Enduring Faith: Trusting God Through Life's Trials

Summary

Faith in God is the only way forward when we face the powerful temptation to quit. Life is filled with moments where we feel like giving up—whether in our jobs, relationships, or even in our walk with Christ. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 11, is written to people who were tempted to turn away from their faith. The author urges us to endure, and the way to do that is through faith—a settled conviction in our souls that God will keep His promises, even when we don’t understand His ways or timing.

True faith is not about getting everything we want or having all our questions answered. It’s about trusting that God is good and that He will do what He says, even when circumstances seem to contradict that. The cross itself is the ultimate example: the disciples couldn’t see the purpose in Jesus’ death, but God had a much bigger plan for their eternal salvation. In our own lives, we often can’t see the forest for the trees, but faith calls us to trust God’s character and promises, not our limited perspective.

This faith is what brings God’s commendation—not our actions, but our trust in Him. Yet, true faith always leads to action. The examples in Hebrews 11 show us that faith is never passive; it transforms us and leads us to obey God, even when it’s hard. We’re not the first to walk this path, and we’re not alone. The stories of those who have gone before us remind us that endurance is possible.

The foundation of this faith goes all the way back to creation. Believing that God created us means we are accountable to Him—He gets to call the shots in our lives. It also means we are worshipers, not the ones to be worshiped. We all worship something, but faith calls us to worship the Creator, not the creation. Even when we can’t see the way forward, we trust that the God who spoke the universe into existence can speak meaning and purpose into our lives.

God, in His kindness, gives us tangible reminders—like the Lord’s Table—to nourish and sustain our faith. We come together, not as perfect people, but as those who trust in Christ’s righteousness. This communal act reminds us that we are not alone and that faith is the way to endure. As we worship, confess, and remember, we are strengthened to keep moving forward, trusting that He who calls us is faithful and will surely do it.

Key Takeaways

- True faith is a settled conviction that God will keep His promises, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. This conviction frees us from anxiety and the need to control every detail of our lives, allowing us to rest in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting the One who does. [32:28]

- God’s commendation is based on faith, not on our actions. While our faith will inevitably lead to transformed lives and obedience, it is our trust in God—not our performance—that pleases Him. This truth liberates us from the exhausting burden of trying to earn God’s approval and invites us to worship and obey out of gratitude. [49:17]

- The foundation of enduring faith is rooted in the belief that God is our Creator. This establishes our accountability to Him and positions us as worshipers, not the worshiped. Recognizing God as Creator shapes our identity, our purpose, and our response to life’s challenges, reminding us that we are not self-made but divinely crafted for His glory. [59:31]

- We are not alone in our struggles to endure; the stories of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that others have walked this path before us. The enemy often tries to isolate us by making us think our struggles are unique, but the testimony of Scripture and the community of faith assure us that endurance is possible and that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. [53:58]

- Faith calls us to worship our way through trials, trusting God even when the path forward is hidden. Just as we believe in things we cannot see or fully explain in everyday life, we are called to trust God’s promises and character, even when we lack immediate proof. The Lord’s Table is a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and a means of nourishing our faith as we journey together. [01:06:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:47] - Connection and Announcements
[06:04] - Upcoming Events and Ministry Opportunities
[08:27] - Serve Day Ministry Expo and Care Net Update
[10:29] - Prayer for Generosity and Community
[13:07] - Praying for Leaders, Missionaries, and Other Churches
[29:12] - Introduction to Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith
[31:17] - The Argument of Hebrews: Endurance Through Faith
[32:28] - True Faith: A Settled Conviction in God’s Promises
[43:46] - Faith and Endurance in Everyday Life
[47:11] - Faith Brings Divine Commendation
[49:17] - The Emphasis on Faith Over Actions
[51:19] - Faith Transforms and Leads to Action
[53:58] - We Are Not Alone in Our Struggles
[54:42] - Avoiding the Ditches: Faith and Works
[57:21] - Faith’s Foundation: Creation and Accountability
[59:31] - Why Creation Matters for Faith
[01:06:58] - Worshiping Our Way Through Trials
[01:13:08] - Faith, Endurance, and the Lord’s Table
[01:14:49] - Invitation to the Table and Closing Prayer
[01:25:08] - Benediction and Final Encouragement

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith That Endures (Hebrews 11:1-3)

