Embracing Faith: A Journey of Longing and Belonging
Summary
Faith often begins with longing—a desire to see, to know, and to be sure that God is real and present. This longing is not a weakness, but a holy yearning that lives in each of us, whether we are young or old. Especially at moments like confirmation, we find ourselves asking: Am I ready? Where is God in my life? The journey of faith is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to step forward, trusting that God is already with us and will continue to be.
Claiming faith for ourselves is a deeply personal step. It cannot be forced or inherited; it must be chosen. Like Moana standing at the edge of the reef, we may not have all the explanations, but we sense there is more ahead. The questions, the searching, and the hunger to see and be seen by God are all part of the sacred journey. Growth in faith often happens quietly, through small acts of courage and participation, and sometimes we only recognize it in hindsight.
God is not distant or hidden away. Jesus tells us that to see him is to see the Father—God shows up in everyday love, in acts of justice, and in communities where everyone is welcome. Sometimes, God’s presence is found in unexpected places: a conversation at the bank, a community celebration, or a simple act of kindness. Like Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia, we are called to notice God’s fingerprints in the ordinary, to see what others might overlook.
Children have a special gift for seeing the sacred in the small and the holy in the ordinary. On this day, as we celebrate both confirmation and Children’s Day, we are reminded to approach faith with childlike openness and wonder. Jesus promises that we are never left alone; the Holy Spirit is our advocate, companion, and teacher. The Spirit is not just a gentle presence, but one that transforms, reveals truth, and binds us together across every boundary.
The peace Jesus gives is not the absence of hardship, but the assurance of belonging and being seen. Even in times of uncertainty or doubt, the Spirit remains with us, whispering that we are loved and never alone. Confirmation is not the end, but a milestone in a lifelong journey—a journey marked by courage, love, and trust in God’s abiding presence.
Key Takeaways
- Holy Longing and Sacred Questions
The desire to see and know God is a sacred longing, not a sign of weakness. Our questions and uncertainties are part of the journey, drawing us deeper into relationship with God. Faith is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to step forward with open hearts and trust. [00:36]
- Faith Must Be Claimed, Not Forced
True faith cannot be imposed or inherited; it must be chosen freely. Like Moana at the edge of the reef, we may not fully understand what lies ahead, but we sense the call to step into a larger story. Growth in faith often comes through small acts of courage and willingness to participate, even when we feel unprepared. [03:23]
- God’s Presence in the Ordinary
God often reveals Himself in everyday moments—through acts of kindness, community, and unexpected encounters. We are called to notice these subtle signs, recognizing that God is not distant but present in the ordinary details of our lives. Like Lucy in Narnia, we must learn to see what others might miss. [06:28]
- The Spirit’s Transforming and Inclusive Work
The Holy Spirit is not just a comforting presence, but one who transforms, reveals truth, and unites us across all boundaries. This Spirit brings a liberating truth that affirms every person’s place at God’s table, regardless of background or label. Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit is poured out on all people, inviting us into a community of peace and belonging. [08:20]
- Peace and Belonging Amid Uncertainty
The peace Jesus offers is not the absence of trouble, but the assurance that we are seen, cherished, and never alone. Even when we face doubts or step into the unknown, the Spirit remains with us, whispering that we belong and are loved. Our journey of faith is marked by this peace, which gives us courage to follow and grace to love. [09:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - The Longing to See and Know God
[01:19] - Confirmation: Am I Ready?
[02:02] - Growth Through Participation
[03:23] - Claiming Faith for Ourselves
[04:20] - The Sacredness of Questions
[05:08] - God Revealed in Everyday Love
[05:59] - Church as Community
[06:28] - Noticing God in the Ordinary
[07:45] - Children’s Day: Seeing with New Eyes
[08:20] - The Spirit: Advocate and Companion
[09:20] - The Gift of Peace and Belonging
[10:19] - Scholarships and Future Peacemakers
[11:03] - The Spirit’s Assurance in Uncertainty
[12:00] - Closing Prayer and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
John 14:8-9, 16-18, 27 (NRSV)
> 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
> 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?...
> 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
> 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
> 18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you...
