Conquering Life's Mountains Through God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the powerful message from Zechariah 4:7, which speaks to the mountains in our lives that stand in the way of our God-given destiny. These mountains, whether they are sins, obstacles, or fears, must be leveled by the mighty hand of God. The cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which we must build our lives. Even if our past decisions have led us astray, God is ready to replace our faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone.
We also delved into the story of Caleb from Joshua 14. Caleb, at 85 years old, still held onto the promise God made to him 45 years earlier. Despite the giants and fortified cities that stood in his way, Caleb's faith never wavered. He believed that with God's help, he could conquer the mountain that was promised to him. This story serves as a reminder that God's promises are worth holding onto, no matter how long it takes or how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.
The message encourages us to not despise small beginnings or the seemingly insignificant stages of our journey. God sees beyond our current circumstances and is more interested in who He has called us to be rather than our past mistakes or natural abilities. We are reminded that God’s promises are often accompanied by challenges that we cannot overcome on our own, ensuring that all glory goes to Him when we succeed.
Finally, we are called to re-envision our lives through the lens of God's promises. We must discard the emotional and religious expectations that are not from God and focus on the genuine promises He has made to us. By doing so, we can reclaim the mountains that the enemy has tried to possess and redefine them according to God's purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Levels Our Mountains: Whatever mountain stands in your way, whether it’s sin, fear, or doubt, God has the power to level it. The cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which we must build our lives. Even if our past decisions have led us astray, God is ready to replace our faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone. [08:31]
2. Hold Onto God's Promises: Caleb’s story teaches us the importance of holding onto God’s promises, no matter how long it takes. At 85 years old, Caleb still believed in the promise God made to him 45 years earlier. Despite the giants and fortified cities, his faith never wavered. This reminds us that God’s promises are worth holding onto, no matter the obstacles. [18:27]
3. Despise Not Small Beginnings: God sees beyond our current circumstances and is more interested in who He has called us to be rather than our past mistakes or natural abilities. We should not despise small beginnings or the seemingly insignificant stages of our journey. God is working in us, even when it’s not visible to others. [10:50]
4. God’s Promises Come with Challenges: God often calls us to conquer challenges that seem insurmountable. This ensures that all glory goes to Him when we succeed. Caleb’s faith in conquering the mountain filled with giants is a testament to this truth. We must trust that God will help us overcome the challenges He sets before us. [15:54]
5. Re-envision Your Life Through God’s Promises: Discard the emotional and religious expectations that are not from God and focus on the genuine promises He has made to you. By doing so, you can reclaim the mountains that the enemy has tried to possess and redefine them according to God’s purpose. This requires a deep, personal connection with God and a willingness to seek His vision for your life. [23:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:47] - Introduction to Zechariah 4:7
[06:32] - Mountains in Our Lives
[08:31] - The Cornerstone of Christ
[10:26] - Do Not Despise Small Beginnings
[12:10] - Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
[14:08] - Caleb’s Story: Holding Onto Promises
[18:27] - Caleb’s Faith at 85
[20:30] - Tenacity in Chasing God’s Promises
[22:59] - Discerning God’s Genuine Promises
[25:26] - Conquering Mountains with Giants
[28:24] - Joshua and Caleb: Possessing the Land
[31:18] - Redefining Your Mountain
[33:02] - Friendship with God
[35:11] - Do Not Be Afraid
[38:59] - Exercising Faith and Promise
[42:42] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 4:7 (NIV): "What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
2. Joshua 14:10-12 (NIV): "Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
### Observation Questions
1. What does Zechariah 4:7 say will happen to the mountain before Zerubbabel? ([06:32])
2. How old was Caleb when he still believed in God's promise, and what was his physical condition at that age according to Joshua 14:10-12? ([18:27])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of small beginnings in our spiritual journey? ([10:50])
4. According to the sermon, what is the cornerstone of our faith, and what does it replace in our lives? ([08:31])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to level the mountains in our lives, and how does this relate to our personal struggles? ([06:32])
2. How does Caleb's unwavering faith at 85 years old challenge our perception of holding onto God's promises despite long delays? ([18:27])
3. Why does the sermon emphasize not despising small beginnings, and how does this perspective help us in our spiritual growth? ([10:50])
4. How can we discern between emotional or religious expectations and genuine promises from God? ([23:43])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a "mountain" in your life that seems insurmountable. How can you trust God to level it, and what steps can you take to rely on His power rather than your own? ([06:32])
2. Caleb held onto God's promise for 45 years. Is there a promise from God that you have been holding onto for a long time? How can you renew your faith in that promise today? ([18:27])
3. Think about a small beginning in your life that you might be despising. How can you change your perspective to see it as part of God's plan for your growth? ([10:50])
4. Identify an area in your life where you have built on a faulty foundation. How can you allow Jesus, the cornerstone, to replace that foundation? ([08:31])
5. What are some emotional or religious expectations you need to discard to focus on God's genuine promises? How can you practically do this in your daily life? ([23:43])
6. Caleb faced giants and fortified cities but still believed in God's promise. What "giants" are you facing, and how can you trust God to help you overcome them? ([15:54])
7. How can you re-envision your life through the lens of God's promises, and what practical steps can you take to align your vision with His purpose? ([23:43])
Devotional
Day 1: God Levels Our Mountains
Description: In life, we often face mountains that seem insurmountable—whether they are sins, fears, doubts, or other obstacles. Zechariah 4:7 reminds us that God has the power to level these mountains. The cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which we must build our lives. Even if our past decisions have led us astray, God is ready to replace our faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone. This truth encourages us to trust in God's ability to remove any barrier that stands in the way of our God-given destiny. [08:31]
Zechariah 4:7 (ESV): "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”
Reflection: What is one "mountain" in your life that you need God to level? How can you actively trust Him to replace your faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone today?
