Building Faith Through Life's Phases: Trusting God's Plan
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we gathered to remember and pray for Nathan Kistler, his wife Amber, and their family, who tragically passed away in a plane crash. Nathan was a beloved member of our community, known for his passion for the Lord and his vibrant personality. We read from Psalm 143, seeking comfort and trusting in God's unfailing love, even in times of deep sorrow.
We also began a new six-week series titled "One Phase at a Time," focusing on building and strengthening our faith. Faith, as described in the Bible, is essential for living a fulfilling life and pleasing God. Over the next weeks, we will explore how faith can be developed, much like a muscle, through various phases.
The first phase is a dream. God often starts by giving us a vision or a goal, much like He did with Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Nehemiah, and David. These dreams require faith and are often bigger than what we can achieve on our own.
The second phase is a decision. Once we have a dream, we must act on it, investing our time, energy, and resources, and letting go of our security. Faith is active, not passive, and requires us to take risks and make decisions.
The third phase is delay. God often makes us wait before fulfilling His promises. This waiting period teaches us to trust in His perfect timing. Many biblical figures, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, and even Jesus, experienced significant delays before seeing God's promises fulfilled.
The fourth phase is difficulty. Along with waiting, we often face problems and challenges. These difficulties test our faith and build our character. God allows these trials to prove our faith, which is more valuable than gold.
The fifth phase is the dead end. Sometimes, situations go from difficult to seemingly impossible. This phase teaches us to rely on God rather than ourselves. Even when we feel overwhelmed, God can make a way where there seems to be no way.
The final phase is deliverance. God ultimately delivers us, often in miraculous ways. Whether it's parting the Red Sea for Moses, giving Abraham and Sarah a child, or resurrecting Jesus, God turns dead ends into deliverance, bringing glory to Himself.
As we embark on this series, let's commit to building our faith, trusting in God's timing, and expecting His deliverance. No matter what phase we are in, God is with us, and He is faithful.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of a God-Given Dream: God often initiates His work in our lives by giving us a dream or vision. These dreams are usually beyond our capabilities, requiring us to rely on faith. Biblical examples like Noah, Abraham, and Joseph show that God’s dreams for us are meant to stretch our faith and align us with His greater purpose. [42:27]
2. Decision-Making as a Faith Exercise: Once we receive a dream, we must act on it. This involves making decisions that often require significant investments of time, energy, and resources. Faith is active, not passive, and stepping out in faith means letting go of our security and trusting God’s plan. [45:59]
3. The Purpose of Delays: God’s promises often come with a waiting period. This delay is not a denial but a time for us to grow in trust and patience. Biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses experienced long delays, teaching us that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working even when we cannot see it. [51:27]
4. Facing Difficulties with Faith: Challenges and problems are inevitable when pursuing God’s dreams. These difficulties test our faith and build our character. God uses these trials to refine us, proving our faith to be more valuable than gold. Understanding this helps us remain steadfast and hopeful during tough times. [58:44]
5. God’s Deliverance at Dead Ends: When situations seem impossible, God often steps in with miraculous deliverance. These dead ends are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. Whether it’s parting the Red Sea or resurrecting Jesus, God turns hopeless situations into testimonies of His glory. [01:02:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:15] - Tragic News and Prayer for Kistler Family
[23:44] - Psalm 143: Seeking Comfort in God's Word
[25:12] - Prayer for Families and Community
[26:31] - Tithes and Offerings
[38:25] - Introduction to "One Phase at a Time" Series
[39:04] - The Importance of Faith
[40:29] - Understanding the Phases of Faith
[42:27] - Phase 1: The Dream
[45:59] - Phase 2: The Decision
[51:27] - Phase 3: The Delay
[58:44] - Phase 4: The Difficulty
[01:02:03] - Phase 5: The Dead End
[01:09:11] - Phase 6: The Deliverance
[01:16:02] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
[01:17:08] - Farewell and Next Week's Preview
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 143:1-8 - "Lord, hear my prayer, and listen to my cry for mercy. In your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."
