Embracing Change: Moving Forward in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme "You've Got to Move," drawing inspiration from Paul's letter to the Philippians. Life often presents us with crossroads, where we must choose between moving forward or remaining stagnant. These moments can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Yet, it is in these very moments that God calls us to move forward, to embrace change, and to trust in His divine plan for our lives. God's plan is not rooted in our past, but in the future He has prepared for us. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.
Moving forward requires us to let go of the past, to release the burdens and regrets that hold us back. It demands a shift in mindset, a willingness to embrace change, and a commitment to God's purpose for our lives. We must recognize our destination, keeping Jesus as our ultimate goal. This journey of faith is not without its challenges, but with faithful determination, we can overcome any obstacle. We are called to dominate our fears and take possession of the promises God has for us. By faith, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
As we move forward, we must also embrace a life of praise and worship, trusting in God's provision and guidance. Even in the face of trials and tribulations, we are encouraged to keep moving, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Our journey is not just about reaching a destination, but about growing in faith, hope, and love. With Jesus as our guide, we can face any challenge and emerge victorious, for He is our rock and fortress.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Change and Move Forward: Life's crossroads often bring fear and uncertainty, but God calls us to move forward, trusting in His divine plan. Embracing change is essential for growth and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. [01:28:26]
2. Let Go of the Past: To move forward, we must release the burdens and regrets of the past. Holding onto past hurts and failures prevents us from embracing the future God has prepared for us. [01:32:13]
3. Recognize Your Destination: Keep Jesus as your ultimate goal and destination. With Him as our focus, we can navigate life's challenges with purpose and determination, knowing He guides our path. [01:41:19]
4. Faithful Determination: Persevere through life's storms with unwavering faith in Jesus. Challenges and distractions are part of the journey, but with determination, we can overcome them and reach our God-given destination. [01:46:06]
5. Dominate Your Fears: By faith, take possession of God's promises and overcome fears. Trust in the power of God within you to guide and protect you, enabling you to live a life of faith, hope, and praise. [01:52:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:13:51] - Gratitude and Reflections
- [01:17:06] - Support for Zion Girls School
- [01:20:39] - Introduction to Philippians
- [01:23:01] - Pressing Toward the Goal
- [01:25:08] - The Call to Move
- [01:26:28] - Overcoming the "What-If" Syndrome
- [01:28:26] - God's Plan for the Future
- [01:31:16] - Embracing Change
- [01:32:13] - Moving from Past to Future
- [01:33:16] - God's New Thing
- [01:34:24] - Lessons from Biblical Figures
- [01:35:01] - Personal Testimony
- [01:39:43] - Recognizing Your Destination
- [01:46:06] - Faithful Determination
- [01:52:51] - Dominating Your Fears
- [02:32:29] - Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:12-14 - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [01:23:01]
2. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [01:28:26]
3. Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" [01:33:16]
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 3:12-14, what is Paul's attitude towards his past and future? How does he describe his journey of faith? [01:23:01]
2. In the sermon, what are some of the "what-if" fears mentioned that can prevent us from moving forward? [01:26:28]
3. How does the speaker use the story of the woman with the issue of blood to illustrate the importance of having Jesus as our destination? [01:42:14]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the necessity of letting go of the past to embrace God's future plans? [01:35:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "pressing on" in Philippians 3:12-14 relate to the idea of moving forward despite challenges? What does this suggest about the nature of spiritual growth? [01:23:01]
2. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God's plans to prosper us. How does this promise influence our willingness to embrace change and move forward in faith? [01:28:26]
3. The sermon mentions the need to dominate fears by faith. How does this align with the biblical call to live a life of faith, hope, and praise? [01:52:51]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that holding onto past hurts and failures can hinder our spiritual journey? How does this relate to Isaiah 43:18-19? [01:33:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a crossroads in life. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in your decision to move forward? [01:26:28]
2. Identify a specific fear or "what-if" scenario that is currently holding you back. What steps can you take to overcome this fear with faith? [01:26:28]
3. Consider the past burdens or regrets you may be holding onto. What practical steps can you take to release these and embrace the future God has for you? [01:35:01]
4. How can you keep Jesus as your ultimate goal and destination in your daily life? What distractions might you need to minimize to maintain this focus? [01:42:14]
5. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did you demonstrate faithful determination, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future situations? [01:46:06]
6. In what ways can you incorporate more praise and worship into your life, especially during trials? How might this practice strengthen your faith journey? [01:52:51]
7. Reflect on the concept of "dominating your fears" by faith. What is one specific area in your life where you can apply this principle, and how will you do it? [01:52:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Crossroads of Change
In life, we often encounter crossroads that require us to make significant decisions. These moments can be intimidating, filled with fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead. However, it is precisely in these moments that God calls us to move forward, trusting in His divine plan. Embracing change is essential for growth and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. As we step into the unknown, we must remember that God's plan is not rooted in our past but in the future He has prepared for us. By embracing change, we open ourselves to the new opportunities and blessings that God has in store. [01:28:26]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "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: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace change? How can you take a step forward in faith today?
Day 2: Release the Chains of the Past
To move forward, we must let go of the burdens and regrets that hold us back. Holding onto past hurts and failures prevents us from embracing the future God has prepared for us. It requires a conscious decision to release these chains and trust in God's promise of a hopeful future. By letting go of the past, we free ourselves to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. This act of release is not easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth and transformation. [01:32:13]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What past burden or regret do you need to release to move forward? How can you begin to let go and trust in God's future for you today?
