Choosing Trust Over Fear in Life's Journey

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question, "How did we get here?" This question resonates not only with the Israelites standing on the banks of the Jordan River but also with us in our personal and communal journeys. The Israelites, after witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, found themselves at a crossroads, facing a test of faith. They had to decide whether to trust in God's promise or succumb to fear and self-reliance. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust in our spiritual walk.

The story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land illustrates the consequences of fear and the lack of trust. Ten spies returned with a report that focused on the obstacles, while only two, Caleb and Joshua, saw the opportunities and trusted in God's promise. This dichotomy between fear and faith is a reflection of our own struggles. Fear can erode our trust in God, leading us to underestimate both God's power and our potential when we partner with Him.

As a church, we are in a season of transition, searching for a new pastor. This process requires patience and trust in God's timing and provision. It's a reminder that while we may not always understand the journey, God is preparing the way for us. Personally, we all face situations that challenge our faith, whether in health, relationships, or other areas of life. The key is to choose trust over fear, to believe in the God we profess to follow.

Trusting God leads to courage, enabling us to face the future with confidence. It empowers us to take the next steps into God's preferred future for us. While God promises a land flowing with milk and honey, He does not promise an easy journey. We must actively participate in His plans, trusting Him to guide us through the challenges.

As we reflect on our own lives, we are invited to bring our struggles before God, choosing to trust Him with our circumstances. In doing so, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to the abundant life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust Over Fear: Fear can diminish our perception of God's power and our potential. By choosing to trust God, we align ourselves with His promises and open ourselves to His guidance and strength. [01:06:07]

2. Courage Through Trust: Trusting God instills courage to face the unknown. It allows us to move forward, even when the path is unclear, knowing that God is with us and will provide what we need. [01:09:10]

3. Participating in God's Plan: While God promises blessings, He requires our active participation. Trust involves stepping out in faith, even when the journey is challenging, and believing in His provision. [01:10:12]

4. Faith in Transition: In times of change, such as searching for a new pastor, trusting God's timing and provision is crucial. He is preparing the way, and our role is to remain faithful and patient. [01:04:54]

5. Personal Trust Challenges: Each of us faces situations that test our faith. Whether in health, relationships, or other areas, we are called to trust the God we believe in, bringing our concerns to Him and relying on His grace. [01:18:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Feeling at Home
- [01:15] - The Power of Prayer
- [02:00] - Trusting the Process
- [03:00] - Childhood Story: A Journey
- [06:00] - How Did We Get Here?
- [08:00] - The Israelites' Journey
- [10:00] - The Twelve Spies
- [12:00] - A Test of Faith
- [14:00] - Fear vs. Trust
- [16:00] - Trusting God in Transition
- [18:00] - Personal Challenges of Trust
- [20:00] - Choosing to Trust God
- [22:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Numbers 13:1-2, 27-33
2. Romans 12:2

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the mission given to the twelve spies by Moses, and what were they supposed to report back on? ([51:59])

2. How did the ten spies' report differ from that of Caleb and Joshua, and what was the reaction of the Israelites to these reports? ([57:49])

3. What were the Israelites' past experiences with God's deliverance, and how did these experiences contrast with their current lack of trust? ([01:03:09])

4. How does the sermon describe the Israelites' fear and self-reliance as contributing factors to their lack of trust in God? ([01:03:09])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways did the Israelites' fear lead them to underestimate God's power and their own potential? How does this relate to the challenges faced by the church in the sermon? ([01:06:07])

2. How does the story of the twelve spies illustrate the importance of seeing opportunities rather than obstacles in our faith journey? ([57:49])

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between trust in God and courage to face the future? How can this be applied to personal and communal transitions? ([01:09:10])

4. How does the concept of "spiritual amnesia" affect our ability to trust God, and what steps can be taken to overcome it? ([01:08:27])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when fear led you to underestimate God's power in your life. How can you choose trust over fear in similar situations in the future? ([01:06:07])

2. The sermon mentions the church's transition in searching for a new pastor. How can you actively participate in this process with trust and patience? ([01:04:54])

3. Identify a personal challenge you are currently facing. How can you bring this situation before God and choose to trust Him with the outcome? ([01:18:41])

4. Caleb and Joshua saw opportunities where others saw obstacles. How can you train yourself to see opportunities in your own life challenges? ([57:49])

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of courage through trust. What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith, and how can you prepare to do so? ([01:09:10])

6. Consider the concept of "spiritual amnesia." How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him today? ([01:08:27])

7. How can you support others in your community who are struggling with trust in God, especially during times of transition or uncertainty? ([01:14:07])

Devotional

Day 1: Trust Transforms Fear into Faith
In life's journey, fear often stands as a formidable barrier, clouding our perception of God's power and our potential. The story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land serves as a poignant illustration of this truth. Ten spies returned with a report that emphasized the obstacles, allowing fear to overshadow their faith. In contrast, Caleb and Joshua chose to focus on the opportunities, trusting in God's promise despite the challenges. This narrative invites us to examine our own lives and recognize where fear may be hindering our trust in God. By choosing to trust, we align ourselves with His promises and open ourselves to His guidance and strength. [01:06:07]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific fear that is currently holding you back. How can you actively choose to trust God in this area today?


Day 2: Courage is Born from Trust
Trusting God instills a courage that empowers us to face the unknown with confidence. This courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite it, knowing that God is with us. The Israelites, standing on the banks of the Jordan River, faced a test of faith. They had to decide whether to trust in God's promise or succumb to fear. This decision is one we all face in various forms throughout our lives. Trusting God allows us to take the next steps into His preferred future for us, even when the path is unclear. [01:09:10]

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one unknown or uncertain situation you are currently facing? How can you draw courage from trusting in God's presence and provision?


