Embracing Faith: The Power of Prayer and Waiting

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of waiting on God and the transformative power of prayer. As we journey through life, it's easy to become impatient, thinking we need to help God with His plans. However, the key to spiritual strength and renewal lies in waiting on the Lord. This waiting is not passive but an active openness to God's Spirit, His Word, and His presence in our lives. We are reminded that faith, not feelings, is what navigates us through life's challenges. Jesus' words to the woman who touched Him, "Your faith has made you whole," echo the truth that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.

We also celebrated the journey of individuals like Brian, who are stepping into new roles of leadership and service within the church. This highlights the importance of recognizing God's purpose in our lives and being open to His calling. As we invest in the next generation, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to instill faith and values in our children.

The message emphasized the need for a deeper commitment to prayer in 2025. Prayer is not just a ritual but a transformative practice that changes us and our circumstances. It is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy. We are called to move beyond talking about prayer to actively engaging in it, both individually and as a community. Through prayer, we express our dependence on God, acknowledging that He is our peace and strength.

Finally, we are encouraged to trust in God's presence and promises. He is always with us, even in the darkest moments. Our relationship with Him is not independent but deeply dependent on His love and guidance. As we pray, we present ourselves as living sacrifices, expressing our worship and gratitude for all He has done. Let us embrace prayer as a vital part of our spiritual DNA, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us closer to God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Waiting on God: Waiting on the Lord is an active process of being open to His Spirit and guidance. It requires faith and patience, trusting that God will renew our strength and lead us in His perfect timing. Our impatience can hinder His work, but waiting allows us to experience His miraculous power. [38:55]

2. Faith Over Feelings: In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is our faith, not our feelings, that sustains us. Jesus' affirmation that faith makes us whole reminds us to trust in God's promises, even when we don't feel His presence. Faith is the anchor that keeps us grounded in God's truth. [40:35]

3. The Transformative Power of Prayer: Prayer is not just about changing our circumstances but about changing us. It aligns our hearts with God's will and empowers us to face life's challenges. As we pray, we invite God's presence into our lives, allowing Him to work in and through us. [57:18]

4. God's Ever-Present Help: God is always with us, even when we feel alone. His promise to never leave or forsake us is a source of comfort and strength. We are called to trust in His presence and rely on His guidance, knowing that He is our constant companion. [01:14:10]

5. Prayer as a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare: Prayer is the most effective weapon against spiritual darkness. It is through prayer that we engage in spiritual warfare, standing firm against the enemy's attacks. By praying in faith, we activate God's power and protection in our lives. [01:41:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:55] - The Power of Waiting on God
- [40:35] - Faith Over Feelings
- [42:11] - Celebrating Leadership and Service
- [50:06] - Investing in the Next Generation
- [52:14] - The Urgency of Prayer in 2025
- [55:07] - Moving from Talking to Praying
- [57:18] - The Transformative Power of Prayer
- [59:14] - Prayer as Part of Our Spiritual DNA
- [01:05:16] - Overcoming Weakness in Prayer
- [01:06:28] - Trusting in God's Presence
- [01:14:10] - God's Ever-Present Help
- [01:19:12] - Breaking the Cycle of Self-Love and Self-Loathing
- [01:31:49] - Speaking Peace Over Our Lives
- [01:41:31] - Prayer as a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
3. Psalm 139:7-12 - "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Isaiah 40:31 suggest about the benefits of waiting on the Lord? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on active waiting? [38:55]

2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about leadership and service? [42:11]

3. According to Psalm 139:7-12, what is the significance of God's omnipresence, and how does this provide comfort as discussed in the sermon? [01:14:10]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in spiritual warfare, and what biblical basis is provided for this view? [01:41:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the concept of waiting on God challenge common perceptions of productivity and action in a believer's life? [38:55]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and feelings, and how can this understanding impact a believer's response to crises? [40:35]

3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to view prayer as more than a ritual, and how does this align with the biblical examples of prayer? [57:18]

4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on God’s ever-present help influence a believer’s trust in God during difficult times? [01:14:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt impatient with God's timing. How can you practice active waiting in your current circumstances? [38:55]

2. Identify a situation where you relied more on your feelings than your faith. How can you shift your focus to faith in God's promises? [40:35]

3. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to prayer, both individually and within your community, as encouraged in the sermon? [57:18]

4. How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life, especially during moments of loneliness or fear? [01:14:10]

