Enduring Faith: Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty
Summary
Today’s gathering centered on the enduring nature of true faith and how it shapes our lives, especially in the face of uncertainty, difficulty, and unmet expectations. Drawing from Hebrews 11, we reflected on the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others—figures who, despite not seeing the full realization of God’s promises in their lifetimes, remained steadfast in their trust. Their stories remind us that faith is not merely an intellectual agreement about God’s existence, but a deep, life-shaping conviction that God is present, active, and trustworthy, even when circumstances are confusing or painful.
We considered how these Old Testament saints were forward-thinking, orienting their lives around God’s future promises rather than the fleeting comforts or accolades of this world. Joseph, for example, though he rose to power in Egypt, insisted his bones be taken to the Promised Land, signaling his ultimate hope was not in Egypt’s glory but in God’s faithfulness. Similarly, Moses chose to identify with God’s people and endure hardship rather than enjoy the privileges of Egyptian royalty, because he was looking ahead to a greater reward.
True faith, as we saw, is not passive. It endures to the end, but it also acts—making wise, sometimes costly decisions in difficult moments. Moses’ parents risked everything to protect their son, Rahab risked her life to side with God’s people, and the Israelites obeyed God’s seemingly illogical instructions at Jericho. In each case, faith was not just a confession but a transformative force that shaped actions and identities.
We also acknowledged the reality of unmet expectations—times when God does not answer our prayers as we hope, or when life’s outcomes seem to fall short of what we believe God has promised. Yet, as the examples in Hebrews 11 show, God’s character remains trustworthy even when our expectations are not met. Our faith is not in outcomes, but in the God who keeps His word, sometimes in ways we cannot yet see.
Finally, we were reminded that past failures do not disqualify us from present obedience. Rahab’s story, in particular, demonstrates that God delights in redeeming and using those with broken pasts. As we came to the Lord’s Table, we identified with Christ, who gave up everything to identify with us, and we received spiritual nourishment to persevere in faith until the end.
Key Takeaways
- True Faith Endures to the End
The examples of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph highlight that genuine faith is not a fleeting feeling but a lifelong journey. Their trust in God’s promises persisted even when they did not see fulfillment in their lifetimes, challenging us to consider our own “spiritual endurance strategy.” Are we nourishing our faith through God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship, or are we starving it by neglect? Endurance is both God’s work in us and our active participation in the means He provides. [50:25]
- Forward-Thinking Faith Disentangles Us from the World
The saints of old oriented their lives around God’s future promises, not the immediate rewards of this world. Joseph’s desire to be buried in the Promised Land, and Moses’ choice to suffer with God’s people, show us the importance of living with eternity in view. We must regularly take inventory of our values, influences, and habits, asking whether they help us fix our hope on Christ or entangle us in the world’s fleeting priorities. [55:03]
- Unmet Expectations Are Not Evidence of God’s Unfaithfulness
Many of us struggle when God does not meet our expectations, but the lives of the patriarchs remind us that faith is not contingent on getting what we want. Unmet expectations often reveal unrealistic or unspoken assumptions about God, but they are opportunities to trust His character rather than our desired outcomes. Let us not allow disappointment to derail our faith, but instead let it drive us deeper into dependence on God’s wisdom and timing. [01:02:06]
- Faith Empowers Wise Choices in Difficult Circumstances
The stories of Moses’ parents, Moses himself, the Israelites at the Red Sea, and Rahab all demonstrate that faith is not just belief, but action—often in the face of fear, risk, or cultural pressure. True faith enables us to make decisions that align with God’s will, even when they seem costly or counterintuitive. Our identity as Christ-followers should shape our choices, just as Moses’ faith shaped his core identity and actions. [01:12:28]
- Past Failures Do Not Disqualify Present Obedience
Rahab’s inclusion in the “hall of faith” is a powerful reminder that God’s grace transforms our stories. No matter our past, faith in Christ makes new obedience possible. We are not defined by our failures, but by our identity in Christ, who gave up everything to identify with us. Let us not be paralyzed by guilt, but move forward in repentance and faith, trusting God to use us for His purposes. [01:22:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Announcements and Ministry Expo
[07:30] - Prayer for Upcoming Ministries and Community
[18:32] - Scripture Reading and Introduction
[36:05] - The Nature of True Faith
[39:04] - Faith Endures to the End: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
[43:54] - Confidence in God’s Promises
[47:27] - Application: Enduring and Forward-Thinking Faith
[51:18] - Spiritual Nourishment for Endurance
[55:03] - Disentangling from the World
[57:42] - Unmet Expectations and Faith
[01:06:57] - Faith in Difficult Circumstances: Moses and Parents
[01:12:28] - Faith in Action: Moses, Israel, and Rahab
[01:18:22] - Faith Transforms Identity and Actions
[01:22:26] - Past Failures and Present Obedience
[01:24:20] - The Lord’s Table: Identifying with Christ
[01:29:17] - Communion and Closing Prayer
[01:37:19] - Benediction and Fellowship Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Enduring Faith in Uncertain Times
---
### Bible Reading
Hebrews 11:20-31 (ESV)
> 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
> 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
> 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
> 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
> 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
> 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
> 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
> 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
> 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
> 29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
> 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
> 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
---
### Observation Questions
1. What do Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph have in common about the timing and focus of their faith? ([43:54])
2. According to the passage, what specific actions did Moses and his parents take “by faith”? ([01:06:57])
3. What was unusual about the Israelites’ strategy at Jericho, and how did it demonstrate faith? ([01:15:04])
4. How is Rahab described in this passage, and what did she do that was considered an act of faith? ([01:18:22])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the author of Hebrews highlights the end-of-life faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, rather than their earlier life events? What does this teach about the nature of enduring faith? ([43:54])
