GIVE YOUR BEST WHEN YOU FEEL YOUR WORST.
Announcements:
THE SIX SERVICE
Sundays 6 PM
CREW NIGHTS
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Thursdays - 7 PM - 8:30 PM
National City Location
COMMUNITY FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK
Thursday, November 27th - 1 PM
National City Location
HEART FOR THE HOUSE ANNUAL OFFERING
Sunday, December 7th
Icebreaker: “EMOJI MY DAY”
Ask everyone to describe their current day using only one emoji.
How Jesus Modeled Giving His Best.
1. Jesus Felt It All, But Still Chose Compassion.
Matthew 14:13–14
Jesus shows us that ministry doesn’t wait for perfect emotional conditions. He didn’t deny His grief, instead He stewarded it. His first instinct was solitude, but His second was service. This balance teaches us that healthy people process pain with God and still stay available to be used by Him. Compassion is the turning point between pain and healing. The truth is feelings are real, but not final. Faith decides what comes next.
Reflection Questions:
What usually happens inside you when your emotions are heavy? Do you pull away, shut down, or lash out?
How can you make space for both solitude and service this week — processing pain without disconnecting from people?
What would it look like for compassion to become your first response instead of frustration?
2. Jesus’ Pain Didn’t Excuse His Purpose.
Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28
Pain tests purpose. It doesn’t cancel it. Joseph’s betrayal became a doorway to leadership. Ruth’s loss became a link in Jesus’ lineage. Paul’s persecution became his platform. The enemy’s attack often reveals the area of your anointing. Don’t interpret pain as the absence of purpose. The Bible teaches us that it’s often evidence that we’re carrying one. Our response in suffering can either produce bitterness or build spiritual authority. God doesn’t waste wounds. Every scar carries a story of His faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas of your life do you need to stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “What now?”
What disappointment is tempting you to stop believing God has a plan?
Share a time when you looked back and realized that something painful actually positioned you for growth?
3. Jesus Allowed Forgiveness To Free Him.
John 13:1–5
Jesus loved the one who would betray Him. Forgiveness is not agreement with an offense, but alignment with grace. Refusing bitterness keeps our soul free for God’s use. Unforgiveness drains spiritual power while grace restores it. When we release someone, we’re not excusing them. We unchaining ourselves. Judas shows that even proximity to Jesus doesn’t guarantee transformation, but Jesus shows love is without condition.
Reflection Questions:
Who is your “Judas”? How can you choose to serve or forgive them anyway?
How have you seen bitterness affect your thoughts, speech, or spiritual health?
How can you serve or pray for someone who hurt you — not for their sake, but for your own freedom?
THIS WEEK’S DECLARATION:
“This week, I choose purpose over feelings. Even when I feel weak, I will walk in strength, because the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in me. I will not let pain cancel my purpose, or betrayal steal my compassion. My faith will not be defined by what I feel, but by Who I follow. When I am tired, I will keep showing up. When I am hurt, I will keep forgiving. When I am disappointed, I will keep trusting. And when I am overlooked, I will keep serving. My best belongs to God, not my emotions. I am anointed to endure, strengthened to stand, and called to love even when it costs me. I will do good when it would be easier to give up. My worst days cannot silence my worship. My heart is steady, my purpose secure, and my hope unshakable — in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
