Faith, Community, and Resilience in Adversity
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound journey of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. We shared the story of a beloved community member, affectionately known as the "gentle giant," who is battling stage four metastatic colon cancer. This journey has been a whirlwind of emotions, filled with medical appointments and the constant struggle to maintain hope. In these trying times, the importance of recognizing God's presence and control becomes paramount. Our gentle giant needs a sign that God is real and that there are people who want to see him thrive. This is a call to fight, to hold onto life, and to trust in God's plan even when the path seems dark.
We also discussed the internal battle of voices that can cloud our minds during difficult times. It's crucial to discern between the negative and positive voices, placing them where they belong. This discernment is a spiritual exercise, requiring us to lean on God's guidance and the support of our community. The simple yet powerful prayer, "God, help me," becomes a lifeline, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.
The journey of faith is not just about personal battles but also about community and belonging. We shared a personal testimony of finding a spiritual home, a place where one's soul can awaken and find the strength to fight each day. This sense of belonging and commitment to a faith community can be a turning point, providing the support and encouragement needed to face life's challenges.
Ultimately, the message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of faith. It's about standing in the gap for one another, fighting together, and trusting that God is with us every step of the way. This journey is not easy, but with faith, community, and the simple prayer for God's help, we can find the strength to persevere.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community Support: In times of crisis, the support of a community can be a lifeline. Our gentle giant's story reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. The love and prayers of others can provide the strength needed to keep fighting. [54:01]
2. Discerning Voices in Times of Trouble: During difficult times, we are often bombarded with conflicting voices. It's essential to discern which voices to listen to and which to dismiss. This spiritual discernment helps us stay grounded in faith and focused on God's promises. [01:02:45]
3. The Simplicity of Prayer: Sometimes, the most powerful prayer is the simplest one: "God, help me." This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God and invites His presence into our struggles. It's a reminder that we don't need elaborate words to reach out to God. [01:04:45]
4. Finding a Spiritual Home: A sense of belonging in a faith community can be transformative. It provides a space where our souls can awaken and find strength. This connection can be a turning point in our spiritual journey, offering support and encouragement. [01:05:59]
5. The Daily Fight of Faith: Every day is a battle, and we must start each day ready to fight. This involves a conscious decision to trust in God's plan and to face challenges with courage and hope. It's about choosing faith over doubt and despair. [01:06:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[54:01] - The Gentle Giant's Journey
[01:02:45] - Discerning Voices
[01:04:45] - The Power of Simple Prayer
[01:05:59] - Finding a Spiritual Home
[01:06:40] - The Daily Fight of Faith
[01:07:10] - Commitment and Belonging
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the challenges faced by the "gentle giant" in the sermon, and how do they reflect the struggles mentioned in Psalm 46:1? [54:01]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of discerning between negative and positive voices during difficult times? [01:02:45]
3. What role does the simple prayer "God, help me" play in the sermon, and how does it relate to Philippians 4:6-7? [01:04:45]
4. How does the testimony of finding a spiritual home in the sermon connect with the encouragement found in Hebrews 10:24-25? [01:05:59]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the "gentle giant's" story demonstrate the power of community support as described in Hebrews 10:24-25? [54:01]
2. How can the practice of discerning voices, as discussed in the sermon, help individuals stay grounded in their faith during challenging times? [01:02:45]
3. Why might the simple prayer "God, help me" be considered powerful, and how does it align with the peace promised in Philippians 4:6-7? [01:04:45]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of finding a spiritual home, and how does this relate to the concept of belonging in a faith community? [01:05:59]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did the support of your community impact your journey, and how can you offer similar support to others now? [54:01]
2. Identify a situation where you struggled with conflicting voices. How can you apply the sermon’s advice on discerning these voices in your current life? [01:02:45]
3. Consider the simplicity of the prayer "God, help me." How can incorporating this prayer into your daily routine change your approach to challenges? [01:04:45]
4. Think about your current faith community. How does it provide a sense of belonging, and what steps can you take to deepen your connection with it? [01:05:59]
5. Every day is described as a battle in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to start each day with a mindset ready to fight with faith and hope? [01:06:40]
6. How can you be a source of encouragement and strength for someone in your life who is currently facing a difficult journey? [54:01]
7. Reflect on the role of prayer in your life. How can you make it a more integral part of your daily routine, especially during times of trouble? [01:04:45]
Devotional
Day 1: The Lifeline of Community Support
In times of crisis, the presence and support of a community can be a vital source of strength and encouragement. The story of the "gentle giant" battling stage four metastatic colon cancer highlights the importance of not facing struggles alone. Community support can manifest in various forms, such as prayers, visits, or simply being present. These acts of love and solidarity remind individuals that they are not isolated in their battles. The gentle giant's journey is a testament to the power of collective faith and the impact of a supportive community. [54:01]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your community is currently facing a difficult time? How can you offer tangible support to them today, whether through a call, a visit, or a prayer?
