Cultivating Courageous Faith in Challenging Times

Devotional

Day 1: Courageous Faith in a Challenging World

Maintaining a courageous faith in today's world requires an intentional and active trust in God's character and promises. This faith is not passive; it demands engagement with the challenges and doubts that arise in our lives. In a society that often questions the foundations of belief, it is crucial to hold steadfast to the understanding that God is sovereign and His plans are reliable. By focusing on God's person, power, principles, and providence, believers can navigate through societal pressures and personal disappointments with a faith that is both resilient and transformative. [07:11]

Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV): "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where your faith is being challenged. How can you actively trust in God's character and promises in this situation today?

Day 2: The Multifaceted Nature of Faith

Faith is not a one-dimensional concept but encompasses various aspects that guide a believer's life. Salvific faith brings salvation, sanctifying faith sets us apart for God's purposes, and practical faith influences our daily decisions and actions. Each dimension of faith calls for a deeper relationship with God, moving beyond merely seeking to please Him to living a life that is pleasing to Him. This journey involves understanding and embracing the different roles faith plays in our spiritual growth and daily walk with God. [15:09]

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: Consider which dimension of faith you feel most and least developed in. What practical steps can you take this week to grow in the area where you feel least developed?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

The concept of over-realized eschatology can lead to frustration when believers expect all of God's promises to be fulfilled immediately. True faith involves trusting in God's perfect timing, recognizing that His plans are greater than our own. Even when faced with delays or denials, believers are encouraged to hold onto the belief that God has something better in store. This trust requires patience and a willingness to wait for God's ultimate plan to unfold, knowing that His timing is always perfect. [26:35]

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

Reflection: Reflect on a promise or desire you are waiting on God to fulfill. How can you practice patience and trust in His timing today?

Day 4: Embracing Disappointment as a Path to Deeper Faith

Disappointment is not contrary to faith but can be an opportunity to deepen one's trust in God. When desires are unmet, believers are called to trust that God's "no" is for their best interest and that He has a greater plan. This perspective allows for a shift from seeing disappointment as a setback to viewing it as a stepping stone towards a more profound faith. Embracing this mindset can lead to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God, as believers learn to rely on His wisdom and love. [32:28]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment you have faced. How can you view this situation as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God's greater plan?

Day 5: Living Out Faith in Daily Life

The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 serve as a reminder that faith is not just theoretical but practical, impacting every aspect of daily life. These stories encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness, even when immediate results are not visible. By living out faith in action, believers can experience spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God. This involves making daily decisions that reflect trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan for our lives. [35:15]

Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: Identify one area of your daily life where you can more actively live out your faith. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's faithfulness?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the essence of maintaining a courageous faith amidst the challenges and doubts that life throws our way. We began by celebrating the greatness of God, acknowledging His creation and sovereignty, and seeking renewal and redirection in our lives. Our journey through the book of Hebrews has been centered on understanding and cultivating a courageous faith, a faith that is not easily swayed by societal pressures or personal disappointments.

We explored the question posed in Matthew 11:3, "Are you the one, or should we look for another?" This question resonates with many today as they grapple with their faith in a world that often seems to challenge the very foundations of belief. We are reminded that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are reliable and have orchestrated a divine plan for our lives. Despite the world's attempts to deconstruct or disfigure our faith, we are called to hold steadfast, trusting in the providence and promises of God.

Faith, as defined in Hebrews, is an intentional and volitional belief in God's person, power, principles, and providence. It is not merely theoretical but practical, impacting our daily lives and decisions. We discussed the different dimensions of faith: salvific faith that saves, sanctifying faith that sets us apart, and practical faith that guides our daily walk with God. The challenge lies in moving from a faith that seeks to please God to one that lives to be pleasing to God.

We also addressed the concept of over-realized eschatology, the mistaken belief that all of God's promises must be fulfilled in the present. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God's timing and His greater plan, even when it involves suffering or waiting. The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that many did not receive what was promised in their lifetime, yet they trusted in God's ultimate plan.

