Summary

Enduring and persevering faith is not a glamorous topic, but it is essential for spiritual growth. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God—believing in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross. Yet, faith is not just about believing; it’s about enduring and persevering through the challenges and waiting seasons of life. In a world that values instant results and quick fixes, God calls us to a different path: one of patience, endurance, and hope. Just as I waited at the cheese counter week after week for the sake of my family, so too are we called to wait on God, trusting that what He has promised is worth the wait.

Endurance is not passive; it’s active, and it’s rooted in relationship. God desires disciples, not just decision-makers. The depth of our walk with Him is not measured by years but by intimacy and ongoing conversation with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not just a force or a feeling, but a person who walks with us, shapes us into the image of Jesus, and empowers us to live beyond fear. We must continually ask to be filled afresh, to seek wisdom, and to let Him guide us in prayer and understanding.

Suffering and trials are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities for growth. Scripture teaches that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. We are not meant to camp in the valley but to walk through it, remembering God’s past faithfulness and trusting Him for the future. Sometimes, the journey is long and the answers are slow in coming, but God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it.

God meets us where we are, not where we think we should be. He is not waiting for us to become perfect before He loves us or works in our lives. Faith is not built by striving but by surrender—letting go of our ways and embracing His. The miracles may not always come as we expect, but God is present in both the big breakthroughs and the small, tender moments of care. Our relationship with Him is unique, and as we persevere, we not only grow ourselves but also become a testimony to others. Never stop hoping, never stop believing, and keep building that relationship with God, for He is faithful.

Key Takeaways

- Endurance in faith is cultivated through daily choices and small acts of trust, not just in dramatic moments. Like waiting at the cheese counter, perseverance is often about showing up, being present, and trusting that what God has promised is worth the wait—even when the process feels slow or mundane. [03:51]

- The Holy Spirit is a person who desires relationship, not just to empower us for ministry but to shape us into the likeness of Jesus. Regularly inviting the Spirit to fill us, guide us, and help us understand God’s Word transforms our spiritual journey from routine to vibrant partnership. [09:26]

- Suffering and trials are not obstacles to faith but the very soil in which endurance, character, and hope grow. God does not ask us to rejoice in pain itself, but to recognize that He is using every difficulty to deepen our trust and prepare us for greater joy and maturity. [14:33]

- God meets us exactly where we are, not where we wish we were or where others expect us to be. His love is not conditional on our performance or spiritual progress; instead, He invites us to surrender our striving and receive His grace in the midst of our real, messy circumstances. [26:10]

- Faith is strengthened not by striving for answers or quick fixes, but by surrendering to God’s timing and ways. The greatest growth often comes in seasons of waiting and uncertainty, where we learn to trust God’s heart even when we cannot see His hand, and where small, unexpected blessings remind us of His intimate care. [29:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - What Is Faith?
[02:13] - Endurance in an Instant World
[03:51] - Lessons from the Cheese Counter
[05:11] - Perseverance and Spiritual Growth
[06:39] - Endurance in Scripture
[07:59] - Relationship Over Religion
[09:26] - The Person and Purpose of the Holy Spirit
[10:20] - Being Filled Afresh Daily
[11:42] - Heavenly Perspective
[13:23] - Breaking Spiritual Ruts
[14:33] - Suffering, Endurance, and Hope
[16:54] - Living Through Trials
[18:08] - Counting It All Joy
[20:50] - Asking God for Wisdom
[22:28] - Real-Life Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness
[25:37] - God Meets Us Where We Are
[26:59] - Surrender, Not Striving
[29:03] - The Hope of Heaven
[29:53] - God in the Little Things
[32:22] - Persevering When Miracles Delay
[33:57] - Building a Unique Relationship with God

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Enduring and Persevering Faith

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### Bible Reading

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

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
> Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