5. Consider a specific area of your life where you need to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer. What practical steps can you take to incorporate this into your prayer life? [01:41:31]

6. How can you invest in the next generation, as highlighted in the sermon, to instill faith and values in them? [50:06]

7. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's presence and guidance, and how can this experience strengthen your faith moving forward? [01:14:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Waiting on God
Waiting on God is not a passive act but an active engagement with His Spirit, Word, and presence. It requires faith and patience, trusting that God will renew our strength and guide us in His perfect timing. When we become impatient, we may inadvertently hinder His work in our lives. However, by waiting, we open ourselves to experience His miraculous power and divine intervention. This active waiting involves a readiness to respond to His guidance and a willingness to align our lives with His will. [38:55]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to wait on God? How can you actively engage with His presence and guidance during this waiting period?


Day 2: Faith as Our Anchor
In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is our faith, not our feelings, that sustains us. Feelings can be fleeting and unreliable, but faith is the anchor that keeps us grounded in God's truth. Jesus' affirmation that faith makes us whole reminds us to trust in God's promises, even when we don't feel His presence. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [40:35]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith guide you through it, and how can you strengthen your faith for future challenges?


Day 3: The Transformative Nature of Prayer
Prayer is not just about changing our circumstances but about changing us. It aligns our hearts with God's will and empowers us to face life's challenges. Through prayer, we invite God's presence into our lives, allowing Him to work in and through us. It is a powerful practice that transforms our perspective, renews our minds, and strengthens our spirit. As we commit to a deeper prayer life, we express our dependence on God and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. [57:18]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? What specific area of your life do you need to bring before God in prayer today?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Ever-Present Help
God is always with us, even when we feel alone. His promise to never leave or forsake us is a source of comfort and strength. We are called to trust in His presence and rely on His guidance, knowing that He is our constant companion. In moments of darkness and uncertainty, we can find peace in the assurance that God is with us, guiding us through every trial and triumph. [01:14:10]

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt alone. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you remind yourself of His constant companionship today?


Day 5: Prayer as a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
Prayer is the most effective weapon against spiritual darkness. It is through prayer that we engage in spiritual warfare, standing firm against the enemy's attacks. By praying in faith, we activate God's power and protection in our lives. Prayer equips us to face spiritual battles with courage and confidence, knowing that we are not alone in the fight. As we pray, we invite God's strength and wisdom to guide us, enabling us to overcome the challenges we face. [01:41:31]

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection: Identify a spiritual battle you are currently facing. How can you use prayer as a weapon to stand firm and seek God's guidance and protection in this situation?

Quotes

"I guess the older I get the little bit wiser I get that I stop trying to figure it out and do things for him you know how the scripture says they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength help me out with it they will mount up with wings like eagles they'll walk and not faint the key to that whole thing is waiting I'm not a good waiter I don't wait because I feel like well God knows me well enough and I know he trusts me so he needs my help so my disobedience in not waiting isn't going to fix things it's only going to make things worse I know none of you are like this but I can really mess things up from time to time" [00:33:39]

"How I felt, how she felt, how some of you have felt in times of crisis, in times of trauma, in times of... Point of no return. Isn't the thing that navigated you through how you felt? It was your faith. Jesus said to the woman who touched him, against all odds, your faith has made you whole. Have faith. Have faith in God. He's going to see you through." [00:40:09]

"Prayer doesn't just change things, prayer changes me. And then when I'm changed, it's kind of crazy how everything around me changes. When God changes me. And prayer really changes me. So we're going to focus this year on doing more praying. So each quarter, each three months, Reunion will introduce three new focus, prayer focuses. And we call it the three for three. All right? And we had one Sunday about that, the first Sunday on the 5th of January, and we introduced our three for three." [00:57:16]

"So when we pray, God changes us. And then God changes circumstances and people, places. God changes me. You heard Jan talk about how prayer for her health transformed and changed her. She's not the same person she was before that. Nor am I, nor are some of you. How many of you have been changed by God? Can you say amen? Wow. What a response, a time to pray." [00:59:14]

"God has promised to be with us. He made a promise to me. I will be with you. And He has been. And He has been. And the only time it ever felt that He wasn't when I didn't want Him there. And still He was there. I know you don't want me here, but I'm not going anywhere. Matthew 28, 18 -20. And Jesus came and said to them all authority, to His disciples, to His followers, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me, Christ." [01:12:32]