> 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
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### Observation Questions
1. What question does Philip ask Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to him? ([00:36])
2. According to the sermon, what are some ways God shows up in everyday life? ([05:08])
3. What does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit in John 14, and how is this described in the sermon? ([08:20])
4. How does the sermon describe the kind of peace Jesus gives, compared to what the world offers? ([09:20])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Philip (and others) feel the need for certainty or visible proof of God’s presence? How does Jesus’ answer challenge or comfort that desire? ([00:36])
2. The sermon says faith must be claimed, not forced or inherited. What does it look like for someone to “claim” faith for themselves, especially when they don’t have all the answers? ([03:23])
3. The sermon mentions that God’s presence is often found in ordinary moments. Why do people sometimes overlook these moments, and what helps someone notice them? ([06:28])
4. The Holy Spirit is described as both a comforter and a transformer. How does this dual role affect the way we experience God’s presence in our lives and community? ([08:20])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talks about a “holy longing” to see and know God. When have you felt this kind of longing in your own life? How did you respond to it? ([00:36])
2. Think about a time when you had to make a personal decision about your faith, rather than just following what others expected. What helped you take that step? ([03:23])
3. The sermon gives examples of God showing up in places like a bank conversation or a community celebration. Where have you recently noticed God’s presence in an ordinary or unexpected place? ([06:28])
4. Children are said to have a special gift for seeing the sacred in the small things. What is one “small” or “ordinary” thing this week where you could intentionally look for God’s fingerprints? ([07:45])
5. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as an advocate and companion. When have you felt alone or uncertain, and how might you look for the Spirit’s presence or guidance in those moments? ([08:20])
6. The peace Jesus gives is described as the assurance of belonging, not the absence of trouble. What is one area of your life where you need this kind of peace right now? How can you open yourself to receive it? ([09:20])
7. Confirmation is described as a milestone, not the end of the journey. What is one small act of courage or participation you could take this week to grow in your faith journey? ([11:03])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Longing to See and Know God Is Holy
The deep desire to see, know, and be sure of God is not a weakness but a sacred longing that lives within each of us. This yearning often becomes especially urgent at moments of spiritual decision, like confirmation, but it is present in all stages of faith. Rather than dismissing our questions or doubts, we are invited to honor them as part of our journey, recognizing that the search for God is itself a holy pursuit. Trusting God does not require having all the answers; it means stepping forward with open hearts, knowing that God is already with us and will continue to be. [04:20]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
Reflection: What is one question or longing you have about God right now, and how can you bring it honestly before Him in prayer today?
Day 2: God Is Revealed in Jesus and in Everyday Love
Jesus assures us that to see Him is to see the Father, reminding us that God is not distant but present in our daily lives. God shows up in everyday love, in acts of justice, and in communities where everyone is welcome. Sometimes we miss God’s presence because we are looking elsewhere, but God’s fingerprints are found in ordinary moments, friendships, and unexpected kindness. Like Lucy in Narnia, we are called to notice and follow God’s presence, even when others do not see it. [07:45]
John 14:8-9 (ESV)
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
Reflection: Where have you seen God’s love or presence in an ordinary moment this week, and how can you become more attentive to these signs?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Is Our Advocate, Companion, and Teacher
Jesus promises that we are not left alone; the Holy Spirit is given as our advocate, companion, and teacher. The Spirit is not an impersonal force but a gentle, persistent presence that heals, transforms, and reveals truth. This Spirit binds us together across every boundary, offering a liberating and inclusive truth that affirms every child of God has a place at the table. The Spirit’s presence is poured out on all people, regardless of age, background, or label, and continues to guide, comfort, and strengthen us on our journey. [09:20]
John 14:16-18 (ESV)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remember that the Holy Spirit is with you, guiding and comforting you today?
Day 4: The Spirit’s Peace Is the Gift of Belonging
The peace Jesus gives is not the absence of hardship but the presence of belonging and assurance that we are seen and cherished by God. The Spirit’s peace helps us notice God’s gifts, even in difficult times, and reminds us of our identity as beloved children of God. This peace is a gift that sustains us as we step into new chapters, face uncertainty, or seek sanctuary. It is a peace that the world cannot give, rooted in God’s unwavering presence and love. [10:19]
John 14:27 (ESV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Reflection: What is one situation causing you anxiety or fear, and how can you invite Jesus’ peace and sense of belonging into that place today?
Day 5: Saying Yes to Faith Is a Lifelong Journey
Confirmation, and every step of faith, is not the end but a milestone in a lifelong journey with God. Saying yes to God’s presence, to following Jesus, and to listening for the Spirit’s voice does not require having all the answers or being free from doubt. The Spirit is not scared off by our questions but dwells within us, giving us courage, grace, and faith to move forward even when the path is unclear. We are never alone; God’s promise is to be with us now and forever. [11:03]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to say “yes” to God’s presence and guidance, even if you don’t feel completely ready?
Quotes
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