Embracing Faith: Transformative Journeys Through Trials
Summary
In my recent sermon, I reflected on the journey of faith and the ways in which God has been present and active throughout my life. I shared personal stories that illustrate the transformative power of God's love and the assurance of His purpose for us, even amidst trials and uncertainties.
My faith walk began in childhood, within a loving Lutheran family. Although religion was a private matter in our household, the seeds of faith were sown through regular church attendance and participation in Christian education. Despite this foundation, I experienced internal conflict and guilt, which I later understood as the Holy Spirit's conviction.
As I navigated the challenges of moving to a new town and attending college, I encountered situations that tested my faith. It was during this time that I met my husband, Al, whose strength of character and commitment to learning influenced my own spiritual growth. Our plans to attend seminary were altered by the birth of our daughter, Paige, and financial constraints, leading us to teach and become involved in a vibrant church community in Cottonwood.
The Holy Spirit movement of the early 1970s was a pivotal time for me. I attended a Bible study that ignited a passion for a personal relationship with Jesus. On March 4th, 1974, I experienced a profound moment of assurance, knowing without a doubt that Jesus died for me and that by inviting Him into my heart and repenting, I could be certain of my salvation.
This newfound assurance led to a period of spiritual fervor, which I describe as my "Christian honeymoon." I immersed myself in Bible study, prayer, and church activities, feeling God's use of my talents and a deep connection to His word.
However, life also brought valleys. The loss of my mother and the guilt that followed tested my faith, but I found solace in 1 John 1:9, which promises forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness. This verse helped me to overcome guilt and embrace the forgiveness that both my mother and God had extended to me.
My sister's battle with cancer and her request for me to be her spiritual mentor brought healing to our relationship and allowed us to grow closer before her passing. This experience underscored the power of reconciliation and the hope of eternal life.
In 2010, after nearly 40 years at our church, doctrinal changes forced us to seek a new church home. This difficult decision was a testament to our commitment to truth over comfort. We found a new church family at Living Word, where we have been blessed and continue to grow in faith.
Throughout my testimony, I emphasized the importance of recognizing God's signs and the assurance of His presence. I encouraged the congregation to open their hearts to God's personal messages and to embrace the gift of salvation and a fulfilling walk with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit's conviction can often be mistaken for guilt or internal conflict, but it serves as a divine nudge towards repentance and growth. Understanding this can transform feelings of guilt into opportunities for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God. [16:10]
- Assurance of salvation is not just a theological concept; it's a deeply personal experience that can change the trajectory of one's faith journey. When we embrace this assurance, as I did on March 4th, 1974, it becomes a cornerstone of our identity in Christ and a source of unshakeable confidence in His promises. [21:10]
- The valleys of life, though challenging, are not without purpose. They are often the settings where God's pruning takes place, shaping us into the image of Christ. By embracing these seasons, we can experience growth that leads to a more fruitful and resilient faith. [23:25]
- Forgiveness is a powerful force that not only reconciles us to God but also has the potential to mend human relationships. My journey with my sister is a testament to the healing that can occur when we allow God's grace to work through us, offering and receiving forgiveness. [26:18]
- The decision to leave a familiar church community after many years can be heart-wrenching, but it also demonstrates a commitment to truth. This choice, while painful, can lead to new avenues of spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's guidance in our lives. [27:54]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
3. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 8:28 say about God's role in the lives of those who love Him? How does this verse relate to Judy's experiences shared in her testimony? [13:20]
2. According to Philippians 1:6, what assurance do believers have about the work God has started in them? How did Judy's life reflect this assurance? [14:44]
3. In 1 John 1:9, what promise is given to those who confess their sins? How did this verse help Judy overcome her feelings of guilt? [25:36]
4. What were some of the key moments in Judy's life that tested her faith and how did she respond to them? [23:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can understanding Romans 8:28 help believers navigate through challenging times in their lives? Reflect on a time when you saw God work something for good in your life. [13:20]
2. What does Philippians 1:6 suggest about the nature of God's work in our lives? How can this verse provide comfort during times of uncertainty or change? [14:44]
3. How does the promise in 1 John 1:9 impact a believer's understanding of forgiveness and guilt? Why is it important to embrace this promise fully? [25:36]
4. Judy mentioned that the Holy Spirit's conviction can often be mistaken for guilt. How can believers discern the difference between the two? [16:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt internal conflict or guilt. How might this have been the Holy Spirit's conviction? How can you respond to such feelings in the future? [16:10]
2. Judy experienced a profound assurance of her salvation on March 4th, 1974. Have you had a similar moment of assurance in your faith journey? If not, what steps can you take to seek this assurance? [21:10]
3. Life's valleys can be challenging but purposeful. Can you identify a difficult season in your life that led to significant spiritual growth? How did you see God's hand in it? [23:25]
4. Forgiveness played a crucial role in Judy's relationship with her sister. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take steps towards reconciliation? [26:18]
