The Wounded Healer: Lord, What Are You Doing? | E. Dewey Smith, Jr. | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Wounded Healer: Lord, What Are You Doing?

E. Dewey Smith, Jr.

The House of Hope Atlanta • Sep 24, 2025 • 104 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this powerful message, Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr. examines John 14 to remind believers that Jesus offers practical clarity for daily living rather than just comfort for death. When divine decisions feel burdensome and human emotions leave us rattled by cultural and world events, we can rest knowing that God remains sovereign over every era and power. Ultimately, God transforms lives not through an illusion of perfection, but through our healed scars as wounded healers who extend Christ's love to others.

Themes

God's Sovereignty in ChaosThe Wounded HealerEternal CitizenshipNavigating Human EmotionsDivine Purpose in Pain

Pastor's Points

1.

You will be burdened by divine decisions

2.

Sometimes you'll battle with human emotions

Key Points

1.
You will be burdened by divine decisions when God's ordained choices conflict with human comfort, preferences, or fleshly desires.
2.
Sometimes you will battle with intense human emotions as societal injustices, cultural chaos, and personal transitions bring confusion and pain.
3.
Jesus' teaching in John 14:1 was spoken not primarily for comfort at funerals, but to provide clarity and peace for daily living.
4.
God blesses believers not based on how difficult or trifling others may be, but based on how trusting we remain in Him.
5.
When world events and emotional chaos threaten to overwhelm you, hold fast to Jesus' simple command: 'Don't let this rattle you.'
6.
God has repeatedly demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over oppressive rulers and empires throughout history, and He remains in full control today.
7.
Believers must keep an eternal perspective, remembering that earth is only our temporary residency while our true citizenship belongs in heaven.

Sermon Moments

“Jesus spoke John 14:1 not merely to comfort us at funerals, but to give us daily clarity for living.”

“Everything God calls you to do is not going to feel comfortable or easy; divine decisions will at times burden your flesh.”

“God blesses you not based on how trifling others are, but based on how trusting you can be in Him.”

“When your emotions are unsettled by world events, remember Jesus' five-word encouragement: 'Don't let this rattle you.'”

“America is our temporary residency, but heaven holds our permanent citizenship.”

“God handled Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Nero, and Hitler throughout human history, and He is fully capable of handling today's leaders.”

“It was not a picture of flawless perfection that transformed Thomas, but the visible wounds and scars of Jesus.”

“As A.W. Tozer observed, it is highly unlikely that God can ever use anyone greatly until they have been wounded deeply.”

This Week

Refuse to let current world events or political unrest rattle your faith, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty over human history.

Take care of your mental and spiritual health by limiting exposure to negative news and surrounding yourself with life-giving fellowship.

Choose obedience to God's Word even when His divine decisions challenge your personal comfort or fleshly desires.

Respond to opposition and unfairness with Christlike love and prayer rather than adopting the world's bitterness or petty behavior.

Live with confidence and peace knowing that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven rather than any earthly nation.

Stop striving to present an image of perfection to others, and allow God to use your healed scars to bring encouragement to those around you.

Actively extend forgiveness and work toward healing broken relationships, even when you have been deeply wounded.

Remember This

God uses our deeply healed wounds and honest struggles—rather than an illusion of perfection—to bring clarity, peace, and spiritual transformation to a hurting world.

A Challenge for You

Don't let the turmoil of this world rattle your spirit—trust that the same God who handled rulers throughout human history holds your future, and let Him turn your deepest wounds into scars that bring healing to others.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.