“Stop and Smell the Water: Trusting in God’s Grace to Lead Us to Redemption… by Faith.”



“Stop and Smell the Water: Trusting in God’s Grace to Lead Us to Redemption… by Faith.”


Scripture Focus: Job 14:1–9 (KJV)


“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not…

Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.” — Job 14:1–2, 9


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Lesson Theme:


Even in life’s darkest moments, when hope seems cut down and gone, God’s grace—like water to a withered tree—can bring new life.


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I. The Reality of Human Frailty (vv. 1–2)

• Job speaks honestly: life is short and full of troubles.

• We are like flowers—beautiful but brief; like shadows—ever moving, never still.

• This is not to discourage us, but to ground us in humility, knowing that our hope lies not in ourselves, but in God.


Reflection:

Are you feeling cut down, overwhelmed, or dried up? You’re not alone—Job did too. But keep reading…




II. A Symbol of Hope (vv. 7–9)

• Job shifts to the image of a tree.

• A tree may be cut down, but if it smells water, it can sprout again.

• Water = God’s grace, mercy, and presence.


Faith Insight:

Even when life cuts us down, we can “smell the water”—sense God’s nearness—and trust that new life can come from dead places.





III. Redemption Through Grace, Not Strength

• The tree doesn’t grow again by its own strength—it’s the water that does the work.

• Likewise, it’s not our effort, but God’s grace that redeems, restores, and revives.


By Faith:

We trust in what we cannot see, just like roots reaching for unseen water.

Redemption starts when we stop striving and start trusting in the flow of God’s grace.





IV. “Stop and Smell the Water” – What Does It Mean?

• Slow down and notice God’s presence in your life, even in the struggle.

• Let your soul absorb the Living Water (John 4:14).

• Faith doesn’t deny pain—it endures it with hope that God can bring new growth.





Takeaway Message:


When life cuts you down, don’t give up. Stop. Be still. Smell the Water.

Let God’s grace renew you. Even if you’re down to the stump, new boughs will grow—not because of your strength, but because of your Savior.


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