Enduring Faith: Running the Spiritual Marathon

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Growth in Hidden Seasons

In the unseen corners of our lives, where accolades are absent and the applause of the crowd fades into silence, our true spiritual character is forged. These hidden seasons are not voids of inactivity but fertile grounds for profound spiritual growth. Here, away from the public eye, we learn to lean not on the affirmation of others but on the quiet approval of God. It is in these moments that our faith is tested and our endurance is built, preparing us for the roles God has in store for us. These periods of seeming invisibility are crucial for growth, teaching us to rely not on human recognition but on God’s approval. [31:35]

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: Reflect on a recent period in your life that felt hidden or unnoticed. How did you see God working in your life during this time?

Day 2: Navigating the Pain of Hope Deferred

When our hopes are delayed, the heartache can be profound, yet these moments are ripe for spiritual insight and growth. Understanding that our delayed hopes can lead to a deeper alignment with God’s will transforms our perspective on disappointment. It encourages us to persevere with a faith that is renewed and strengthened in the waiting. This realignment with God’s timing not only soothes our impatient hearts but also prepares us for the blessings He has in store, ensuring we are ready to receive them as they come. [24:35]

Proverbs 13:12 ESV
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Reflection: What hope in your life has been deferred, and how can you actively seek to align this hope with God’s timing?

Day 3: Faithfulness in the Mundane

True faithfulness is often found not in the grand gestures but in the quiet, consistent actions we take when no one else is watching. It's in the mundane day-to-day obedience where our spiritual stamina is tested and our legacy is built. This steady, often unnoticed faithfulness is what prepares us for greater works and deeper trust in God. It's about making choices that align with God's will, even when they go unseen by others, knowing that our heavenly Father who sees in secret will reward us. [28:01]

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: Identify one mundane aspect of your daily routine. How can you approach it with a renewed sense of purpose and faithfulness?

Day 4: The Role of Trials in Developing Faith

Trials are not merely obstacles but divinely permitted opportunities to develop our endurance and deepen our faith. Each challenge invites us to grow closer to God and strengthen our spiritual stamina. By embracing trials as opportunities for growth, we can experience a profound deepening of our faith, learning to rely more fully on God’s strength and wisdom rather than our own. This perspective shift is crucial for enduring the hardships of life with grace and fortitude. [10:44]

1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How did it help to deepen your faith or change your reliance on God?

Day 5: Commitment to the Spiritual Marathon

The Christian life is akin to a long-distance run that requires continual commitment and the willingness to push through hardships. Our perseverance through every spiritual season, whether filled with joy or trials, reflects our deepening relationship with Christ. It's about staying the course, even when the excitement wanes and the path becomes mundane. This commitment is what shapes our spiritual journey and ensures our growth in faith. [49:33]

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 some weights or sins you need to lay aside to run your spiritual marathon with greater endurance?

Sermon Summary

Today, I shared a message centered on the theme of endurance and faithfulness in our spiritual journey, drawing parallels between running a marathon and our walk with Christ. I began by welcoming everyone and acknowledging our production team for their hard work. I shared my recent experience of being on bedrest, which allowed me to deeply reflect and receive this message from the Lord.

I introduced the concept of a marathon, using it as a metaphor for the Christian life, which requires training, endurance, and a deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. I asked the congregation to consider which type of runner they are in the spiritual marathon of life: one who finishes strong or one who struggles to make it.

The core of my message revolved around the idea that enduring faith is built through experiences that test and strengthen us. I referenced Hebrews 12, urging us to run with perseverance, shedding any weights that slow us down, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith. This passage set the tone for understanding that our trials are not merely obstacles but opportunities to develop steadfast faith.

I delved into the challenges of maintaining faithfulness, especially when results are not immediately visible. I discussed the importance of faithfulness in hidden seasons, where our character is developed away from the public eye. These seasons of seeming invisibility are crucial for growth, as they teach us to rely not on human recognition but on God’s approval.

I also touched on the concept of hope deferred, using Proverbs 13 to illustrate how unmet expectations can lead to spiritual heart sickness, yet fulfilling our desires in God’s timing brings life. This led to a broader discussion on the importance of taking thoughts captive and submitting them to Christ, especially when facing disappointments and setbacks.

As I moved towards the conclusion, I emphasized that enduring faith is not passive but active, involving constant engagement with our beliefs and choices. It’s about staying the course, even when the excitement wanes and the path becomes mundane. Faithfulness, I argued, is not about flashy results but about long-term obedience and legacy.

I concluded by inviting both newcomers and long-time believers to recommit to their journey with Christ, highlighting that saying "yes" to Jesus is the best decision one could make, despite the inevitable challenges. I reassured them of God’s faithfulness and encouraged them to persevere through every trial, with the assurance that our enduring faith will ultimately be rewarded in heaven.

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Key Takeaways

1. The hidden seasons of our lives, where our efforts seem unrecognized, are invaluable for spiritual growth. These periods teach us to depend not on external validation but on God’s quiet affirmation of our faithfulness. [31:35]
2. The Impact of Hope Deferred - When our hopes are delayed, it can lead to spiritual heartache, but this also provides an opportunity to realign our desires with God’s will. Understanding this can transform how we handle disappointments and encourage us to persevere with renewed faith.

