Enduring Faith: Recognizing God's Sustaining Miracles
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we continue our mini-series on sustaining faith, focusing on "The Endurance Miracle." Often, we don't recognize God's hand in our lives, especially during challenging seasons. Hebrews 1:14 reminds us that angels are ministering spirits sent by God to serve and protect us. Psalm 41:10-12 emphasizes that the Lord is on our side, and our enemies cannot defeat us. While we love sudden miracles, like Jesus healing the blind or feeding the 5,000, not all miracles are instantaneous. Sometimes, God sustains us through prolonged difficulties, and this endurance is itself a miracle.
I shared a personal story from a mission trip to Ukraine in 1997, where we experienced a "suddenly" moment when God made a way for us to cross a bridge and catch our flight. However, not all miracles happen this way. Often, God is working behind the scenes, sustaining us in ways we don't immediately see. This sustaining faith is crucial, especially when we feel like God isn't answering our prayers or changing our circumstances.
The story of Job illustrates this well. Despite losing everything, Job remained faithful, and God sustained him. True faith is not about the blessings we receive but about our unwavering love and trust in God. Similarly, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows that sometimes God doesn't deliver us from the fire but makes us fireproof. They were thrown into a fiery furnace but emerged unscathed because God was with them.
We must put on the armor of God daily, as described in Ephesians 6, to protect ourselves from spiritual attacks. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and more. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is our ultimate protection.
In conclusion, sustaining faith is about trusting God's timing and ways, even when we don't see immediate results. God is always working behind the scenes, protecting and sustaining us. We must remain faithful, knowing that He is with us in every trial and difficulty.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Miracle of Endurance: Often, we look for sudden miracles, but God also works through sustaining us in prolonged difficulties. This endurance is a miracle in itself, showing God's constant presence and support in our lives. [01:40]
2. Angelic Protection: Hebrews 1:14 and Psalm 41:10-12 remind us that angels are sent by God to serve and protect us. We may not always see them, but they are actively working on our behalf, guiding and shielding us from harm. [02:28]
3. True Faith in Adversity: The story of Job teaches us that true faith is not about the blessings we receive but about our unwavering trust in God, even in the face of immense loss and suffering. This kind of faith is pure and not dependent on circumstances. [11:34]
4. God's Sustaining Power: Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, sometimes God doesn't deliver us from the fire but makes us fireproof. He sustains us through our trials, ensuring that we emerge stronger and unscathed. [27:30]
5. Putting on the Armor of God: Ephesians 6 describes the spiritual armor we must put on daily to protect ourselves from spiritual attacks. This armor is not automatic; we must actively engage in our relationship with Jesus Christ to be clothed in His protection. [15:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Opening Prayer
[01:40] - The Endurance Miracle
[02:28] - Angelic Protection
[03:09] - Sudden Miracles
[03:49] - Mission Trip to Ukraine
[07:29] - Sustaining Faith
[10:42] - Job's Faith and Suffering
[15:43] - The Armor of God
[18:37] - Jesus' Baptism and Spiritual Power
[20:12] - Trusting God's Timing
[24:44] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[28:43] - Delivering Faith vs. Sustaining Faith
[32:10] - Jesus Sustains Us
[34:36] - Call to Salvation
[37:18] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 1:14 - "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
2. Psalm 41:10-12 - "But you, Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. You have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever."
