This message invites us into a profound truth: God uses our darkest seasons not as punishment, but as training grounds for something greater. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Ephesians and the story of David hiding in the cave of Adullam, we discover that spiritual 'night vision goggles' are available to us—the ability to see God's purposes even when circumstances feel overwhelming. David spent 10-15 years in caves with men who were distressed, in debt, and discontented, yet God transformed this ragtag group into mighty warriors. The parallel to our lives is striking: before God changes what's around us, He stabilizes what's in us. We're reminded that we possess an immeasurable inheritance through Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and that this power isn't reserved for perfect people but for those who believe. The cave seasons of our lives—those Monday-after-Monday struggles—aren't signs of God's absence but opportunities for Him to develop our character, deepen our dependence, and prepare us for the responsibilities ahead. We don't have to be whole to belong, and God's greatest gifts often come wrapped in the form of people placed in our community to sharpen and strengthen us.

Pastor Roy describes God using 'dark and hidden places as training grounds and not as punishment.' How does this perspective change the way you view your current struggles or seasons of waiting?

The sermon emphasizes that God gives gifts in the form of people, not just spiritual abilities. Who are the 'gifts' God has placed in your life, and how might you be overlooking their significance?

David's followers in the cave of Adullam were distressed, in debt, and discontented, yet they became mighty warriors. What does this transformation teach us about God's ability to work through our brokenness?