Day 3: Active Participation in God's Plan
While God promises blessings, He requires our active participation in His plans. Trust involves stepping out in faith, even when the journey is challenging. The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land was not without its difficulties, yet God called them to trust and actively engage in His plan. This principle applies to us today. We are invited to partner with God, trusting Him to guide us through the challenges and believing in His provision. [01:10:12]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a current challenge or opportunity in your life. What steps can you take to actively participate in God's plan, trusting Him to guide you?


Day 4: Faith in Times of Transition
In times of change, such as searching for a new pastor, trusting God's timing and provision is crucial. The Israelites, after witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, found themselves at a crossroads, facing a test of faith. Similarly, transitions in our lives can be challenging, but they also offer opportunities to deepen our trust in God. He is preparing the way, and our role is to remain faithful and patient, trusting in His perfect timing. [01:04:54]

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a current transition or change in your life. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing during this season?


Day 5: Personal Trust Challenges
Each of us faces situations that test our faith, whether in health, relationships, or other areas of life. The key is to choose trust over fear, to believe in the God we profess to follow. By bringing our struggles before God and trusting Him with our circumstances, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to the abundant life He offers. This act of trust is not passive but an active choice to rely on His grace and provision. [01:18:41]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God. What practical steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and rely on His grace?

Quotes



"And the Israelites, I mean they had been on quite a journey and they had they had left Egypt in a just an amazing array of miracles they they crossed the Red Sea and supernaturally dramatic passion and they arrived at Mount Sinai you remember their journey right they arrived at Mount Sinai and they got impatient with God and they got impatient with their leadership you ever been impatient with God or with leadership and they decided to make their own God rather than letting their God make them you see they decided to form their own God rather than letting their their God transform them and they made the golden calf but they left Mount Sinai with a better understanding of what God expects of his people and we call it the Ten Commandments and the presence of God went with them in a cloud by day and fire by night and they had faith tests along the way but finally they arrived at the banks of the Jordan River and looked over into the promised land and the Lord told Moses to to select 12 spies one from each of the 12 tribes of Israel the people of Israel and send them into Canaan into the promised land and and to spy out the land and in and in numbers chapter 13 verses 1 and 2 and I'm you can see it I think you can see it there on the screen it's interesting everyone participates at least vicariously okay a member of every tribe so the whole nation's participating everyone has a stake in this no one's left out they were set up for victory and you can see in verse 2 God is giving them the land he's giving it to them there was no question of if they would accomplish his mission God had already chosen to give them the land there was no question of if and for us there's no question if God is going to provide the right pastor right or if God is going to see you through the present situation the if has been removed there is no question about that God is going to do that as we walk in faith and the mission of the spies was clear go through the land see what it's like it was a reconnaissance mission okay and so find out what the people are like are they strong are they weak are they are there a few of them are they" [00:52:19] (158 seconds)


"God led them to the place of potential victory and they made the decision not to trust how Did they get here? They don't miss this their lack of trust flowed from their fear. You know, fear does a lot of things to us. And one of the things it does is it erodes the foundations of trust." [01:02:47] (29 seconds)


"And so their lack of trust flowed from their fear, and their fear flowed from their self -reliance. Well, look at us. We're like grasshoppers. How are we going to defeat them? How are we going to win this battle? Look at their cities. They're like giants over there. There is no way we can cross this river, because we're really vulnerable when we're crossing the river, and there's no way that we can get across and take this thing. We just aren't able. Listen, this wasn't about a failure to believe in God." [01:03:56] (42 seconds)


"It's easier to believe in God than to trust the God you can't claim to believe in. And as a church, you're searching for a new pastor, and it's going to take some time, and your faith will be tested, and you'll be challenged to trust God. And we know that, and you have an incredible board. You always do. And you have an incredible board, and your board is going to give great leadership. And when I say trust them, yeah, but even more importantly, trust God to lead them. That's the key." [01:04:20] (34 seconds)


"Another takeaway is that fear will cause us to underestimate what we can do. This is important here. There is no mention of God at all in the report of the ten. I don't know if you noticed that. If you go back and look at it, they didn't mention God at all. They just talked about the people in the land, how small they were." [01:06:30] (19 seconds)


"Now, I want you to get this. This is what Paul is alluding to, some of what he's alluding to in Romans chapter 12, when he says, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You have to see yourself. differently in light of God. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about positive thinking here and the power of positive thinking. That's not where I'm going. But I want you to see that, as St. Augustine said, without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not. We often underestimate ourselves when our trust is challenged, and we choose to not trust in God." [01:07:08] (42 seconds)


"And if I'm honest with you, there are situations sometimes I face in my life where I live right between those two statements. Let's go. Let's go up at once. But we're not able. Let's go deal with this at once. But I'm not able. We're not able." [01:10:40] (24 seconds)


"Stranded in the middle of sometimes what feels like nowhere between we can do this, we're not able. Sitting on the curb, wondering when God's going to show up. Can I tell you, trust Him. Trust Him." [01:12:31] (19 seconds)


"And I'm going to ask Michelle to come back up because I want to invite you guys. today. I want to invite you to take those situations that you're facing, those things you're dealing with personally, that has you between God is able and we're not able, living right in that land. Be able to say, God, I bring those before you." [01:13:56] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?