2. The sermon mentioned that true faith is not just a confession but a force that shapes actions and identity. In what ways did Moses’ faith shape his core identity and choices? ([01:09:23])
3. The sermon discussed unmet expectations and how the patriarchs did not see the full realization of God’s promises. How does this challenge the idea that faith is about getting what we want from God? ([57:42])
4. Rahab’s story was highlighted as an example that past failures do not disqualify present obedience. What does her inclusion in the “hall of faith” say about God’s grace and the possibility of change? ([01:22:26])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon asked, “What is your spiritual endurance strategy?” What specific habits or practices are you using (or could you start using) to help your faith endure through hard times? ([50:25])
2. Joseph wanted his bones taken to the Promised Land, showing his hope was in God’s future, not Egypt’s present. Are there ways you are tempted to put your hope in “Egypt”—the comforts or rewards of this world? What would it look like to shift your hope toward God’s promises? ([55:03])
3. The sermon challenged us to take inventory of our values, influences, and habits. Is there something in your daily life (media, relationships, routines) that is entangling you in the world’s priorities rather than helping you fix your hope on Christ? What is one step you could take to disentangle? ([55:03])
4. When have you experienced unmet expectations with God—times when prayers weren’t answered as you hoped or life didn’t turn out as you expected? How did you respond, and what would it look like to trust God’s character rather than outcomes? ([57:42])
5. The sermon said, “True faith enables us to make decisions that align with God’s will, even when they seem costly or counterintuitive.” Is there a decision you’re facing (or have faced) that requires faith to do what’s right, even if it’s hard? What would it look like to act in faith in that situation? ([01:12:28])
6. Rahab’s story shows that past failures do not disqualify us from present obedience. Is there a failure or regret in your past that makes it hard for you to move forward in faith? What would it look like to trust God’s grace and take a step of obedience this week? ([01:22:26])
7. The Lord’s Table was described as spiritual nourishment for endurance. How does regularly participating in communion, prayer, or fellowship help you persevere in faith? Is there a spiritual practice you want to renew or deepen this month? ([01:24:20])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person endure in faith, disentangle from the world, trust Him in unmet expectations, and move forward in obedience no matter their past.
Devotional
Day 1: True Faith Endures Until the End
True faith is not a fleeting feeling or a momentary decision, but a lifelong journey that perseveres through every season, trial, and uncertainty. The examples of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph show us that faith is not just about beginnings, but about finishing well—trusting God’s promises even when we do not see their fulfillment in our lifetime. Each of these men, at the end of their lives, looked forward in hope, confident that God would keep His word. Their faith was not derailed by the ups and downs of life, nor by the fact that they did not receive everything they hoped for on earth. Instead, they clung to God’s faithfulness, believing that His promises would outlast their own days. We are called to the same enduring faith, to keep our eyes on God’s promises and to let our trust in Him shape the way we live, right up to our final breath. [45:02]
Hebrews 11:20-22 (ESV)
By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to strengthen your faith so that it endures through the challenges and uncertainties of life?
Day 2: God’s Promises Are Trustworthy Even When Unmet
Sometimes, we pray and hope for things that seem good and right, yet God does not answer in the way we expect. The lives of the patriarchs remind us that not receiving what we desire does not mean God is unfaithful or that His character is lacking. Our expectations may be unmet, but God’s promises remain sure, and His timing is perfect. We must guard our hearts against letting disappointment or unmet expectations derail our faith. Instead, we are invited to trust that God’s wisdom and goodness far exceed our understanding, and that His ultimate promises will be fulfilled, even if not in the way or time we imagine. [01:00:16]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel disappointed or let down by God? How can you surrender that expectation to Him and trust His greater plan today?
Day 3: True Faith Enables Wise Choices in Difficult Circumstances
Faith is not just a belief we hold in our minds, but a force that empowers us to make courageous, wise decisions when the pressure is on. The stories of Moses’ parents, Moses himself, the Israelites at the Red Sea, and Rahab all show that faith leads to action, especially when the stakes are high and the way forward is unclear. These individuals faced fear, danger, and the unknown, yet their trust in God enabled them to choose obedience over comfort, and righteousness over compromise. True faith gives us the strength to do what is right, even when it is hard, and to trust God’s way above our own. [01:12:28]
Hebrews 11:23-31 (ESV)
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Reflection: What difficult decision or circumstance are you facing right now, and how can you let your faith in God guide your actions rather than fear or convenience?
Day 4: Faith Is Both Confession and Action
Faith is not only what we say we believe, but what we do because of that belief. The examples in Hebrews 11 show that true faith is always transforming—it changes our identity, our priorities, and our actions. Moses gave up the privileges of Egypt to identify with God’s people; Rahab risked her life to align herself with God’s purposes. In the same way, our faith should be visible in the way we live, the choices we make, and the way we identify ourselves. Past failures do not disqualify us from present obedience; God delights in transforming lives and using those who trust Him, no matter their past. [01:22:26]
James 2:17-18 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Reflection: In what specific way can you let your faith in Christ shape your actions or decisions today, especially in an area where you have struggled in the past?
Day 5: Spiritual Nourishment for Enduring Faith
God has given us means of grace—His Word, prayer, fellowship, and the Lord’s Table—to nourish and sustain our faith for the long journey. Just as the Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and our identification with Him, these practices are spiritual food that strengthen us to endure and to make wise choices. We are not meant to walk this journey alone or in our own strength; God invites us to draw near to Him and to His people, to be nourished and encouraged so that our faith will endure until the end. [01:24:20]
John 6:35 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
Reflection: Which of God’s means of spiritual nourishment—Scripture, prayer, fellowship, or the Lord’s Table—do you need to intentionally engage with this week to strengthen your faith for the journey ahead?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 18, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?