3. Ephesians 6:13-17 - "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What role do angels play according to Hebrews 1:14? How does this relate to the concept of angelic protection mentioned in the sermon? [01:40]
2. In Psalm 41:10-12, what assurance does David have about God's support against his enemies? How does this reflect the theme of God's sustaining power? [02:28]
3. What are the components of the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6:13-17? How are these components meant to protect believers from spiritual attacks? [15:43]
4. How did the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego illustrate God's sustaining power in the sermon? [27:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of angels as ministering spirits in Hebrews 1:14 enhance our understanding of God's protection in our daily lives? [01:40]
2. What does David's confidence in Psalm 41:10-12 teach us about maintaining faith during adversities? How can this be applied to modern-day challenges? [02:28]
3. Why is it important to "put on" the armor of God daily as described in Ephesians 6:13-17? What might happen if a believer neglects this practice? [15:43]
4. How does the endurance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace serve as a metaphor for the trials we face today? What does it mean to be "fireproof" in a spiritual sense? [27:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "suddenly" moment in your life. How did it impact your faith? Conversely, can you identify a period where God sustained you through prolonged difficulties? How did you see His hand at work? [03:49]
2. How can you become more aware of the angelic protection in your life as described in Hebrews 1:14? Are there specific instances where you felt guided or protected in ways you couldn't explain? [01:40]
3. David's unwavering trust in God despite his enemies' attempts to defeat him is inspiring. How can you cultivate a similar trust in God when facing your own adversities? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's sustaining power? [02:28]
4. The armor of God is essential for spiritual protection. Which piece of the armor do you find most challenging to "put on" daily, and why? How can you make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your spiritual routine? [15:43]
5. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows that sometimes God doesn't deliver us from the fire but makes us fireproof. How can you apply this perspective to a current trial you are facing? What does it mean for you to trust God's sustaining power in this situation? [27:30]
6. Job's story teaches us about true faith in adversity. How can you ensure that your faith remains strong even when you don't see immediate answers to your prayers? What practices or habits can help you maintain an unwavering trust in God? [11:34]
7. Reflect on the idea of sustaining faith versus delivering faith. How can you shift your mindset to appreciate the sustaining miracles in your life? What are some ways you can encourage others who might be struggling to see God's hand in their prolonged difficulties? [28:43]
Devotional
Day 1: The Miracle of Endurance
Description: Often, we look for sudden miracles, but God also works through sustaining us in prolonged difficulties. This endurance is a miracle in itself, showing God's constant presence and support in our lives. Sometimes, the greatest miracles are not the ones that happen instantly but those that unfold over time, revealing God's faithfulness and our growth in faith. Endurance through trials is a testament to God's sustaining power and our trust in His timing and methods.
[01:40]
Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you see God's hand sustaining you through this difficulty, even if the solution isn't immediate?
Day 2: Angelic Protection
Description: Hebrews 1:14 and Psalm 41:10-12 remind us that angels are sent by God to serve and protect us. We may not always see them, but they are actively working on our behalf, guiding and shielding us from harm. This divine protection is a comforting assurance that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. God's angels are His messengers and warriors, constantly working behind the scenes to ensure our safety and well-being.
[02:28]
Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt inexplicably protected or guided. How might God's angels have been at work in that situation?
Day 3: True Faith in Adversity
Description: The story of Job teaches us that true faith is not about the blessings we receive but about our unwavering trust in God, even in the face of immense loss and suffering. This kind of faith is pure and not dependent on circumstances. Job's faithfulness, despite his trials, is a powerful example of trusting God beyond our understanding and comfort. True faith is refined in adversity, revealing our deep reliance on God's character and promises.
[11:34]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Consider a recent trial you have faced. How did it challenge your faith, and in what ways did it strengthen your trust in God?
Day 4: God's Sustaining Power
Description: Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, sometimes God doesn't deliver us from the fire but makes us fireproof. He sustains us through our trials, ensuring that we emerge stronger and unscathed. This story illustrates that God's presence with us in our trials is more powerful than immediate deliverance. His sustaining power is a testament to His faithfulness and our resilience through His strength.
[27:30]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think about a difficult situation where you felt God's presence sustaining you. How did this experience shape your understanding of His power and faithfulness?
Day 5: Putting on the Armor of God
Description: Ephesians 6 describes the spiritual armor we must put on daily to protect ourselves from spiritual attacks. This armor is not automatic; we must actively engage in our relationship with Jesus Christ to be clothed in His protection. The armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and more, each piece representing a vital aspect of our spiritual defense and growth.
