Embracing Relentless Faith for the New Year
Summary
As we gather at the close of another year, it's a time to reflect on the journey we've taken and the faith that has carried us through. This year has been a whirlwind, filled with both challenges and victories. As we look back, we see the seeds of faith that have been planted and the fresh starts that have been made. Many of us have stepped out in courage, ministering to others and trusting God in new ways. Yet, for some, this year has also been a time of wrestling with discouragement and disappointment. Wherever you find yourself, know that God is with you, ready to meet you where you are and fill you with hope and encouragement.
As we dive into the story of Caleb and Joshua, we are reminded of the power of relentless faith. These two leaders stood out because they had a different spirit, one that fully trusted in God's promises despite the obstacles. They teach us that we can either talk ourselves into the promises of God or out of them, but we cannot do both. Our words have power, and we must choose to speak life and align our hearts with God's truth.
The Israelites were on the brink of entering their promised land, yet fear and unbelief held them back. They focused on the giants in the land rather than the might of their God. Caleb and Joshua, however, chose to believe in God's promises, and their faith was rewarded. They remind us that even when circumstances seem unfair, we have control over how we respond. We can choose to respond with faith, trusting that God is our defender and provider.
As we prepare for the new year, let us cultivate a Caleb-like faith, one that is relentless and courageous. Let us speak God's promises into our future and be ready to move when He calls us. This is a season of mobilization, a time to rise up and go where God is leading us. Let us be a people who believe, who plan for the future, and who are ready to step into the promises God has for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Relentless Faith: Caleb and Joshua exemplified a faith that was unwavering, even in the face of giants. Their story teaches us that we can talk ourselves into the promises of God or out of them, but we cannot do both. Our words have power, and we must choose to speak life and align our hearts with God's truth. [12:06]
- Responding to Unfair Circumstances: Life can be unfair, and sometimes we face consequences due to others' choices. Caleb and Joshua show us that we have control over how we respond. By choosing faith and focusing on God's promises, we can influence our outcomes and walk into the future God has for us. [32:14]
- The Power of Vision: Caleb kept his eyes on the promised land, reminding us that where we look is where we will go. By keeping God's promises before us and speaking them into our future, we can stay focused and ready to move when God calls us. [33:37]
- Faith Plans for the Future: Believers are called to believe, regardless of circumstances. Faith looks forward, planning for the future and trusting in God's good plans. Even in wilderness seasons, we can be fruitful by dedicating them to the Lord and choosing to believe. [35:14]
- Mobilization and Readiness: This is a season of mobilization, a time to rise up and go where God is leading us. We must be ready to move, standing on the promises of God and walking consistently in faith and boldness. Now is the time to go, to believe, and to be ready for the new areas God is calling us to. [49:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:57] - Thanksgiving Reflections
- [07:52] - The Story of Caleb and Joshua
- [12:06] - Power of Words and Faith
- [14:36] - The Israelites' Choice
- [16:12] - Consequences of Unbelief
- [18:28] - God's Timely Intervention
- [19:39] - Believers Believe
- [21:57] - Speaking Life into Your Future
- [23:26] - Moses' Intercession
- [32:14] - Responding to Unfair Circumstances
- [33:37] - Vision and Focus
- [35:14] - Faith Plans for the Future
- [49:45] - Mobilization and Readiness
- [54:17] - Closing Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 13-14
- Joshua 14
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the primary task given to the 12 spies, and how did Caleb and Joshua's report differ from the others? ([12:06])
2. How did the Israelites react to the negative report from the 10 spies, and what was their proposed solution? ([16:12])
3. What was God's response to the Israelites' lack of faith, and how did Moses intercede on their behalf? ([19:39])
4. How did Caleb and Joshua demonstrate their faith during the 40 years in the wilderness? ([32:14])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of Caleb and Joshua teach about the power of words and faith in shaping our future? ([12:06])
2. How does the reaction of the Israelites to the spies' reports reflect common human tendencies when faced with fear and uncertainty? ([16:12])
3. In what ways does Caleb's unwavering faith serve as a model for believers today, especially when facing prolonged challenges? ([32:14])
4. How does the concept of "relentless faith" as demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua challenge modern believers in their daily walk with God? ([49:45])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that seemed unfair. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of Caleb and Joshua's example? ([32:14])
2. Caleb and Joshua kept their eyes on God's promises despite the obstacles. What are some practical ways you can keep God's promises in focus in your life? ([33:37])
3. The sermon emphasized the power of words. How can you be more intentional about speaking life and faith into your circumstances and future? ([12:06])
4. Consider the areas in your life where you might be operating independently of God. How can you surrender these areas to Him and trust His guidance? ([42:52])
5. Caleb and Joshua invested in the next generation. Who in your life can you mentor or encourage in their faith journey, and how will you do it? ([33:37])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of planning for the future with faith. What specific steps can you take to align your plans with God's promises? ([35:14])
7. Reflect on the concept of "mobilization" as discussed in the sermon. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to rise up and take action? ([49:45])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Words in Faith
Our words have the power to shape our reality and influence our faith journey. Caleb and Joshua demonstrated this by choosing to speak life and align their hearts with God's promises, even when faced with daunting challenges. They understood that faith is not just a belief but an active declaration of God's truth over our lives. By speaking words of faith, we can either propel ourselves into the promises of God or hinder our progress by succumbing to doubt and negativity. This principle encourages us to be mindful of our words and to use them to reinforce our trust in God's plans. [12:06]
Numbers 14:24 (ESV): "But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it."