In conclusion, we are called to deepen our faith, trusting that when God says no, it is because He has something better in store for us. Our faith is not a guarantee of receiving everything we desire but a trust in God's wisdom and love. As we navigate life's challenges, may we hold onto our faith, knowing that it is building us and drawing us closer to God.

Key Takeaways

1. realized eschatology can lead to disappointment when we expect all of God's promises to be fulfilled immediately. True faith trusts in God's timing, believing that His plans are greater and that He has something better in store, even when we face delays or denials. [26:35]
4. Dealing with Disappointment: Disappointment is not antithetical to faith but an opportunity to deepen our trust in God. When we do not receive what we desire, we are called to trust that God's "no" is for our best interest and that He has a greater plan for our lives.

5. Faith in Action: The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that faith is not just theoretical but practical, impacting our daily lives. These stories encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when we do not see immediate results, knowing that He is working for our good.

** [26:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[02:15] - Introduction to Courageous Faith
[04:00] - Questioning Faith in Today's World
[07:11] - Deconstruction and Faith Challenges
[10:45] - Dimensions of Faith Explained
[15:09] - Practical vs. Theoretical Faith
[18:30] - Over-Realized Eschatology
[22:00] - Dealing with Disappointment
[26:35] - Trusting God's Timing
[30:00] - Examples of Faith in Hebrews 11
[32:28] - Faith in Action
[35:15] - Trusting God's "No"
[38:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**

Matthew 11:3 - "Are you the one, or should we look for another?"
Hebrews 10:35 - "Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

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**Observation Questions:**

What question does Matthew 11:3 pose, and how does it relate to the challenges of maintaining faith in today's world? [04:00]
According to Hebrews 10:35, what are believers encouraged not to throw away, and why is it important? [15:09]
How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, and what are the implications of this definition for daily living? [26:35]
What examples of faith from Hebrews 11 were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they illustrate practical faith? [35:15]

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**Interpretation Questions:**

How does the question in Matthew 11:3 reflect the doubts and challenges faced by believers today? What does this reveal about the nature of faith? [04:00]
In what ways does Hebrews 10:35 encourage believers to maintain their confidence in God, and what might be the consequences of losing this confidence? [15:09]
How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge believers to live out their faith practically, rather than just theoretically? [26:35]
What lessons can be drawn from the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, and how do they encourage believers to trust in God's timing and plan? [35:15]

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on a time when you questioned your faith like the question posed in Matthew 11:3. How did you navigate through that period, and what did you learn about your faith? [04:00]
Hebrews 10:35 speaks about not throwing away your confidence. Identify an area in your life where you feel your confidence in God is wavering. What steps can you take to strengthen it? [15:09]
Consider the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1. How can you apply this understanding of faith to a current challenge you are facing? [26:35]
The sermon mentioned the concept of over-realized eschatology. How can you adjust your expectations to align more closely with trusting God's timing rather than expecting immediate fulfillment of His promises? [26:35]
Think about a disappointment you have faced recently. How can you view this disappointment as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God, as suggested in the sermon? [32:28]
Reflect on the examples of faith in Hebrews 11. Which story resonates with you the most, and how can it inspire you to live out your faith more boldly? [35:15]
The sermon emphasized moving from a faith that seeks to please God to one that lives to be pleasing to God. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to embody this shift? [15:09]

Sermon Clips

And so theoretically, you know what, we have faith. But the question becomes, do we have practical faith? Do you have faith? You know, I'm going to trust God and believe God on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you live your life defeated by believing that the circumstances rule over you and that things cannot get better, you are not living by faith in that area of your life. [00:06:33] (29 seconds)

