:1, Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief (NIV) Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV)

Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do only good. (NLT)




3. Choose ultimate over immediate. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

Romans 8:18 -  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)

Romans 8:28 -  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

4. Choose to worship rather than worry.

Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. (NIV)

Psalm 22:22-24 - “I will proclaim your name to my brothersand sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. 23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT)

Psalm 34:1-3 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.[a] 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (TLB)

Hebrews 12:28-29. 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe, 29 For our God is a devouring fire.' (NLT)

Matthew 27:45-46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.  46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)

1. Choose to be real while still being reverent.

Matthew 11:28-29  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT)

1 Peter 5:5-9 - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (NLT)

2. Choose to rest in what you do understand as you wrestle with what you don’t understand yet.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)

Psalm 143:1, Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief (NIV) Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV)

Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do only good. (NLT)




3. Choose ultimate over immediate. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

Romans 8:18 -  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)

Romans 8:28 -  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

4. Choose to worship rather than worry.

Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. (NIV)

Psalm 22:22-24 - “I will proclaim your name to my brothersand sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. 23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT)

Psalm 34:1-3 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.[a] 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (TLB)

Hebrews 12:28-29. 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe, 29 For our God is a devouring fire.' (NLT)

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

1. Jesus recognized those close to him were struggling as well.

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved… NLT

Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. NIV

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ESV


Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. NLT

2. Jesus encouraged his loved ones in the midst of his pain.

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV

Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. NIV

3. Jesus highlighted the importance of not walking alone.

John 19:26-27 - “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV

Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. MSG