James 1:2-5 (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. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:1, what is faith described as? How does this definition connect to the idea of enduring and persevering faith? [00:53]
2. In Romans 5:3-5, what does Paul say suffering produces, and what is the end result of that process? [14:33]
3. What does James encourage believers to do when they face trials, and what does he say is the outcome of steadfastness? [18:08]
4. The sermon mentions that endurance is not passive but active. What are some of the practical examples given for how to actively endure? [03:51]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Endurance is not passive; it’s active, and it’s rooted in relationship.” What does it mean for endurance to be “active” in the context of faith? [05:11]
2. How does the Holy Spirit help believers endure and grow, according to the sermon? Why is it important to see the Holy Spirit as a person and not just a force? [09:26]
3. The sermon shares that suffering and trials are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities for growth. How might this perspective change the way someone approaches difficult seasons? [14:33]
4. The speaker says, “God meets us where we are, not where we think we should be.” What does this reveal about God’s character and how we should approach Him? [26:10]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon uses the story of waiting at the cheese counter as an example of daily perseverance. What is one “cheese counter” in your life right now—a place where you are called to wait or endure for the sake of something important? How can you show up and trust God in that area this week? [03:51]
2. The speaker encourages us to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh daily. What would it look like for you to intentionally ask the Holy Spirit for help, wisdom, or understanding in your everyday life? Is there a specific area where you need His guidance right now? [10:20]
3. Think about a recent trial or season of suffering you’ve experienced. Looking back, can you see any ways that God used that time to grow your character or hope? If you’re still in the middle of it, what would it look like to “count it all joy” as James says? [18:08]
4. The sermon says, “Faith is not built by striving but by surrender.” Is there an area of your life where you are striving for answers or control? What would it look like to surrender that to God this week? [26:59]
5. The speaker shares a story about missing a family celebration but seeing God’s care in a small, unexpected meeting. Can you recall a time when God met a need or desire in your life in a small or surprising way? How can you be more attentive to these “little things” from God? [29:53]
6. The sermon challenges us to build a unique relationship with God, not to compare ourselves to others. Are there ways you’ve been comparing your spiritual journey to someone else’s? How can you focus on deepening your own relationship with God this month? [33:57]
7. The speaker mentions listening to a worship song to help during tough times. Is there a song, verse, or practice that helps you keep hoping and believing when things are hard? How can you use it intentionally this week? [32:22]

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Closing Thought:
Never stop hoping, never stop believing, and keep building your relationship with God, for He is faithful.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is the Assurance of Things Hoped For
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, giving us confidence in what we cannot yet see and hope for what is promised. It is not just a vague optimism, but a deep conviction that God is at work even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult. Faith begins when we choose to believe in Jesus and all He accomplished for us at the cross, and it continues to grow as we trust Him in every season of life. In a world that values instant results, true faith calls us to wait, to endure, and to keep believing even when the outcome is not immediately visible. [00:53]

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

Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you are struggling to trust God for something you cannot see? How can you take a step of faith today, believing He is working even when you don’t have all the answers?


Day 2: Endurance and Perseverance Lead to God’s Promises
Endurance is not just about surviving hard times, but about continuing to do the will of God with the assurance that His promises will be fulfilled. Perseverance means returning again and again, even when the journey is long or the wait is difficult, trusting that God’s reward is worth every moment of patience. Jesus Himself endured the cross for the joy set before Him—our salvation—and we are called to look to Him as our example. Endurance shapes our character and draws us closer to the heart of God, teaching us to value the eternal over the temporary. [06:39]

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 situation where you are tempted to give up or take the easy way out. What would it look like to endure and persevere in this area, trusting God for His promise?


Day 3: Suffering Produces Endurance, Character, and Hope
God uses our trials and sufferings to produce endurance, which in turn shapes our character and fills us with hope that does not disappoint. Even when we do not understand the reasons for our suffering, we can rejoice because God is working a bigger picture in our lives. Each difficulty becomes an opportunity to remember God’s past faithfulness and to trust Him for the future. The love of God, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, assures us that we are never alone in our struggles and that hope will never put us to shame. [14:33]

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Reflection: Recall a time when God brought you through a difficult season. How did that experience shape your character or deepen your hope? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 4: Count It All Joy in Trials—God Is Growing You
When we face trials, God invites us to count it all joy—not because the trials themselves are pleasant, but because they are producing steadfastness and maturity in us. The testing of our faith is not meant to break us, but to make us complete and lacking nothing. In the midst of challenges, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, trusting that He gives generously to all who seek Him. Even when we feel overwhelmed or question why we must endure so much, God is setting us up for joy and growth, working all things together for our good. [18:08]

James 1:2-5 (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. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing that feels overwhelming? How can you ask God for wisdom and choose to see this situation as an opportunity for growth?


