Faith and Trust in Seasons of Transition
Devotional
Sermon Summary
Bible Study Guide
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And, no, it can be a bit daunting at times when you're in the hallway, as they call it, where one door is sort of shut, one season is done, and a new season is awaiting. And you know that season is coming, but it isn't quite there yet, and you're in the hallway. And I've been meditating on that for a little while. And I'm going to be honest today about some of the journey that I've been taking with that because, you know, when you're in the hallway, it's quite hard sometimes. [00:44:54]
You know, and there will be seasons in life where we feel we're in the hallway between the was and the is to come. I don't like those seasons. Can I be honest with you? I hate it. It's uncomfortable. You know, I'd rather know what's happening. I am an organized person. I'm like, God, I need to know. I need to know what you're going to do next. Because how are we supposed to lead your church if we don't know what you're going to do next? And he's like, Rachel, you just need to trust me. [00:46:32]
You know, sometimes these seasons aren't so much about what is happening in our world. It's actually what he's doing in us. [00:46:58]
In those moments, the times between the promise and the miracle, that nothing is impossible, what do we do? You know, God's got a sense of humor, doesn't he? Because at the end of last year, he spoke very clearly to Nathan and I that this was a year where nothing is impossible. [00:47:23]
Who knows that the enemy doesn't like when you start declaring that nothing is impossible? He doesn't like it. He does not like it. And sometimes we don't see the miracle yet. We're standing, we're waiting, we're persevering. And sometimes all you can do is stand. [00:47:37]
And the truth is, we actually will be a little short. But we have been promised time and time and time again that, you know, that everything is going to be covered. And so we stand on that word. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were feeling a little bit like, oh my gosh, Lord, how are you going to do this? And then Pastor Chris Hodgman comes here and prophesies over the two of us and says there's a gap and God's filling the gap. Time and time again, God is speaking life and speaking what the promise is and how it's going to come. But at the moment, we're in the hallway and we're waiting for it to be fulfilled. [00:47:59]
You know, I thought that was our training ground. Fear attacked me. I remember being in the car with Nathan and I'm like nearly hyperventilating going, I don't, what if this never happens? Like people are going to go, like, you know, you've let us down the garden path. You know, I'm starting, the devil's starting to get in here. Then I had someone who had really good intentions say, you know, have you felt a little bit like you're couch surfing? And I went, yeah, no, in jest, you know. I went, yeah, it does feel a bit like we're couch surfing at the moment. That's before we got Scotia Place. [00:48:56]
But that one line, the enemy went, ha, ha, you're couch surfing. You don't even have a place to reside. You know, people are going to get sick of couch surfing after a while. They're going to hate going from building to building. They're going to do this and that and the other. So we're away on holidays and some of these thoughts are going through my mind and I'm just kind of, we're away as well, which makes it even harder. [00:49:30]
You know, and I see the teams are flourishing, you know, and you see that people have grown in leadership and ability. Pastor Darren, you know, is just doing things he's never done before. And we're just like, wow, we're not even taking that back on, Pastor Darren. Well, you can keep doing it. [00:49:55]
As those thoughts came, I started to go, you know what? I cannot have these thoughts, you know. And I said, Lord, my church, our church is more mature than that. Our people are the church. We are not the building. We are not the chairs. We are going to see what God has promised. [00:50:44]
This thing is going to cost more than you can afford a big one. This is going to cost more. You know, you're not going to be able to pull it off. You know, and sometimes, you know, I may, well, I'm a financial person too, so crunching the numbers, you know, and going, we'll have to do this. Oh, we're going to have to do this, God. God, you're going to have to. And, you know, I'm trying to find all the ways that we can make it happen. And that's a good thing to do because you've got to be a good steward of what God has, you know, given you. And then I felt God wake me up one night, and I'm laying there, and I was having a bit of anxiety, and he said clearly to me, he said, Rachel, I can wake somebody up in the evening. I saw a businessman laying in his bed, and I can press on him that he needs to pay money towards the church. And I just went, whoa, I kind of went, that's a bit strange. [00:51:07]
And then God said to me, Rachel, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11 .1. That became alive in me again. All of a sudden it came alive. Faith is the substance. It's the reality of things that we're hoping for. It's the evidence of things not seen. See, faith only becomes faith when we have to use it. [00:52:15]
Hebrews 11 .2 goes on to say that by faith the people of old receive their commendation, like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. And I began to think of some of these people and went, wow. They faced great hardship. They did things that didn't make sense. Abraham went to a place he didn't even know where he was going to. Noah built a big whopping ark, you know, in the desert when there was no rain, because he had a promise from the Lord. [00:52:56]
