Necessary Endings
This sermon explores the challenging but transformative concept of 'necessary endings' in life. It offers a perspective on how God works through closed doors and changed seasons, not as misfortune, but as intentional steps toward a greater future.
God orchestrates "necessary endings"—closed doors, changed seasons—to guide people towards their greater destiny. These shifts, though often difficult, are part of His plan for new growth and abundance.
Overview
This sermon introduces the concept of "necessary endings," explaining that God, as the Alpha and the Omega, designs certain things to conclude. These endings, though sometimes unexpected and painful, are not random misfortunes but intentional parts of His plan to move individuals into new levels of destiny and greater things.
The preacher illustrates this using the biblical account of the Israelites, whose supernatural mana ceased just as they approached the Promised Land. This cessation wasn't a loss of favor, but a divine act to push them beyond comfort into the abundance God truly intended for them. The message is to discern when God is doing a new thing and move forward with Him, rather than clinging to what once was.
Personal anecdotes further ground this teaching, including the preacher's experience when a key TV producer departed, forcing him to step into new potential. Another story recounts his father's church asking them to leave, which led to the founding of a new, larger ministry. These examples highlight how painful rejections or losses can be divine setups for unexpected growth and fulfillment.
Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to trust God when doors close, relationships change, or dreams seem to die. Even Jesus' crucifixion, a seemingly final end, was a necessary ending leading to salvation and resurrection. Such endings are God's way of positioning believers for a better future, greater favor, and the fullness of their destiny.
Key points
- God designs certain things to come to an end to move people into new levels of their destiny.
- Necessary endings are not random or bad luck; they are the hand of God, who opens and closes doors.
- The ceasing of the Israelites' mana was a necessary ending to push them into the abundance of the Promised Land.
- When God closes a door, it forces individuals out of their comfort zone and into their potential, even if it feels like a setback.
- Some people come into our lives like scaffolding, serving a purpose for a season, but must leave for further growth.
- What appears to be a disappointment or rejection can be God setting up a greater beginning, as seen in the preacher's father's ministry.
- Jesus' declaration "It is finished" on the cross was a necessary ending, leading to salvation and resurrection.
In Joel Osteen's words
“The mana ceasing wasn't a bad break. It wasn't random. It was a necessary ending.”
“You think you're in control, that you're getting the best of me, but my father is in control. You didn't take my life. I'm laying it down.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: Necessary Endings
- A. God, the Alpha and Omega, orchestrates endings
- B. Endings are part of His plan to move us to new levels
- II. The Biblical Example of Mana Ceasing
- A. Israelites received supernatural mana for 40 years
- B. Mana ceased near the Promised Land to push them into abundance
- C. Don't stay where God was; go where God is
- III. Personal Story: The TV Producer's Departure
- A. Mentor taught about television production at Lakewood
- B. Producer's unexpected exit created a necessary ending
- C. Forced the preacher to step into new potential and leadership
- IV. Understanding Relationships and Divine Departures
- A. Some people are like scaffolding, serving a purpose for a season
- B. God is the doorkeeper, bringing people in and moving them out
- C. The story of Ruth and Orpa: those meant to stay will, those meant to go will leave
- V. Personal Story: The Preacher's Father's Church Experience
- A. Preaching faith and victory led to being asked to leave their church
- B. This painful rejection was God shutting a door for a new beginning (Lakewood Church)
- C. God had more in store than they were content with
- VI. The Ultimate Necessary Ending: Jesus on the Cross
- A. Jesus' declaration "It is finished" seemed like defeat
- B. It was a necessary ending for salvation and resurrection
- C. God allows endings for greater beginnings and new power
- VII. Modern Example and Reiteration
- A. Business owner's rent doubled, leading to a better location
- B. Trust God in closed doors, as He has something better coming
- C. Elijah at Brook Cherith: provision ceased to lead to greater ministry at Zerapath
- VIII. Conclusion: Embrace Necessary Endings
- A. Don't fight what God brings to an end or be bitter over losses
- B. Stay open to God's new things, leading to abundance and destiny
- C. Prepare for supernatural provision and the best part of your life
Scripture references
Insights
God orchestrates life's endings to propel us into new seasons of growth.
A closed door can be God's precise way of opening a far better one.
What seems like a setback may actually be a divine setup for your future.
Questions & answers
What does the preacher mean by 'necessary endings'?
The preacher defines 'necessary endings' as times when things conclude in life, not randomly, but by God's design. These endings are intended to move individuals into new levels of destiny and reveal greater things God has in store.
How does the story of the Israelites and mana illustrate necessary endings?
The Israelites received daily mana for 40 years, but it ceased just before they entered the Promised Land. This ending was necessary because God wanted them to experience the abundance of a land flowing with milk and honey, rather than remain comfortable with temporary desert provision.
What role do relationships play in necessary endings?
Some people are like scaffolding, coming into one's life for a season to help reach a certain point. When their part is over, they must exit so that an individual's growth isn't limited, clearing the way for new relationships and opportunities ordained by God.
How does the sermon apply to personal setbacks, like a dream not working out?
The sermon encourages a perspective shift: what seems like a setback, disappointment, or rejection may be God's hand closing a door. This allows individuals to discover hidden potential and step into a greater purpose or a better opportunity that God has planned.
What is the key takeaway when facing a necessary ending?
The key takeaway is to trust God even when circumstances don't make sense or are painful. Recognize that God wouldn't have allowed the ending unless He had something better coming, leading to greater favor, new levels, and the fullness of one's destiny.
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