2. Matthew 9:29 - "According to your faith, it will be done unto you."
3. Mark 9:23 - "Everything is possible for the person who has faith."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 143:1-8 reveal about the psalmist's state of mind and his relationship with God?
2. How does Matthew 9:29 emphasize the importance of faith in receiving from God?
3. In Mark 9:23, what does Jesus say is possible for the person who has faith?
4. According to the sermon, what are the six phases of faith that were discussed? ([38:25])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 143:1-8 provide comfort and guidance during times of deep sorrow and loss? ([23:44])
2. What does it mean when the sermon says that faith is like a muscle that can be developed and strengthened? ([39:37])
3. Why does the sermon suggest that delays in God's promises are not denials but opportunities to grow in trust and patience? ([51:27])
4. How can facing difficulties and dead ends in life help build and prove our faith according to the sermon? ([58:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 143, how can you seek God's comfort and guidance in your current struggles? What specific steps can you take to entrust your life to Him? ([23:44])
2. Think about a dream or vision you believe God has given you. What steps can you take this week to move from dreaming to decision-making? ([45:59])
3. Are you currently in a phase of delay in your life? How can you practice patience and trust in God's perfect timing during this period? ([51:27])
4. What are some difficulties you are facing right now? How can you view these challenges as opportunities to strengthen your faith and character? ([58:44])
5. Have you ever experienced a dead end in your life that later turned into a deliverance? Share your story with the group and discuss how it has impacted your faith. ([01:02:03])
6. How can you support someone in your life who is currently going through one of these phases of faith? What practical steps can you take to encourage them?
7. Considering the sermon’s message, what is one specific area in your life where you need to let go of security and take a step of faith? ([47:55])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of a God-Given Dream
God often initiates His work in our lives by giving us a dream or vision. These dreams are usually beyond our capabilities, requiring us to rely on faith. Biblical examples like Noah, Abraham, and Joseph show that God’s dreams for us are meant to stretch our faith and align us with His greater purpose. When God gives us a dream, it is not just for our benefit but for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. These dreams challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's provision and guidance.
As we reflect on the dreams God has placed in our hearts, we must remember that these visions are meant to draw us closer to Him. They are opportunities for us to grow in our faith and dependence on God. Embracing a God-given dream requires us to be open to His leading and willing to take bold steps of faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. [42:27]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: What dream or vision has God placed in your heart that seems beyond your capabilities? How can you take a step of faith today to pursue that dream, trusting in God's provision and guidance?
### Day 2: Decision-Making as a Faith Exercise
Once we receive a dream from God, we must act on it. This involves making decisions that often require significant investments of time, energy, and resources. Faith is active, not passive, and stepping out in faith means letting go of our security and trusting God’s plan. Making decisions based on faith can be challenging, as it often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones and take risks that we would not normally take.
When we make decisions in faith, we are demonstrating our trust in God's promises and His ability to fulfill them. This active faith is essential for our spiritual growth and for seeing God's plans come to fruition in our lives. It is through these decisions that we experience God's faithfulness and provision in new and profound ways. [45:59]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What decision do you need to make today that requires you to step out in faith? How can you let go of your security and trust in God's plan for your life?
### Day 3: The Purpose of Delays
God’s promises often come with a waiting period. This delay is not a denial but a time for us to grow in trust and patience. Biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses experienced long delays, teaching us that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working even when we cannot see it. These periods of waiting are opportunities for us to deepen our relationship with God and to develop a greater dependence on Him.
During times of delay, it is important to remain steadfast in our faith and to trust that God is working behind the scenes. These waiting periods can be challenging, but they are also times of preparation and growth. As we wait on God's timing, we learn to rely on His wisdom and to trust that His plans for us are good. [51:27]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: Is there a promise or dream you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you use this waiting period to grow in trust and patience, and to deepen your relationship with God?