And today I was looking around, I had little Sophia walking around with me. And Hannah, you're an amazing mum. You know, Hannah just brings Sophia to church all the time. She's a single mum. She worship leads. She's part of the team. She does everything. And Sophia is immersed in it all. When I go to Wednesday night prayer meeting, Hannah's there with her and Sophia's there worshipping. She jumps on the drum kit sometimes before they do prayer. She's trying everything, you know. And, you know, later on in life, those things will kick into her and they will make her be who God has called her to be. And I know Nathan was saying last week, parents, bring your kids to church. Please do it because these are the seasons, these seasons where we need the church. You know, we need every one of you in Pack Up and Set Up in Church Life. There is room for you to be involved. There are things that you can do and we need you. And you know what? It is the best thing for you. It's the best thing for your family. [00:54:31]
I would not be the leader I am today if we didn't do that community back in those days. And so then the Lord started saying to me, instead of looking at the negatives and being sorry for yourself, look at the positives of what I'm doing, Rachel. [00:55:31]
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. It's the evidence of things not seen. And so I started to look and I went, well, what are you doing, God? And now I'm starting to see the ones, the twos, the ones that are on team that are growing and doing new things. And it's getting me so excited on the inside because I see what God is doing and He's preparing His church for greater things. Amen? Greater things. [00:55:46]
So sometimes God calls us to stand. Stand in the place that we are and have faith to believe for what He has brought us to. Ephesians 6 .13 says, and this is a New King James Version, therefore take up the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Have you ever been in that place where you feel like you've done everything you can do and then you just have to stand and trust God? I think that's where I found myself in this season because I'm quite a capable person, you know, and I always draw on every little thing I can think of to make things happen, you know, my own ability. [00:56:13]
But I'm standing here, God, and I'm trusting you and I will do whatever you tell me to do in this season, God. I look to you, Father, and I understand that even though the cloud is just out there and it hasn't come over yet, it's coming. And so, Lord, we thank you for that. And that's where I find myself. So God calls us not to strive harder, but to stand firm. [00:57:10]
When I read this passage of scripture, I just really felt the Holy Spirit and I really hope that you get spoken to this morning. So it speaks about Jehoshaphat, King Jehoshaphat, who was a godly king. He followed the ways of the Lord. He was a great leader in his time. He trusted God for the people of Israel. The Bible says he didn't do anything wrong. He was a great king. [00:58:18]
I just want to pause there. You can see what's going on there. He's terrified, but he's calling on the Lord. He's standing there and he's saying, Lord, you are the God. You have promised this. You have said this. And that's where I found myself. I'm like, God, I'm standing before you and I'm calling on you because you have promised it. I'm at the end of my ability, but I know that you are the God of the impossible. You are going to do what you say. And I hear this in Jehoshaphat's voice. He's calling on the Lord in front of all the people and he's standing in the place, in the hallway, crying out to God to see the miracle happen. [01:00:49]
Oh, our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking for you to help. Can I pause there again? Just to be honest, in this season, I've gone, God, we've done everything right. We've loved your people. [01:01:46]
the Lord with their little ones, with their wives and their children. I love that. And all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives and children. The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jehaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaniah, son of Jael, son of Mataniah, a Levite who was a descendant to Asaph. He said, listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem. Listen King Jehoshaphat, this is what the Lord says, do not be afraid, don't be discouraged by this mighty army for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow march out against them, you will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jael. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions. Then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. Oh, I see them. I think, you know, sometimes when we stand still, we're not just standing like this. Sometimes standing still is a defensive pose. [01:02:23]
Early the next morning, the armies of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped them and said, listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets and you will succeed. Believe in the word. [01:04:08]
So my first point this morning is, number one, they stood in the face of fear. This morning, we're going to do these points and then we're going to make a declaration after every one of those. And I believe this is a spiritual moment that we're standing the ground right now. We're going to take our stance and we're going to believe God for what He's going to do. [01:06:07]
All Judah gathered, men, women, and children. It wasn't just limited. You know, what we're doing with our kids at the moment, I've been working with Jaden, is that what we're learning here, they're learning in there. Because we want the same Word to be permeated even in their lives. That they become the army of the Lord. That they join the ranks of what we're doing here together. [01:06:48]
Some victories are won corporately. You are not alone, there are others standing with you. So in this season, our first declaration is, we are going to increase prayer. And I think that was going to come up there, our declaration. We are going to increase prayer. [01:07:16]
God honors people who stand united in worship and humility. Even the children stood. It was generational faith. [01:08:38]
Do you know, I am so blessed by Mary. I am so blessed by Beryl, by Adrian and Joy. And, you know, from the oldest to the youngest, I have been spending time in kids with Jayden and the team. And those kids blow me away with their faith. It's generational faith. Do you know, Pastor Nathan and I, we have always wanted a multi -generational church. And we believe that every generation should impart into the next generation because everybody has something to give and it's so healthy. And I am so thankful to God that we have a church like that. You know, and you know, this blows me away. We have over 50s mornings and all the young people want to come. [01:08:59]