Day 5: Faith Is Built by Surrender, Not Striving
True faith is not about striving to get everything right or working out every problem on our own, but about surrendering our will and ways to God. Growth in faith comes as we let go of our need to control and instead trust God’s timing, His methods, and His love for us. Even when we do not understand the journey or the outcome, God meets us where we are and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our faith muscles are strengthened not just by miracles, but by learning to wait, to trust, and to walk with God through every season, knowing that eternity with Him is our true destination. [27:46]

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: Where are you relying on your own understanding or striving to fix things yourself? What would it look like to surrender this area to God and trust Him to lead you?

Quotes

But you know, to grow in God is all about relationships. About relationship. You've heard this said many times, but it's so true. He has called us to be disciples, not decision makers. Do you know you can have a person who's known God for a week be more mature than a person who's known God for 50 years because they're talking to God. They're in relationship with God. God, I don't want to be that way. I want to keep growing. And I've known God for over 60 years. And I'm still growing. I'm still learning. [00:07:39] (44 seconds)  #GrowthThroughRelationship Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Holy Spirit is a person, not a vapor, not a wind. Holy Spirit is a person. It's not just wind or fire or power. Yeah, we see wind and fire and power, but a person. His main goal isn't to give us really joyful church services, though it's great when they are, you know, good. His main goal is to make you and I into the image of Jesus. That's his main job, to make us into the image of Jesus. [00:09:06] (41 seconds)  #HolySpiritTransforms Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Do you realize what power you carry within you? I get easily frightened. God knows that. I get easily frightened. And I, all my life, have been learning what power I carry in me. Because God didn't mean me to be afraid. [00:10:20] (26 seconds)  #PowerOverFear Edit Clip | Translate Clip

It's because, although we haven't understood what our suffering's been about, we come to understand that there's a far, far bigger picture. We grow because each time we go through some sort of difficulty, we remember what he did before. Take time to stop and think, what's he done before? Again, you might have heard this before, but I remember it. God has instructed us to walk through the valley, not to take up camp there. Okay? God has instructed us to walk through the valley, not to take up camp there. [00:15:34] (50 seconds)  #WalkThroughTheValley Edit Clip | Translate Clip

And why are we asked to do that? Because as we grow in Jesus, we'll keep on learning that we'll end up lacking in nothing. When you've gone through the mill, and God's brought you out the other end, and he says, count it all joy. That's what that scripture actually means. I've shown you once I can do it, now I'm going to show you again. I am setting you up for joy. It may even seem at the time that you're losing out in some way, but when you look back, you'll see what you've gained. God always does. Something better. [00:19:50] (55 seconds)  #TrustGodsPurpose Edit Clip | Translate Clip

A big part of our battle is a sense of hopelessness. And hope is so important. Remember Romans 5. Now hope does not disappoint. Because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [00:22:28] (23 seconds)  #PrayerBringsHealing Edit Clip | Translate Clip

``God meets us where we're at. Not where we think we should be. Not where we'd like to be. but where we're at. I really want you to stop and think about that. God wants to meet you where you're at. Stop beating yourself up. Stop striving to be somewhere you think you should be because perhaps God would love you more. People would like you more. a miracle might happen. Satan tries all the time because he's a liar to make us doubt that God loves us. And that's a thought we've got to constantly take captive. [00:25:48] (55 seconds)  #SurrenderBuildsFaith Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Faith isn't built by great striving. Trying to get it right yourself. It's not built by great striving but by great surrender. I need to surrender my will to the will of God. I need to surrender my way of doing things to the will of God. I am very good at working problems out. We could do this we could do that we could do the other and then God says hang on a minute not your way joy my way. [00:27:13] (46 seconds)  #FaithMusclesGrow Edit Clip | Translate Clip

We need to grow faith muscles faith muscles because we believe in the unseen even though we live in the seen. I've known miracles but I've learned a lot more about God in the times I've had to wait. I've grown more in the time I just haven't understood but I've also seen people walk away from God after receiving the most marvelous healings because they haven't walked with God. What a tragedy. [00:27:58] (42 seconds)  #ReflectOnYourWalk Edit Clip | Translate Clip

While you wait, create the best gift you'll ever give yourself and there is a relationship with God. A relationship that is unique to you and God. It's not meant to be like anybody else's relationship. Don't compare yourself. And do you know what one of the most marvellous benefits of that is? You'll also lead others to Jesus and that is just wonderful. [00:33:57] (32 seconds) Edit Clip | Translate Clip