"Where will I go from your spirit? Where will I flee from your presence, God? If I ascend to the heaven, there you are. If I make my bed in hell, there you are. If I take on the wings of the morning and I dwell, I live, in the utmost parts of the sea, at the bottom of the ocean. Even there, your hand will lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness will cover me, and the light about me is night." [01:15:03]

"Prayer is the single most effective weapon of spiritual warfare against darkness that God has ever given humankind. 20 yeah 2025 and what have we taught christians in american christianity is to pray against the enemy our laser lights are bigger than your laser lights what we need to be teaching christians in 2025 is how to pray against the enemy in the name of jesus christ by the power of the holy spirit so that we might be delivered amen the bible teaches that we ought always to pray look at the person next to you and say hey i i didn't know that i didn't know we were supposed to be praying all the time and jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart many of us lose heart because we don't pray and because we don't pray we lose heart and the lord said hear what the righteous judge says and will not god give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night of course he will the call for believers followers and people of faith and we're we're closing out right now fear not the call for believers followers and people of faith to pray becomes more radical than some would even imagine the apostle paul in his instruction to the christian churches of thessalonica taught the following about the importance essentials of of prayer and watching chapter 5 of first thessalonians verse 13 be at peace among yourselves and we urge you brothers admonish the idol those who are doing nothing encourage the faint -hearted those who are weak and weary help the weak be patient with them all" [01:41:31]

"Say it with me rejoice always pray without ceasing oh wow we're gonna do that in the next two weeks i'm going to tell you about praying without ceasing a prayer of continuance say with me a prayer of continuance yeah there it is pray without ceasing give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of god in christ jesus for you some of you need to highlight that passage first thessalonians 5 13 through 18 it's going to change your life if you can embrace that instruction from the apostle paul it will change your it'll change your life so we have a lot of ideas and misunderstandings motives regarding prayer and praying prayer is not declaring earthly comforts and material possessions or wealth into existence you you owe me god no please shut up" [01:46:36]

"Although prayer, as we will learn, has many dimensions, and it has a lot of interpretations to it, in its simplest form, simplest form, prayer is the way we express our relationship both to and with God. Can I say that to you one more time? Prayer in its most simple, most basic, elemental, rudimental form, prayer is the way we express our relationship, both to and with God. It's talking with Him. It's walking with Him." [01:08:25]

"Prayer must be a common practice and it has to be a righteous attribute what would you say if I asked you what's a righteous a righteous attribute so the word operating on the on the definition of the word righteous as good or goodness what is a righteous attribute authentic virtuous right that carries weight holy anything else pardon surrender that's a good one yeah there's a lot of things that we could call out today that would fit into that category of a righteous attitude but there's none more there is none more effective for you and I than when we pray praying is a godly and a righteous attribute for God's people we can't say that we're really children of God when we don't talk to the Father how many of you are hearing me well I'm a child of God really when's the last time you talked to your dad I'm not talking about your earthly dad I'm talking about your dad God your father yes and Jesus said when you pray pray this way our Father yes so our interest in our practice of prayer reveals to the world that we have who's the one that said authentic I think somebody said earlier that we have an authentic relationship with God it's real it's real I'm just not religious I'm not a religious person I'm looking for something more real I'm looking for a relationship with God not transactional but relational He walks with me He talks with me yes all along the way so as I arrive in the day every day everybody say amen our daily and our faithful prayer says to those who know us God is real say that out loud God is real one more time God is real our prayer faithful prayer says not only to those who know us but it reinforces in you and I it reinforces in us that god is real i'm not just saying words just to say words some people do that" [01:01:10]

"Prayer is not only essential to what we believe it is an evident and active practice of our faith in god and the genuine christian lifestyle and in christianism that's what we do in shemann and in the church as well we're all one figure in the church and we need to build on that i'm what i call the fait accompli i have one paragraph left kind of do i have to stop can i finish it well can i finish it without causing anybody any real grief as what i call the final as the final great reveal it converges upon us contrary to what some people believe now that we have a new president everything's going to be great i still think that we're heading towards the end which is actually the beginning and there are a lot of people because they don't believe in the end will never be ready for the beginning that was crazy wasn't it don't ask me to say it again i do not want i want to teach you and the ones you love to pray to god whom you love even more" [01:48:44]

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Transcript
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