2 Chronicles 20, 17 says, But you need not even fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow for the Lord is with you. [01:09:05]
Ask a question about this sermon
You know, and there will be seasons in life where we feel we're in the hallway between the was and the is to come. I don't like those seasons. Can I be honest with you? I hate it. It's uncomfortable. You know, I'd rather know what's happening. I am an organized person. I'm like, God, I need to know. I need to know what you're going to do next. Because how are we supposed to lead your church if we don't know what you're going to do next? And he's like, Rachel, you just need to trust me. [00:46:32]
You know, sometimes these seasons aren't so much about what is happening in our world. It's actually what he's doing in us. [00:46:58]
In those moments, the times between the promise and the miracle, that nothing is impossible, what do we do? You know, God's got a sense of humor, doesn't he? Because at the end of last year, he spoke very clearly to Nathan and I that this was a year where nothing is impossible. [00:47:23]
Who knows that the enemy doesn't like when you start declaring that nothing is impossible? He doesn't like it. He does not like it. And sometimes we don't see the miracle yet. We're standing, we're waiting, we're persevering. And sometimes all you can do is stand. [00:47:37]
And the truth is, we actually will be a little short. But we have been promised time and time and time again that, you know, that everything is going to be covered. And so we stand on that word. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were feeling a little bit like, oh my gosh, Lord, how are you going to do this? And then Pastor Chris Hodgman comes here and prophesies over the two of us and says there's a gap and God's filling the gap. Time and time again, God is speaking life and speaking what the promise is and how it's going to come. But at the moment, we're in the hallway and we're waiting for it to be fulfilled. [00:47:59]
You know, I thought that was our training ground. Fear attacked me. I remember being in the car with Nathan and I'm like nearly hyperventilating going, I don't, what if this never happens? Like people are going to go, like, you know, you've let us down the garden path. You know, I'm starting, the devil's starting to get in here. Then I had someone who had really good intentions say, you know, have you felt a little bit like you're couch surfing? And I went, yeah, no, in jest, you know. I went, yeah, it does feel a bit like we're couch surfing at the moment. That's before we got Scotia Place. [00:48:56]
But that one line, the enemy went, ha, ha, you're couch surfing. You don't even have a place to reside. You know, people are going to get sick of couch surfing after a while. They're going to hate going from building to building. They're going to do this and that and the other. So we're away on holidays and some of these thoughts are going through my mind and I'm just kind of, we're away as well, which makes it even harder. [00:49:30]
You know, and I see the teams are flourishing, you know, and you see that people have grown in leadership and ability. Pastor Darren, you know, is just doing things he's never done before. And we're just like, wow, we're not even taking that back on, Pastor Darren. Well, you can keep doing it. [00:49:55]
As those thoughts came, I started to go, you know what? I cannot have these thoughts, you know. And I said, Lord, my church, our church is more mature than that. Our people are the church. We are not the building. We are not the chairs. We are going to see what God has promised. [00:50:44]
This thing is going to cost more than you can afford a big one. This is going to cost more. You know, you're not going to be able to pull it off. You know, and sometimes, you know, I may, well, I'm a financial person too, so crunching the numbers, you know, and going, we'll have to do this. Oh, we're going to have to do this, God. God, you're going to have to. And, you know, I'm trying to find all the ways that we can make it happen. And that's a good thing to do because you've got to be a good steward of what God has, you know, given you. And then I felt God wake me up one night, and I'm laying there, and I was having a bit of anxiety, and he said clearly to me, he said, Rachel, I can wake somebody up in the evening. I saw a businessman laying in his bed, and I can press on him that he needs to pay money towards the church. And I just went, whoa, I kind of went, that's a bit strange. [00:51:07]
And then God said to me, Rachel, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11 .1. That became alive in me again. All of a sudden it came alive. Faith is the substance. It's the reality of things that we're hoping for. It's the evidence of things not seen. See, faith only becomes faith when we have to use it. [00:52:15]
Hebrews 11 .2 goes on to say that by faith the people of old receive their commendation, like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. And I began to think of some of these people and went, wow. They faced great hardship. They did things that didn't make sense. Abraham went to a place he didn't even know where he was going to. Noah built a big whopping ark, you know, in the desert when there was no rain, because he had a promise from the Lord. [00:52:56]
And today I was looking around, I had little Sophia walking around with me. And Hannah, you're an amazing mum. You know, Hannah just brings Sophia to church all the time. She's a single mum. She worship leads. She's part of the team. She does everything. And Sophia is immersed in it all. When I go to Wednesday night prayer meeting, Hannah's there with her and Sophia's there worshipping. She jumps on the drum kit sometimes before they do prayer. She's trying everything, you know. And, you know, later on in life, those things will kick into her and they will make her be who God has called her to be. And I know Nathan was saying last week, parents, bring your kids to church. Please do it because these are the seasons, these seasons where we need the church. You know, we need every one of you in Pack Up and Set Up in Church Life. There is room for you to be involved. There are things that you can do and we need you. And you know what? It is the best thing for you. It's the best thing for your family. [00:54:31]
