Embracing the Journey: Progress Over Perfection

Today’s focus is on the journey of taking ground—both as a church and as individuals. The heart behind this season is to recognize that growth, freedom, and healing are not usually instantaneous, but rather a process that unfolds over time. It’s easy to become discouraged when we see areas of struggle persist, but the real question is whether we are moving forward, even if only by small steps. The posture of our heart is crucial; we must choose to incline our hearts toward God, to set ourselves on a path of obedience and openness to His work.

Personal stories were shared to illustrate that everyone, including leaders, faces ongoing battles—whether with old habits, temptations, or emotional struggles like anger. Some victories come quickly, but many are won over a long period, layer by layer. The story of David and Saul reminds us that some wars are prolonged, but what matters is that we grow stronger as we persevere. The process of taking ground is not about perfection, but about progress and the willingness to keep moving forward.

Two key questions were posed: How badly do you want to take ground? And, are you moving forward? Desire and hunger for change are essential, but so is action. Like a gazelle running for its life, we must be willing to do whatever it takes to break free from what holds us back. At the same time, we must recognize our role in the process—no one can want freedom for us more than we want it for ourselves. We are called to be safety nets for others, not hammocks that enable passivity.

Momentum is built through wise choices and faithfulness in the small things. Even if you feel like you’re just “hoping the shot goes in,” every step forward builds confidence and spiritual momentum. Mistakes do not define us; they can be the catalyst for a new direction. The encouragement is to be faithful with what God has given you now, trusting that as you continue, you will see growth and breakthrough. The journey is long, but with each step, we become stronger, more confident, and more prepared for what God has ahead.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The posture of your heart determines your capacity for growth and freedom. God invites us to incline our hearts toward Him, but He does not force transformation upon us. Our willingness to be honest, open, and intentional in seeking Him is what positions us for lasting change. The process of taking ground begins with a heart that says, “I will set myself to pursue God, no matter how long it takes.” [09:28]
• 2. Freedom and healing are often layered and gradual, not instantaneous. Just as personal struggles can persist over years, so too can the process of breaking free unfold in stages. The important measure is not whether you are completely free today, but whether you are growing stronger and moving forward, even if the progress feels slow. God honors the journey and the perseverance it requires. [14:11]
• 3. Your desire for change must be matched by your willingness to act. Like the gazelle fleeing the hunter, true breakthrough comes when you are desperate enough to do whatever it takes. No one else can want your freedom more than you do, and enabling others without their own hunger for change can be counterproductive. Be a safety net for others, but don’t become a hammock that allows them to remain stuck. [18:32]
• 4. Momentum is built through consistent, wise choices and faithfulness in small things. Confidence grows as you take steps forward, even if they seem insignificant at first. Just as a basketball player gains confidence with each successful shot, spiritual momentum is gained by repeatedly choosing faithfulness and obedience, regardless of how much progress is visible in the moment. [27:25]
• 5. Mistakes are not the end—they are opportunities for redirection and growth. Don’t let past failures define your future; instead, let them “re-sign” you to a new course. You cannot steer a ship that isn’t moving, so start moving forward, however small the step. Faithfulness in the present prepares you for greater things ahead, and over time, you will look back and see how far you’ve come. [24:37]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Upcoming Guest and Announcements
• [03:00] - Celebrating Last Sunday’s Milestones
• [05:00] - Embracing Change and Growth
• [07:00] - Vision for Taking Ground
• [09:28] - The Posture of Our Hearts
• [10:27] - Personal Struggles and Temptations
• [12:21] - Layers of Freedom and Ongoing Battles
• [14:11] - The Long War: David and Saul
• [16:12] - How Badly Do You Want to Take Ground?
• [18:32] - Safety Nets vs. Hammocks
• [19:45] - The Law of Momentum
• [22:08] - Equipping for the Next Season
• [24:37] - Mistakes and Moving Forward
• [25:23] - Building Confidence Through Action
• [27:25] - Gaining Spiritual Momentum
• [29:45] - Faithfulness in the Small Things
• [31:26] - The Power of Preparation
• [33:50] - Responding to God’s Call
• [42:44] - Closing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Psalm 119:112 (NLT) — I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

2 Samuel 3:1 (NLT) — That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed, David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.

Proverbs 6:5 (NLT) — Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.

Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 119:112, what does the psalmist say he is determined to do, and how does he describe the duration of his commitment?
2. According to 2 Samuel 3:1, what was the outcome of the long war between the house of Saul and the house of David? What does this reveal about the process of change? [14:11]
3. In Proverbs 6:5, what imagery is used to describe the urgency of breaking free, and what does this suggest about our role in seeking freedom?
4. The sermon mentioned that some struggles and victories are “layered” and take time. What personal examples did the pastor share to illustrate this? [10:27]

Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to “incline” or “set” your heart toward God, and why is this posture important for personal growth and freedom? [09:28]
2. The story of David and Saul’s long war is used as a metaphor for personal battles. How does this story encourage perseverance in the face of ongoing struggles? [14:11]
3. The pastor asked, “How badly do you want to take ground?” How does our level of desire and hunger for change impact our willingness to act? [16:12]
4. The difference between being a “safety net” and a “hammock” was discussed. What does this mean in the context of helping others, and how can enabling passivity be counterproductive? [18:32]

Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that the posture of your heart determines your capacity for growth. Is there an area in your life where you need to “incline your heart” more intentionally toward God? What would that look like this week? [09:28]
2. Think about a struggle or habit that has persisted in your life. Are you able to see any progress, even if it’s slow? How can you celebrate small steps forward instead of focusing on perfection? [14:11]
3. On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you want to take ground in a specific area of your life? What is one action you can take this week to move forward, even if it’s a small step? [16:12]
4. Have you ever found yourself wanting freedom or breakthrough for someone else more than they want it for themselves? How can you be a “safety net” without becoming a “hammock” for others? [18:32]
5. The pastor shared about building momentum through wise choices and faithfulness in small things. What is one “small thing” you can be faithful with this week that could help you build spiritual momentum? [27:25]
6. Mistakes were described as opportunities for redirection, not the end of the journey. Is there a past mistake that you need to let go of so you can start moving forward again? What would it look like to “re-sign” yourself to a new course? [24:37]
7. Who in your life can help you stay accountable and encourage you as you take steps to grow? How can you invite them into your journey this month? [10:27]