3. Faithfulness in the Mundane - True faithfulness is tested not in moments of great triumph but in the mundane day-to-day obedience when no one is watching. This steady, often unnoticed faithfulness is what builds a legacy that lasts beyond our lifetime.

4. The Role of Trials in Developing Faith - Trials are not merely obstacles but are divinely permitted to develop our endurance and deepen our faith. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to God and strengthen our spiritual stamina.

5. Commitment to Spiritual Marathon - The Christian life is a long-distance run requiring continual commitment and the willingness to push through hardships. Our perseverance through every spiritual season reflects our deepening relationship with Christ.

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
[02:22] - The Marathon Metaphor
[10:44] - Building Endurance through Trials
[24:35] - Understanding Hope Deferred
[31:35] - Valuing Hidden Seasons
[40:04] - Faithfulness Beyond Results
[49:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) — > Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

2. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
> Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

3. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
> Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

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Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 12:1-3, what are we encouraged to do in our spiritual race? How does this passage describe Jesus' role in our faith journey?
In James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of facing trials according to the passage? What does perseverance lead to?
Proverbs 13:12 speaks about hope deferred and a longing fulfilled. How does this verse describe the impact of delayed hope on the heart?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon mentioned the importance of enduring through hidden seasons where our efforts seem unrecognized. How does Hebrews 12:1-3 encourage us to handle these hidden seasons? [31:35]
James 1:2-4 talks about considering trials as joy. How can this perspective change the way we view our challenges and setbacks in life? [10:44]
The concept of hope deferred was discussed in the sermon. How can understanding Proverbs 13:12 help us manage our expectations and disappointments in our spiritual journey? [24:35]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt your efforts were unrecognized. How did you handle it, and how can you apply the lesson from Hebrews 12:1-3 to future hidden seasons? [31:35]
Think about a recent trial you faced. How did you respond to it? How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth, as suggested in James 1:2-4? [10:44]
Have you experienced hope deferred in your life? How did it affect you spiritually and emotionally? What steps can you take to realign your desires with God’s will, as discussed in Proverbs 13:12? [24:35]
The sermon emphasized the importance of faithfulness in the mundane. Identify a mundane task in your daily life. How can you approach it with a renewed sense of faithfulness and purpose? [28:01]
The pastor mentioned the role of trials in developing our faith. Can you identify a specific trial that has strengthened your faith? How did it change your relationship with God? [10:44]
The sermon concluded with an invitation to recommit to the journey with Christ. What does recommitting to your spiritual marathon look like for you personally? What steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment? [49:33]
How can you support someone else in their spiritual marathon? Think of a person in your life who might be struggling. What practical steps can you take to encourage and uplift them? [49:33]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "How we choose to wield the wound is our responsibility. Let's not blame the Lord. Remind your mind that he heals, he restores, and he replenishes. Also, go to therapy. Alberto and I will shout this from the rooftops forever. It's because it has changed our life drastically. That's why we champion it so much. Because we have experienced the rewiring in our brain that has had to happen for us to stay faithful." [43:20]( | | )

2. "When your pace feels too hard to maintain, slow down. Reassess, evaluate, catch your breath. We're in such a hurry these days to get to the finish. It's okay to slow down. He is the air in your lungs. He is the living water for our souls. When discouragement comes, If it comes and the finish line feels too far to attain, surround yourself with those who are going to cheer you on." [44:07]( | | )

3. "Train your mind with truth. Build the connection between your mind and the Holy Spirit in you. Bring those thoughts. Take them captive. We're faithful with the little. We'll be faithful with more." [44:57]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "The hardest part of running a marathon is not the marathon itself. It's the training ground. It's the preparation. It's the stretching. It's the stepping into the unknown. It's the enduring one more mile every single week. It's the prepping your body. It's the adjustments to your lifestyle that have to be made." [10:44]( | | )

2. "Endurance. Choosing to stay in the fight and in the mundane. Essentially, the Lord was telling Jeremiah he wasn't ready. Other things that get in the way. Waiting and not seeing the fruit right away. We want the achievement, the platform, without learning to be postural. We want to be postured in the pasture." [31:35]( | | )

3. "Seasons of hiddenness. When you feel like you've been overlooked. When you feel like people don't see it. When you feel that you've gone without recognition and honor for the work that you've put in. Maybe in your workplace. This doesn't just apply to the church. It could be in your workplace. It can be in some family dynamics that you've been trying to heal." [32:58]( | | )

4. "What eats away at our endurance is our expectation that faith should be results-oriented. I want to see the results, Lord. I've been faithful. I'm cashing in the time I've put in in relationship with you. Give me some results. Where are they at? I want a trophy, a medal, some flowers, maybe a dinner. But we get discouraged because we want faith to look results-oriented." [40:04]( | | )

5. "Faithfulness is underrated because its success often can't be measured. Here's the thing. Good fruit is the result of faithfulness. There's your evidence. If you are bearing good fruit in your life, that's the evidence. That's the reward. Longevity and legacy are the results of faithfulness." [41:28]( | | )

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