Day 2: Navigating the Voices in Our Minds
During challenging times, we often encounter a multitude of voices that can either uplift or discourage us. It is crucial to discern which voices align with God's truth and which ones lead us astray. This spiritual discernment requires intentionality and reliance on God's wisdom. By focusing on positive, faith-filled voices, individuals can remain grounded in hope and trust in God's promises. This practice is not only a personal exercise but also a communal one, as others can help us identify and amplify the right voices. [01:02:45]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: What negative voices have been prominent in your mind recently? How can you actively replace them with God's truth and promises today?
Day 3: The Simplicity and Power of Prayer
Prayer does not need to be elaborate to be effective. The simple prayer, "God, help me," is a profound acknowledgment of our dependence on God and an invitation for His presence in our struggles. This prayer serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that God is always ready to listen and respond. In moments of despair or uncertainty, turning to this simple prayer can provide comfort and reassurance, anchoring us in faith. [01:04:45]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: When was the last time you prayed a simple prayer for help? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine, especially during moments of stress or anxiety?
Day 4: Finding Strength in a Spiritual Home
A spiritual home offers a sense of belonging and a place where one's soul can find rest and rejuvenation. Being part of a faith community provides the support and encouragement needed to face life's challenges. This connection can be transformative, awakening the soul and providing the strength to persevere. A spiritual home is not just a physical place but a community of believers who journey together in faith, offering love and support. [01:05:59]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Do you feel a sense of belonging in your current faith community? If not, what steps can you take to find or create a spiritual home where you can grow and thrive?
Day 5: Embracing the Daily Fight of Faith
Every day presents a new opportunity to choose faith over doubt and despair. This daily fight involves a conscious decision to trust in God's plan and face challenges with courage and hope. It is about embracing resilience and standing firm in faith, even when the path seems uncertain. By starting each day with a commitment to fight, individuals can navigate life's ups and downs with a sense of purpose and determination. [01:06:40]
2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to maintain faith? How can you intentionally choose to trust God in this area today, and what practical steps can you take to reinforce this decision?
Quotes
"He is, I call him my gentle giant. He's like 6 '2", 270, but he's so quiet. He's so willing to help everybody around him. He's donating his clothes. He's one of our friends. There's a sock drive every year. He donates socks. He's done so much for other people." [00:53:17] (20 seconds)
"And they found another mass. They biopsied it and it ended up being stage four metastatic colon cancer. And ever since that diagnosis, it's just been... A whirlwind of emotions. All he's seen is doctors. All he's seen is the poking and the partying. He needs to know God is real." [00:54:01] (22 seconds)
"Thank you so much. During this time, or any time when stuff is just going wrong, you get so many voices in your head. You get so much, you know, he's not going to make it. You know, your mind plays so many tricks on you. Well, I actually could see him in his casket, and I had to keep telling myself, no, he will live and not die." [01:02:20] (25 seconds)
"He will live and not die. He will live and not die. And it's so crazy. I was sitting in my favorite seat in the back row in the corner, and when the thing first came up about the wow moment, a voice said, do it." [01:02:45] (15 seconds)
"And so, like I said, during this time, it's so many voices in my head, you know, the negative ones, the positive. I have to, like Pastor Bonner said, you got to pick through the voices. You got to place them where they belong." [01:03:11] (12 seconds)
"Pastor Bonner said, he walks through his house, and he just says, God, help me. That's the only prayer he has enough to say sometimes. And that's literally all I can say is, God, help me. Because people can say they understand, but unless you in it, in that moment, you can sympathize, you can say, oh, I understand." [01:04:06] (21 seconds)
"But unless you're in that moment where you got to give an IV antibiotic three times a day, and you're waiting up until 1249 a .m. to give him this medicine, and you're tired, and you're sleepy, and you don't want to get out of your bed, but you have to because it's not about you. It's about him. He don't want this. He don't deserve." [01:04:45] (19 seconds)
"And when me and my husband, Friday, we were getting to a church. We started. He wanted to be Baptist. And I was like, I ain't going to be Baptist. But we could try. So we tried helping different churches. And so he wanted to go to Mount Ida. And so I listened to a one service. And then praise and worship put me to sleep. No, I'm sorry. Sorry. It did. I'm sorry." [01:05:33] (20 seconds)
"I got to start my day with that. I got to start my day up. You got to fight. Every day is a fight. You got to start your day up. You can't start your day. Damn. Then. Sad." [01:06:40] (12 seconds)
"This is where I belong. For me to be gone for so long. To finally come back. And that's my first sermon I come to. I've been locked in ever since. Then under the hood." [01:07:00] (11 seconds)
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