Reflection: What words have you been speaking over your life recently? Are they words of faith and life, or do they reflect doubt and fear? How can you begin to align your speech with God's promises today?
Day 2: Responding with Faith in Unfair Circumstances
Life often presents us with situations that seem unfair or beyond our control. Caleb and Joshua faced such circumstances when the Israelites chose fear over faith, yet they remained steadfast in their trust in God. They teach us that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can control our response. By choosing faith and focusing on God's promises, we can influence our outcomes and walk into the future God has for us. This perspective empowers us to rise above our challenges and trust in God's sovereignty, even when life seems unjust. [32:14]
Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt treated unfairly. How did you respond? What would it look like to respond with faith and trust in God's justice?
Day 3: Vision and Focus on God's Promises
Caleb's unwavering focus on the promised land serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vision in our faith journey. Where we direct our attention is where we will ultimately go. By keeping God's promises at the forefront of our minds and speaking them into our future, we can stay focused and ready to move when God calls us. This intentional focus helps us navigate life's distractions and remain aligned with God's purpose for our lives. [33:37]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."
Reflection: What are the promises of God that you need to keep in focus right now? How can you remind yourself of these promises daily to maintain your spiritual vision?
Day 4: Faith Plans for the Future
Faith is not passive; it actively plans and prepares for the future, trusting in God's good plans. Even in wilderness seasons, believers are called to be fruitful by dedicating their time and efforts to the Lord. Caleb and Joshua exemplified this by believing in God's promises despite the delay in entering the promised land. This mindset encourages us to look forward with hope and to make plans that align with God's purposes, even when the path seems uncertain. [35:14]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: What future plans have you been hesitant to make due to uncertainty or fear? How can you begin to plan with faith, trusting in God's good intentions for your life?
Day 5: Mobilization and Readiness to Follow God's Lead
This is a season of mobilization, a time to rise up and go where God is leading us. Caleb and Joshua were ready to move when God called them, standing on His promises with faith and boldness. We are encouraged to adopt a similar posture of readiness, being prepared to step into new areas and opportunities that God presents. This involves a willingness to act on our faith and to trust that God will guide and equip us for the journey ahead. [49:45]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: Are you ready to move when God calls you? What steps can you take today to prepare yourself for the new opportunities and challenges that God may present in the coming season?
Quotes
"You can talk yourself into the promises of God, or you can talk yourself out of the promises of God, but you can't do both. The Bible tells us a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways in James 1:8. You need to have a made-up mind. Are you going to follow God and you're going to trust what he says? Or are you going to trust what he says? You're going to talk and believe a different report." [00:13:39] (20 seconds)
"Joshua chapter 14, verse 6, it says, but Joshua and Caleb, Exodus chapter 14, verse 6, but Joshua and Caleb, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes. And they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, the land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. Doesn't that align with our exceedingly good God?" [00:17:28] (26 seconds)
"God will always show up just in the right time. He will show up in your now to be your defender. You do not have to worry about trying to defend yourself in your own strength. God will show up right on time every time to be your defender." [00:18:45] (18 seconds)
"When we're not following his word and we're allowing bits of fear and doubt into our hearts, trusting reports that are contrary to the word of God, contrary to what God has said, we are actually behaving as unbelievers. That convicts me. That really convicts me. Because you see, I am a believer." [00:20:33] (27 seconds)
"Faith always plans for the future. It does not stay stuck in the past. We can pull lessons from the past, and we should. We can remember what God did and have memorials from the past and let them serve as a testament to God's character and his faithfulness, and we should." [00:35:14] (21 seconds)
"Even your wilderness seasons can be fruitful when you trust the Lord, when you dedicate them to the Lord. If you respond with fear and despair, pity, hopelessness, unbelief, you will stay stuck there. You will stay stuck. But if you determine, I am a believer." [00:36:41] (22 seconds)
"God is faithful to complete his promises, and when it was time to move, Caleb was ready to take his mountain. He wasn't out of shape. He wasn't lost in unbelief or despair. He had been exercising his faith and building his family and others in the faith." [00:48:18] (18 seconds)
"Honestly, church, I believe that's the season that we're in. I believe that we're in a season of mobilization. I honestly believe that now is the time to go. Walls are coming down, and God is restoring to his people everything the enemy has tried to steal." [00:49:45] (18 seconds)
"As this year comes to an end and we enter into the new year, cling to hope and continue to look to God with great expectation. Have a relentless, courageous, Caleb-like faith. Talk yourself into the promises of God. Believe." [00:54:17] (16 seconds)
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