5. Judy and her family made the difficult decision to leave their long-time church for doctrinal reasons. Have you ever had to make a tough decision for the sake of truth? How did it impact your faith? [27:54]
6. Judy emphasized the importance of recognizing God's signs and messages. How can you become more attuned to God's personal messages in your daily life? What practices can help you stay open to His guidance? [30:54]
7. Reflect on the role of community in your faith journey. How can you contribute to and benefit from your church community in a way that aligns with God's purpose for you? [19:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Nudges Toward Renewal
The Holy Spirit's conviction is often misunderstood as mere guilt or internal conflict. Yet, it is through these uncomfortable stirrings that one is prompted to seek repentance and spiritual growth. When these feelings arise, they are not to be shunned but embraced as opportunities for renewal. The discomfort is a divine nudge, guiding one towards a deeper communion with God. It is in these moments that the Holy Spirit works within, transforming guilt into a catalyst for change and a more profound relationship with the Creator.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. How can you respond to this conviction in a way that leads to spiritual growth and renewal? [07:40]
Day 2: The Cornerstone of Assurance
Assurance of salvation is a deeply personal experience that can profoundly impact one's faith journey. It is not merely an abstract theological concept but a living reality that provides a foundation for identity in Christ. This assurance offers an unshakeable confidence in God's promises, allowing one to stand firm in faith regardless of life's storms. Embracing this assurance means recognizing the significance of the sacrifice made on one's behalf and living in the freedom and confidence that it brings.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love." (Romans 8:38 NLT)
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation shape the way you live your life and face challenges? [16:10]
Day 3: Growth in the Valleys
The valleys of life, filled with trials and sorrows, are not devoid of divine purpose. These challenging seasons are often where one experiences the most significant growth, being pruned and shaped into the image of Christ. It is in the embrace of these difficult times that one can find the potential for a more fruitful and resilient faith. The valleys are not to be feared but navigated with trust in God's refining process, knowing that they lead to greater spiritual maturity and strength.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3 ESV)
Reflection: What valley are you currently walking through, and how can you see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback? [21:10]
Day 4: The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful force that not only reconciles us to God but also has the potential to mend human relationships. It is through the extension and acceptance of forgiveness that healing occurs, allowing for the restoration of broken bonds. The act of forgiving and being forgiven reflects the grace of God at work, offering a path to reconciliation and peace. By allowing God's grace to flow through us, we can experience the transformative power of forgiveness in our relationships and our own hearts.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13 NIV)
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive, and how can you take a step towards forgiveness today? [23:25]
Day 5: Commitment to Truth Over Comfort
Making the decision to leave a familiar church community is a profound testament to one's commitment to truth. This difficult choice, while painful, can open new avenues for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's guidance. It is a courageous act that prioritizes faithfulness to God's Word over the comfort of the known. Such a step, though fraught with uncertainty, can lead to finding a new church family where one can continue to grow and be nurtured in truth.
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8 ESV)
Reflection: Have you ever had to make a difficult decision because of your commitment to truth? What did you learn from that experience? [26:18]
Quotes
1) "I know now that was the Holy Spirit convicting me but at the time it was quite confusing... God put Al into my life and my focus changed. I was immediately drawn to his strength of character and commitment to learning... at the end of our first date he bonked me on the head with his Greek book." [17:43]
2) "The Holy Spirit kept working on me until March 4th, 1974... a warm sensation went through my entire body and I knew without a Shadow of Doubt that this Jesus had come to Earth and died for me... I could know I was going to heaven." [21:10]
3) "That began a wonderful time in my life I call it my Christian honeymoon time. I felt on fire for the Lord and everywhere I turned I felt like God was using me. I began reading the Bible more and praying a lot more." [21:55]
4) "God picked out some valleys for me... I was devastated one of my greatest supporters was stripped away in the prime of her life and I had failed her by not being there when she needed me... I really questioned God at that time." [24:08]
5) "Satan still tries to it I know both mom and God had forgiven me and I claim first John 1:9 that says if you confess your sins God who is faithful and just will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness." [25:36]
6) "In 2019 my younger sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer she asked me to be her spiritual Mentor... God gave us some beautiful times together and we grew very close. God had healed that Rift and I was able to play a part in making sure she and I would continue our relationship in heaven." [26:18]
7) "This church where we had been members for nearly 40 years... it could no longer guide me in truth. It was like a death and I really grieved and struggled with our decision. Ultimately I knew God was asking us to make a decision to put the truth above Comfort." [27:54]
8) "Every time we visited Living Word we felt drawn to it... in the 14 years God has blessed us. He continues to show me signs to remind me he didn't lie when he said I will be with you always." [28:42]
9) "I challenge you to open your eyes the eyes of your heart to see the signs God is personally showing you. He continues to offer each of us the gift of his salvation and the chance to enjoy a wonderful walk with him if only we will ask." [30:54]
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