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### Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)
> 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
> 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
> 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how does the author define faith? What two aspects does he mention?
2. In verse 2, what did the “people of old” receive because of their faith?
3. What does verse 3 say about how the universe was created, and what does this teach us about the nature of faith?
4. The sermon mentioned that faith is not about getting everything we want or having all our questions answered. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this? [[32:28]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that true faith is a “settled conviction in our soul that God will keep His promises, even when we don’t understand His ways or timing.” Why is this kind of faith necessary for endurance? [[32:28]]
2. The pastor explained that God’s commendation is based on faith, not on our actions. How does this truth change the way we think about pleasing God? [[49:17]]
3. Why does the author of Hebrews go all the way back to creation as the foundation for faith? What does believing God is our Creator have to do with our accountability and worship? [[59:31]]
4. The sermon pointed out that we are not alone in our struggles to endure. How does knowing that others have walked this path before us help us in our own journey of faith? [[53:58]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared that everyone faces moments when they feel like quitting—whether in jobs, relationships, or faith. Can you share a time when you felt like giving up? What helped you keep going, or what might have helped? [[31:17]]
2. The sermon said that faith frees us from anxiety and the need to control every detail of our lives. Are there areas in your life right now where you are struggling to let go of control? What would it look like to trust God with those areas? [[45:01]]
3. God’s approval is based on our faith, not our performance. Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s approval? How does this truth challenge or encourage you? [[49:17]]
4. The pastor said that true faith always leads to action and obedience, even when it’s hard. Is there a step of obedience or an act of faith that you sense God is calling you to take right now? What is holding you back? [[51:19]]
5. The foundation of faith goes back to believing God is our Creator, which means we are accountable to Him and called to worship Him. Are there things in your life that you tend to “worship” (give your ultimate trust or affection to) besides God? How can you reorient your worship this week? [[59:31]]
6. The sermon reminded us that we are not alone and that the stories of faith in Hebrews 11 are meant to encourage us. Who in your life can you reach out to for encouragement or to encourage in their faith journey this week? [[53:58]]
7. The Lord’s Table is a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and a way to nourish our faith together. How does participating in communion help you remember and trust God’s promises? Is there a way you can make this practice more meaningful in your life? [[01:13:08]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to strengthen your faith, help you trust His promises even when you don’t understand, and give you endurance to keep following Him. Pray for one another’s specific needs and struggles shared during the discussion.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is a Settled Conviction That God Keeps His Promises
True faith is not simply wishful thinking or blind optimism; it is a deep, settled conviction in the soul that God will do what He has promised, even when circumstances are confusing or painful. This conviction is not based on getting everything we want or understanding every reason for God’s actions, but on trusting His character and His Word, especially when life doesn’t make sense. Just as the disciples struggled to understand the cross, we too may be so close to our own struggles that we can’t see the bigger picture, but faith calls us to trust that God is good and His promises are sure, even when we cannot see the outcome. [32:28]

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you struggle to trust that God will keep His promises? How can you take a step today to surrender that uncertainty to Him in prayer?


Day 2: God Commends Faith, Not Performance
God’s approval and commendation are not earned by our actions or achievements, but are given in response to genuine faith in Him. The examples of the faithful in Scripture show that it was their trust in God, not their perfect record or impressive deeds, that pleased Him. This truth is freeing: we do not have to strive anxiously to earn God’s favor, but can rest in the righteousness of Christ, knowing that true faith will naturally lead to transformation and obedience as we walk with Him. [49:17]

Hebrews 11:2
For by it the people of old received their commendation. (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to try to earn God’s approval through your actions? How can you rest today in the truth that God commends faith, not performance?


Day 3: Faith Begins with Recognizing God as Creator
Enduring faith is rooted in the foundational belief that God created the universe by His word, establishing our accountability to Him and our role as worshipers, not the worshipped. Accepting God as Creator means acknowledging that He has authority over our lives, our gifts, and our circumstances, and that we are called to worship and obey Him rather than live for ourselves. This perspective shapes how we respond to trials, opportunities, and even our own limitations, reminding us that we are accountable to the One who made us and who alone deserves our worship. [01:01:13]

Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (ESV)

Reflection: How does believing that God created you and everything you have change the way you view your responsibilities, your talents, or your struggles today?


Day 4: We Are Not Alone in the Struggle to Endure
The journey of faith is not a solitary one; countless others have walked this path before us, facing doubts, temptations to quit, and moments of weakness. The stories of those who have gone before remind us that we are not the first to struggle, and we are not alone now—God has given us a community and examples to encourage us to endure. When you feel isolated in your doubts or trials, remember that the enemy wants you to believe you’re alone, but God’s people throughout history have faced the same battles and found strength in faith. [53:58]

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or faith community you can reach out to for encouragement or to encourage today, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles?


Day 5: Worship and Endurance Flow from Faith
True faith leads us to worship God as Creator and Redeemer, and this worship sustains us through seasons of doubt, difficulty, and temptation to quit. When we remember that God is God and we are not, we are freed from the burden of control and can endure by trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. Worship—both privately and together at the Lord’s Table—nourishes our faith and reminds us that God is faithful, that He has provided for our forgiveness, and that He will sustain us to the end. [01:13:08]

Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally worship God today—either in song, prayer, or obedience—that will help you endure and trust Him more deeply?

Quotes

Don't you see how freeing this is? It's not like I got to, you know, do a whole bunch of things and then God's going to be happy with me. He says, let's start with you just believe in me. You see, the path forward through this powerful temptation to quit, which we've all experienced, is that I'm just going to believe God. I'm just going to look at the Word and say, here it is. I'm going to believe it. I don't have to understand it all. I'm going to believe it. [00:50:33] (26 seconds)  #FaithProducesAction Edit Clip

Having our faith go all the way back to the beginning establishes the order you must live by. He is God and we are not. We worship Him. And this is an incredibly counter -cultural way to live, by the way. And, you know, the world says, you know, the people say, well, prove it, and then I'll start thinking about it. God calls us to trust in God's promises, even when there isn't a whole lot of immediate proof in front of us. But God never asks us to check our brains at the door either. There's so much evidence that He has answered and He is faithful that we can cling to. [01:12:55] (31 seconds)  #NotAloneOnTheJourney Edit Clip