Day 2: Hold Onto God's Promises
Description: Caleb's story in Joshua 14 is a powerful testament to the importance of holding onto God's promises, no matter how long it takes. At 85 years old, Caleb still believed in the promise God made to him 45 years earlier. Despite the giants and fortified cities that stood in his way, his faith never wavered. This story serves as a reminder that God's promises are worth holding onto, regardless of the obstacles. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [18:27]
Joshua 14:10-12 (ESV): "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.”
Reflection: What is a promise from God that you have been holding onto? How can you strengthen your faith and trust in God's timing, even when the fulfillment of that promise seems distant?
Day 3: Despise Not Small Beginnings
Description: God sees beyond our current circumstances and is more interested in who He has called us to be rather than our past mistakes or natural abilities. We should not despise small beginnings or the seemingly insignificant stages of our journey. God is working in us, even when it’s not visible to others. This truth encourages us to embrace the process and trust that God is shaping us for His purposes. It reminds us that every step, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes. [10:50]
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.”
Reflection: What small beginnings or seemingly insignificant stages in your life can you embrace today? How can you trust that God is working in you, even when it’s not visible to others?
Day 4: God’s Promises Come with Challenges
Description: God often calls us to conquer challenges that seem insurmountable. This ensures that all glory goes to Him when we succeed. Caleb’s faith in conquering the mountain filled with giants is a testament to this truth. We must trust that God will help us overcome the challenges He sets before us. This perspective encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness in our lives. It reminds us that our victories are not by our strength but by God's might. [15:54]
Deuteronomy 9:1-3 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fortified up to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ Know therefore today that he who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the Lord your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the Lord has promised you.”
Reflection: What is a current challenge in your life that seems insurmountable? How can you trust God to help you overcome it and give Him the glory for the victory?
Day 5: Re-envision Your Life Through God’s Promises
Description: We are called to re-envision our lives through the lens of God's promises. This means discarding the emotional and religious expectations that are not from God and focusing on the genuine promises He has made to us. By doing so, we can reclaim the mountains that the enemy has tried to possess and redefine them according to God's purpose. This requires a deep, personal connection with God and a willingness to seek His vision for our lives. It encourages us to align our lives with God's promises and trust in His plan for us. [23:43]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Reflection: What emotional or religious expectations do you need to discard to focus on God's genuine promises for your life? How can you seek God's vision for your life and align yourself with His purpose today?
Quotes
1. "Whatever mountain has been standing in your way, the Lord will level it. You can see beyond it and it won't be a thing anymore. And it says the one that he called to do it is going to bring a headstone, essentially the cornerstone of your relationship. Come on y'all, the cornerstone of Christ I lay in Zion, come on y'all, a chief cornerstone." [08:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He is not looking at you based on your history, come on y'all, he is not looking at you based on your natural ability, he's not looking at you based on what you think you can do, he's looking at you based on what you think you can do and it's that his call is in you. Hallelujah." [11:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have yet to see yourself in light of the way the Lord sees you. However, he has never seen you any other way. In the most depraved moment of your life, come on y'all, the Lord knew who he had called you to be. In the most rebellious part of your life, when nothing was working right and you were still a God-hater, he saw you as one of his sons or daughters. Hallelujah." [12:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When he calls you to conquer something, he's gonna call you to conquer something that you can't conquer in your own power because if you did, if he did and you did, then you try to take all the credit for it. So he's gonna call you to something that seems insurmountable, that seems unconquerable, that way when you step into it and he does it you go as only the Lord did that." [15:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Caleb's going, I've been hanging on to this promise for 45 years and now I'm ready to go get it. I pray that you'll be so tenacious with the promises of God, whether you're his age, essentially just starting out in life, just trying to figure life out, or whether you are up in your 80s. God. God. I pray that you'll have the same tenacity to chase down the promises of God. Come on. Don't ever be complacent. Don't ever settle for I'm just existing." [19:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The mountain that the enemy has squatted on and tried to steal from you will never be defined by the definition of the enemy again. As a matter of fact, God is going to change the very definition of that mountain. And he's going to bury the very things, the very foundation, the very foundational things that you can stand on. Hallelujah." [33:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If the enemy can't beat you through fear, he'll beat you through just thinking that I've done just no good. God threw me away. He can't love me anymore because I've done all this. Shut up. said, I have never thrown you away. I'm not building this foundation based on you. I'm building this foundation based on your ancestors that have cried out for your soul longer than you've been. Alive." [34:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "There's enough promise. Maybe this is an exaggeration, but I don't think it is. There's enough promise. Sit in this room right now to conquer the world. But as long as the enemy can convince you that you can't get it, or you don't deserve it, or you're too old, or you're too young, or you're too stupid, or you're too whatever, then, yeah, then you'll just exist. And you may go to heaven when you die, and you may not." [38:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So grab ahold of your promise today, and look at it for what it really is. Throw the man-made stuff away. Throw your emotional-generated stuff away. Grab ahold of that thing or those things that you know is really him. Not just what Grandma always said. Now, Grandma might have promised I'd over you, and it might have been right. Amen. Okay? It might have been right." [39:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I figure if the enemy's trying to rob you of it, that's a pretty sure sign that God's trying to give it to you. Amen. a little bit of redneck logic, but it is. what you going to do? Some of the thoughts that come into my mind are just, I don't know, but I'm just going to go with it. Open mouth before brain kicks in." [40:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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