The reason a miracle is a miracle is because it is an anomaly it doesn't happen on a regular basis it doesn't occur with the frequency to where it becomes a normal it's somewhat um out of the norm it's somewhat abnormal or unusual so a miracle is a miracle because it doesn't happen every day but what happens we got the prosperity what you know what I want what God has for me right now well if you read your Bible we are waiting for Christ to come back when you read Revelation he's gonna come up 21 22 he'll create a new heavens and a new earth and boy he'll destroy this place with fervent heat according to second Peter because this place is not good enough to contain us for eternity so if that's true then why do you believe that everything God has for you ought to happen now so it's an over -realized eschatology we've lost any concept of a future orientation that God's got greater later and everything is not for right now there's an over -realized as we want what God has that I'm prepared for the end to happen right now and then lastly before I jump into this passage we don't have a concept of the relationship of suffering martyrdom in our faith somebody slipped us a Mickey and somebody said that boy if you suffer hardship then you're not experiencing true biblical faith if you go through hard times there's something deficient about your belief system if you go through suffering [00:11:25] (110 seconds)

how do you respond when you're single and you're trusting God to bring you a mate but God hadn't given you a mate yet how do you respond when you're when you're bearing you can't reproduce and and your battle clock is ticking but God has not blessed you all and boy has not placed any fruit on the inside of your womb how do you respond when you're trusting God for something and God has not come through yet even the challenge past I'm exercising faith but God's not doing his part past I'm exercising faith and boy I'm trusting God but God hadn't done what I'm trusting God to do let me ask your question is faith guaranteeing that God's gonna do what you want God to do or does faith say I'm gonna trust God and God can decide what he wants to do [00:22:49] (52 seconds)

so we live in a world right now where where where where as in the words Martin Luther King he's become a cosmic Santa Claus that we get a chance to tell God what he needs to do and God gets a certain amount of time to get it done and if God does not get it done we threaten God say God I'ma stop serving you I'ma stop worshiping you I'ma stop giving financially you got because God you're not performing I am the evaluator and I'm in control and God you're not measuring up and when we begin to trash our faith we function with that kind of mindset when God does not do what we believe God should do then we begin to question God and question is God worthy of our trust are we good so the question becomes how do we deal with disappointment in our culture we don't even want let kids know you really did lose the game [00:23:44] (60 seconds)

bought a new covenant but watch this now in essence God says that when you do not receive what you want when you want it at the time you want it you better believe that God's got something better for you how do y 'all believe that that if God says no to this job and I'm walking with God I'm following God I'm trusting God I'm believing God I'm obeying God and he says no to this job that must mean that God's got a better job for me some of y 'all who said oh boy I wonder if I should have just stayed with him or just stay with her and they had some major red flags and I knew I had to let him go and boy it hurts so bad when I let him go you better believe that if God says no to that one that God's got somebody else and something else better for you I was tracking together at the end of the day that if this body does not work out first Corinthians chapter 15 says we got a new body coming our way and so if God does not heal this body God's got a better body for us whatever God says no God's got something better for your life but the question becomes do we have the maturity to trust God's know do we have the maturity to trust God's know when we don't have the maturity what we do is we defect on the faith we depart from the faith but when you do have the maturity you deepen your faith and you depend upon God more God said no [00:26:45] (114 seconds)

When he's persistently and consistently showing up in your life, it's hard to believe that God don't exist and God is not real and God is not authoritative and God is not reliable and God is not valid when you're experiencing the mercy, the grace of God. [00:30:23] (21 seconds)

Sometimes, very often, people don't know how to deal with hardship and because they don't know how to deal with suffering, they have a hard time walking in faith. Maintain your faith. [00:31:27] (17 seconds)

That very faith you think that, boy, you need to walk away from what you need to walk into. And I promise you, God will show you. He's real. God will show you. He's still active. God will show you. He's still at work. God will show you. He's still God. We will not receive everything on this side of glory. That's an over -realized eschatology. [00:31:50] (22 seconds)

Don't think he's not concerned about you. Understand he loves you. He's concerned about you. He's trying to protect you. He's got something better. He's got something better. Amen. Amen. [00:36:48] (17 seconds)

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