### Day 4: Facing Difficulties with Faith
Challenges and problems are inevitable when pursuing God’s dreams. These difficulties test our faith and build our character. God uses these trials to refine us, proving our faith to be more valuable than gold. Understanding this helps us remain steadfast and hopeful during tough times. When we face difficulties, it is an opportunity for us to lean on God and to trust in His strength and provision.
Difficulties are not meant to discourage us but to strengthen our faith and character. As we navigate through challenges, we learn to rely on God's promises and to trust that He is working all things for our good. These trials are opportunities for us to grow in our faith and to experience God's faithfulness in new and profound ways. [58:44]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What current difficulty are you facing that is testing your faith? How can you trust in God's strength and provision to navigate through this challenge?
### Day 5: God’s Deliverance at Dead Ends
When situations seem impossible, God often steps in with miraculous deliverance. These dead ends are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. Whether it’s parting the Red Sea or resurrecting Jesus, God turns hopeless situations into testimonies of His glory. When we find ourselves at a dead end, it is an opportunity for us to rely completely on God and to trust in His ability to make a way where there seems to be no way.
God's deliverance is a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and faithfulness. Even in the most hopeless situations, God is able to bring about miraculous outcomes that bring glory to His name. As we trust in God's deliverance, we are reminded of His power and His ability to work all things for our good. [01:02:03]
Isaiah 43:16-19 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 'Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'"
Reflection: Are you facing a situation that seems like a dead end? How can you trust in God's power and faithfulness to bring about deliverance in this situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "If we want to live the best life available to us, it needs to be a life where we are living out our faith. We are continually working on our faith and growing our faith, trying to strengthen our faith day by day and being intentional about it." [39:04] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is like a muscle. You can learn to develop it. It can be strengthened. And just like a muscle, if you don't use it, it can become weak. But the more you work it out, the more you test it, the stronger it can be. It depends on how much you use it." [39:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God always starts with a dream. Nothing happens until somebody starts dreaming. You've got to get an idea. You've got to get a vision. You have to get a goal. You have to get an ambition. You have to set your sights on some target. And when God wants to work in your life, He always gives you a dream." [42:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God can raise people physically, then He can raise people who are dead emotionally. He can raise back to life a dead marriage. He can raise back to life a dead career. He can resurrect a poor health diagnosis, and He can make it better, and He can heal. If God can raise the dead, God can do anything." [01:03:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections, and He loves to turn dead ends into deliverance. Do you know why? Because He gets the credit. He gets the glory. He gets the praise because He made a way when there is no way." [01:10:09] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "I believe that if we start to understand these phases and how faith works, and we understand that there are different seasons and different phases, we can look at our life, we can look at our situation, and hopefully be like, 'Oh, it's just a phase. I'm in phase one, or I'm in phase six, or I'm in phase four.' And we can see that there is a pattern, there is something taking place, and you understand what's going on." [41:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You cannot move in faith, you cannot move forward in faith and hold on to the past at the same time. You have to move forward, and you have to let go. I think of Abraham. God said, 'I'm going to make you the father of a great nation,' and he had to leave his home. He had to go to an unknown destination." [48:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God wants to work on you before He works on the project. He's growing your faith. He's growing your endurance. He's growing your trust. See, every believer in history had to go through the university of learning to wait. The ULTW. And I think for some of us, maybe we just haven't gotten the degree yet. We're still in the waiting season." [54:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A delay is not denial. And the thing is, for some of you, you may think like it's just a delay. It's just a delay. But listen, it's not a denial. God is working. I remember when I was a kid, I came to the age when I realized that there is a difference between no and not yet." [57:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What looks like a dead end might just lead you to God's hidden treasure. He may just be leading you to a place where your faith will be so strengthened, your faith will grow, your trust in Him will expand." [01:12:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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