Enduring Faith: Trusting God Amidst Life's Trials

Faith is not merely a belief system or a set of religious practices; it is a profound trust in God, knowing Him for who He truly is. When Jesus asked if He would find faith on the earth upon His return, He was not questioning the presence of religion but the presence of genuine faith. Faith is about believing that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, as stated in Hebrews 11:6. It is about trusting that God desires to fill our lives with joy, strength, and abundance, even amidst the trials and tribulations of this world.

We live in a world where Satan is often referred to as the god of this age, controlling various aspects of society. As believers, we are called to feel like strangers in this world, not conforming to its patterns but living with the understanding that our true home is with God. Jesus taught that the path to life is narrow and few find it, but this should not discourage us. Instead, it should remind us of the value of each soul and the importance of our mission to share God's love, even if it seems like a small impact.

The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur illustrates the power of community and support in maintaining faith. When Moses' hands grew weary, Aaron and Hur supported him, ensuring victory for Israel. Similarly, we need to support one another in faith, especially when discouragement threatens to overwhelm us. The stories of David and Joseph further exemplify enduring faith amidst adversity. Both faced significant trials, yet they did not succumb to despair. Instead, they encouraged themselves in the Lord, trusting in His promises and timing.

As believers, we are called to live without murmuring or complaining, even in the face of trials. This requires a deep faith that trusts in God's ultimate plan and reward. Our inheritance is secure in heaven, and our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we can find the strength to endure and live by faith, not by sight.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith is about knowing God and trusting Him completely, believing that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. This trust leads to a life filled with joy and strength, even in the midst of trials. [00:23]
• 2. As believers, we are called to live as strangers in this world, understanding that our true home is with God. This perspective helps us endure the challenges of living in a world where Satan has influence. [04:56]
• 3. The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur teaches us the importance of community and support in maintaining faith. When we feel weary, we need others to help lift us up and encourage us in the Lord. [12:05]
• 4. The examples of David and Joseph show us that enduring faith amidst adversity leads to God's ultimate reward. Despite their trials, they trusted in God's promises and timing, finding strength in Him. [19:17]
• 5. Living without murmuring or complaining requires a deep faith that trusts in God's ultimate plan and reward. By focusing on the joy set before us, as Jesus did, we can endure and live by faith. [38:02]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Faith vs. Religion
• [00:23] - Understanding Faith
• [00:44] - Believing in God's Rewards
• [01:26] - Real Life and Joy in Christ
• [02:15] - Joy as Strength
• [03:06] - Thanksgiving and Praise
• [03:38] - Facing Temptation and Discouragement
• [04:15] - Living in Enemy Territory
• [05:15] - The Narrow Path
• [06:18] - The Value of One Soul
• [07:29] - Making a Difference
• [08:20] - Hope Deferred and Discouragement
• [09:10] - Moses and the Amalekites
• [10:25] - Strengthening Feeble Hands
• [12:05] - Supporting Each Other in Faith
• [13:04] - David's Trials and Faith
• [19:17] - Joseph's Endurance and Reward
• [26:06] - Living Without Complaining
• [29:10] - Rejoicing in Future Salvation
• [32:07] - Light and Momentary Afflictions
• [33:27] - Faith That Endures
• [35:16] - Considering Christ's Suffering
• [37:04] - The Joy Set Before Us
• [38:02] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight

1. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
2. Exodus 17:8-13 - The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur supporting Moses' hands during the battle against the Amalekites.
3. James 1:2-4 - "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."

1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what are the two essential beliefs required to please God? How does this relate to the concept of faith discussed in the sermon? [00:23]
2. In the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, what role did community play in achieving victory? How does this illustrate the importance of support in maintaining faith? [09:44]
3. How does the sermon describe the influence of Satan in the world, and what is the believer's response to living in such an environment? [04:15]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate enduring faith amidst adversity, and how did these individuals find strength in God? [19:17]

1. How does the concept of God as a "rewarder" influence a believer's motivation to seek Him diligently? What does this reveal about the nature of faith? [00:44]
2. In what ways does the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur demonstrate the necessity of community in a believer's life? How can this be applied to modern Christian communities? [12:05]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers should view their trials and sufferings in light of their faith? What is the ultimate perspective they should maintain? [29:10]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between faith and complaining? How does this challenge common responses to adversity? [26:06]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a stranger in the world due to your faith. How did you handle it, and what can you do differently next time to maintain your focus on your true home with God? [04:56]
2. Identify a person in your life who has supported you in your faith journey. How can you express gratitude to them this week, and how can you be a support to someone else in your community? [12:05]
3. Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to strengthen your faith and character? [29:10]
4. What practical steps can you take to live without murmuring or complaining, even in difficult situations? How can focusing on the joy set before you help in this endeavor? [38:02]
5. Think of a time when you felt discouraged in your faith. What did you do to encourage yourself in the Lord, and how can you apply that experience to future challenges? [18:33]
6. How can you actively seek to know God more deeply and trust Him completely in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to cultivate this kind of faith? [00:23]
7. Reflect on the story of David or Joseph. How can their examples of enduring faith inspire you to trust in God's promises and timing in your own life? [19:17]