Day 3: Keep Your Eyes on the Ultimate Goal
Recognizing our destination is crucial in our journey of faith. Keeping Jesus as our ultimate goal and destination helps us navigate life's challenges with purpose and determination. With Him as our focus, we can overcome obstacles and distractions that may arise along the way. This journey is not just about reaching a destination but about growing in faith, hope, and love. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we ensure that our path aligns with God's purpose for our lives. [01:41:19]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can keep Jesus as your focus in your daily life? How can this help you navigate challenges with purpose?
Day 4: Persevere with Faithful Determination
Life's journey is filled with challenges and distractions, but with faithful determination, we can overcome them and reach our God-given destination. Perseverance requires unwavering faith in Jesus, trusting that He will guide us through life's storms. This determination is not about relying on our strength but on the strength that Christ provides. By persevering in faith, we demonstrate our commitment to God's purpose and our trust in His promises. [01:46:06]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that requires perseverance? How can you rely on Christ's strength to remain steadfast?
Day 5: Conquer Fear with Faith
Fear can be a significant barrier to moving forward and taking possession of God's promises. However, by faith, we can overcome these fears and trust in the power of God within us. This trust enables us to live a life of faith, hope, and praise, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. By dominating our fears, we open ourselves to the abundant life that God has promised. [01:52:51]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What fear is holding you back from fully embracing God's promises? How can you take a step of faith today to conquer this fear?
Quotes
Beloved in Christ, oftentimes we find ourselves at a crossroad or in a fix. We find ourselves in situations where we think we are torn between moving forward or stalling. Life throws at us a mixed bag of situations and circumstances, some good and some bad. And in these not so pleasant circumstances, we are perplexed and confused about what to do. During such periods, we tend to be afraid of the future, afraid of moving on as we battle with what I call the what-if syndrome. [01:25:54] (48 seconds)
But I came by this morning to tell somebody that irrespective of the dilemma in which you find yourself, you've got to move on. For some of us, we are to stand still on life's journey, unable to move on or rather reluctant to move on either because we have become so comfortable with our current situation or we have come to a sad conclusion that nothing good will come out of it. [01:28:28] (34 seconds)
Church, I've come by to tell somebody that irrespective of your situation or the situation as a constant that you find yourself in you've got to move. Beloved, God has a plan for each and every one of us. The divine plan is not in your past which is gone and irretrievable. But it's divine plan is in the future that lies ahead of us. [01:31:46] (35 seconds)
Even though it will take you through some turbulence. You know, change, we receive change because it makes us uncomfortable. But change fosters growth and for which reason it is a necessity in our lives. However, it is irrelevant if the people for whom change is desired do not embrace and commit to the change with a sense of purpose that reflects our joys and expectations even in the midst of our fears. [01:30:34] (36 seconds)
We all need to change our mindset and our attitude and our priorities even as we strive to move forward as a people called by God to participate in his mission on this earth. The journey of faith, one of which we are all called to behoose us to move because God is on the move. We need to press on to embrace the move of God in our lives. We need to move from hopelessness to hopefulness. [01:31:22] (36 seconds)
Moving forward involves the need to open our hearts and our minds to the Lord's leading and the leading of the Holy Spirit even as we reach out, change our perspective and commit to the Lord. To moving forward on God's agenda. Isaiah declares the oracle of God in the 43rd chapter and the 18th verse. Do not remember the former things nor consider things of old. Behold, I do a new thing. [01:33:58] (33 seconds)
Let us consider Lot's wife. She lingered on her material possessions that sought to inform her identity and she lost an opportunity to embrace the move of God. Let us consider Jonah. For selfish reasons, he refused to embrace the move of God and he found himself buried in the belly of a fish. Many of us have been reading the same old chapter of our life for too long. [01:34:48] (32 seconds)
He moved on and became the chief apostle for the same Jesus that he denied and the rock on which the church was built. Paul eagerly persecuted Christians and was hated and feared by the early church but when he encountered Jesus, he moved on and became the greatest evangelist of all time. David was an adulterer and a murderer but he was confronted by God. He repented and moved on and became the ideal king of Israel. [01:35:01] (37 seconds)
Take a step of faith and allow Jesus to be your motivation. Allow Jesus to guide you in your move forward. Guide you to a marriage counselor. Guide you to a job interview. Guide you to green and pasture. Let Jesus guide you even as you move forward. Beloved in the Lord, Job, Job, the 17th chapter, the 9th verse, reminds us that righteous keep moving forward. [01:36:01] (37 seconds)
Beloved, we cannot move forward if we have no idea where we are going. It is important for us to recognize that God always calls us to something. Though sometimes it may not be clear, he always calls us to something. We are a part of God's grand agenda. And we cannot reach out and press on with our lives and ministries outside his plans. [01:39:43] (36 seconds)
You see, faithful determination is that unrelenting confidence and conviction in Jesus Christ irrespective of the circumstances. When things are alright, he's still the Savior. When things don't go well, he is still the Savior. In today's text, Paul emphasizes his singular sense of purpose. He says, this one thing I do. And then he presses on forward. [01:45:30] (46 seconds)
Beloved, I've come to you. I've come by to tell somebody this morning that just because somebody has given up, just because somebody has said to you, you cannot make it, that's not mean you should also give up. Their destination may not be your destination. Just because the strongest has quit trying, that's not mean that God has given up on you. [01:50:08] (25 seconds)
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