I would not be the leader I am today if we didn't do that community back in those days. And so then the Lord started saying to me, instead of looking at the negatives and being sorry for yourself, look at the positives of what I'm doing, Rachel. [00:55:31]
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. It's the evidence of things not seen. And so I started to look and I went, well, what are you doing, God? And now I'm starting to see the ones, the twos, the ones that are on team that are growing and doing new things. And it's getting me so excited on the inside because I see what God is doing and He's preparing His church for greater things. Amen? Greater things. [00:55:46]
So sometimes God calls us to stand. Stand in the place that we are and have faith to believe for what He has brought us to. Ephesians 6 .13 says, and this is a New King James Version, therefore take up the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Have you ever been in that place where you feel like you've done everything you can do and then you just have to stand and trust God? I think that's where I found myself in this season because I'm quite a capable person, you know, and I always draw on every little thing I can think of to make things happen, you know, my own ability. [00:56:13]
But I'm standing here, God, and I'm trusting you and I will do whatever you tell me to do in this season, God. I look to you, Father, and I understand that even though the cloud is just out there and it hasn't come over yet, it's coming. And so, Lord, we thank you for that. And that's where I find myself. So God calls us not to strive harder, but to stand firm. [00:57:10]
When I read this passage of scripture, I just really felt the Holy Spirit and I really hope that you get spoken to this morning. So it speaks about Jehoshaphat, King Jehoshaphat, who was a godly king. He followed the ways of the Lord. He was a great leader in his time. He trusted God for the people of Israel. The Bible says he didn't do anything wrong. He was a great king. [00:58:18]
I just want to pause there. You can see what's going on there. He's terrified, but he's calling on the Lord. He's standing there and he's saying, Lord, you are the God. You have promised this. You have said this. And that's where I found myself. I'm like, God, I'm standing before you and I'm calling on you because you have promised it. I'm at the end of my ability, but I know that you are the God of the impossible. You are going to do what you say. And I hear this in Jehoshaphat's voice. He's calling on the Lord in front of all the people and he's standing in the place, in the hallway, crying out to God to see the miracle happen. [01:00:49]
Oh, our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking for you to help. Can I pause there again? Just to be honest, in this season, I've gone, God, we've done everything right. We've loved your people. [01:01:46]
the Lord with their little ones, with their wives and their children. I love that. And all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives and children. The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jehaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaniah, son of Jael, son of Mataniah, a Levite who was a descendant to Asaph. He said, listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem. Listen King Jehoshaphat, this is what the Lord says, do not be afraid, don't be discouraged by this mighty army for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow march out against them, you will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jael. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions. Then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. Oh, I see them. I think, you know, sometimes when we stand still, we're not just standing like this. Sometimes standing still is a defensive pose. [01:02:23]
Early the next morning, the armies of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped them and said, listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets and you will succeed. Believe in the word. [01:04:08]
So my first point this morning is, number one, they stood in the face of fear. This morning, we're going to do these points and then we're going to make a declaration after every one of those. And I believe this is a spiritual moment that we're standing the ground right now. We're going to take our stance and we're going to believe God for what He's going to do. [01:06:07]
All Judah gathered, men, women, and children. It wasn't just limited. You know, what we're doing with our kids at the moment, I've been working with Jaden, is that what we're learning here, they're learning in there. Because we want the same Word to be permeated even in their lives. That they become the army of the Lord. That they join the ranks of what we're doing here together. [01:06:48]
Some victories are won corporately. You are not alone, there are others standing with you. So in this season, our first declaration is, we are going to increase prayer. And I think that was going to come up there, our declaration. We are going to increase prayer. [01:07:16]
God honors people who stand united in worship and humility. Even the children stood. It was generational faith. [01:08:38]
Do you know, I am so blessed by Mary. I am so blessed by Beryl, by Adrian and Joy. And, you know, from the oldest to the youngest, I have been spending time in kids with Jayden and the team. And those kids blow me away with their faith. It's generational faith. Do you know, Pastor Nathan and I, we have always wanted a multi -generational church. And we believe that every generation should impart into the next generation because everybody has something to give and it's so healthy. And I am so thankful to God that we have a church like that. You know, and you know, this blows me away. We have over 50s mornings and all the young people want to come. [01:08:59]
2 Chronicles 20, 17 says, But you need not even fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow for the Lord is with you. [01:09:05]
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