[15:43]
Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Reflection: Reflect on each piece of the armor of God. Which piece do you feel you need to focus on more in your daily life, and how can you actively put it on today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we think of miracles, we think of the suddenlies. We think of when God does things suddenly in our life. Has any of you in here have had a miracle that God did something suddenly in your life? Can I see your hand? Hold it up. Okay, a few of you. My prayer is that you would see more of those in your life and walk of faith. But I love the suddenlies. I love it when Jesus touched a blind man and instantly healed." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes God will deliver you from the fire, and other times he makes you fireproof. Right? Right? That's what we're looking at. He made them fireproof. And he will take you though, through the fire. And let me just develop that a little bit. And so a little while later, the king came back, he checked on him, and he looked through the furnace window, and Daniel 3.25 says this, King Nebuchadnezzar said, didn't we throw three men inbound? I see four men loosed. And the fourth one looks like the son of God. Friends, that's Jesus in the fire." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are not at the mercy of other people or sickness or loss or bad breaks. That doesn't determine your destiny. How many know that God does? Amen? And that what he has purpose for your life will come to pass if you fear God and obey his voice for your life. Here's the key point. You must trust his timing and trust his ways. Trust his timing. And trust his ways." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is all powerful. He could have just easily kept them from going into the fire, couldn't he have? Right? He could have changed, changed the king's mind. He could have sent a lightning bolt and took them out. He could have made those teenagers invisible and they could have disappeared. There was a thousand different ways that he could have kept them out of the fire. Isn't that correct? But what do we see? Sometimes the fire is the pathway to our destiny." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You may go through some desert seasons. You thought, well, maybe now I should be in my promised land. But you're not. But I want you to take a step back and notice, your shoes haven't worn out. God is still preserving you here today. Can I get an amen? What am I trying to say? God is still sustaining you in the midst of your difficulty. He's carrying you through this. Even though those enemies try to take you out, or sickness, plague, and the addiction may seem stronger in your life or bigger, but they cannot defeat you in the name of Jesus." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Many times we pray and believe. But the problem's not turning around. Praying about our health and the situation. But it isn't improving. Maybe it's a vision, a dream. It isn't coming to pass. And we think, God, where are you? Why aren't you doing something? I'm crying out. Am I speaking to anybody this morning? And what's happening is a lot of times we don't realize that God is actually doing something in our lives. And what is he doing? And we miss this. And I'd like us to begin. I'd like us to begin to focus on that actually God is maybe supernaturally sustaining you in this difficult situation. He's not letting the opposition take you out. And actually he's pushing back the forces of darkness. And what else is he doing? I believe he's keeping you from being discouraged or bitter or giving up." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "True religion, true faith is not merely gratitude, nor does the result of circumstances, pain, afflictions, or vigorous health and prosperity. No, it is the pure love of God and faith for its own sake, not for reward. Can I get an amen? We serve the Lord, not for reward. And then we see this played out in Job's suffering. He did not curse God. And so everything Satan said about him was a lie. That for time and eternity, humanity can serve God without all these blessings. Wait a minute. Let me say, missed that one there. We can love God and serve God even if he doesn't bless us back. Because we're born again. We're saved. He saved us. Every day of our life should be one of thank you, God, for your goodness. Thank you for saving me. I was a wicked sinner. You redeemed my life. You washed me clean. Every day of your life, you should rejoice in eternal life." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The day we become disconnected, watch this, from the power of God, is the day we become disconnected from our spiritual weapons. How does that happen? The Bible says that we're to be clothed with power. And armor. Armor of God, we are clothed by our virtue of our relationship with Jesus Christ. And so, you know, we can, how many of you know that we can walk in the Spirit or not walk in the Spirit? I mean, we can be listening to God's voice or not listening to God's voice. How many of you know when the flesh is high, the Spirit is weak? Amen. And when the Spirit, when you allow the Spirit to rule and reign in your life, He reigns and rules and the flesh is weak." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know, we need young people today to have that type of passion, to stand up, and to go, you know what? For me and my house, we're gonna serve the Lord. I'm not gonna fall in the way of what social media, and all the way society lives. I'm gonna take a stand. I'm gonna serve God, because he's worthy. I pray that. I pray that God revives us in that. We're not gonna bow, and we know our God will deliver us, but I even preached a message on this two words. Even if he doesn't, we're still not gonna bow. Did you hear that? Even if he doesn't, we're still not gonna bow. Those guys had made up minds, and that was a real, that was a real, that furnace." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There are two kinds of faith. There's the delivering faith and then there is the sustaining faith. Delivering faith is when God instantly turns it around. He keeps you out of the fire. He parts the Red Sea and he changes Pharaoh's mind. That's delivering faith. But most of the time, we're going to need sustaining faith. And that's what we're talking about. Sustaining faith. That's when God takes you through the fire. That's when you're in the desert, on your way to the place, promised land. Yes, he's sustaining you. A lot of times you don't see it. You don't see anything improving and it's taking longer. The opposition's getting bigger and bigger and you're tempted to think in that moment, God, where are you? I feel like I got thrown in the fire. I don't see any breakthrough happening. But here's the good news. God is in the fire with you. Someone needs to hear that. He is in the fire with you. He is the one that is sustaining you. That's why you're not burning. That's why you're not burned up. That's why you're still here worshiping God." (64 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 23, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?