Faith, Focus, and the Power of Prayer

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound journey of faith and the transformative power of prayer and fasting. We began by acknowledging the challenges and struggles we face, emphasizing that Jesus sees us in our struggles and is actively coming to our aid. This is a reminder that we are never alone, even when the storms of life seem overwhelming. Jesus is not only aware of our difficulties but is also moving towards us, ready to rescue and strengthen us.

We delved into the story of Peter walking on water, highlighting the importance of maintaining our focus on Jesus amidst life's distractions. Peter's experience teaches us that our faith can waver when we divert our attention from Jesus to the challenges around us. However, even in moments of doubt, Jesus is there to catch us and help us grow. This growth often occurs in the midst of our struggles, as we learn to depend more on Jesus' power than on our own.

The message also introduced the concept of inviting Jesus into our "boat"—our lives—and allowing Him to guide us. This act of willingness and determination can lead to breakthroughs and miracles, as seen when the disciples reached their destination once they welcomed Jesus aboard. We are encouraged to embrace prayer and fasting as tools to deepen our relationship with God, allowing us to focus on His presence and power in our lives.

As we embark on a 21-day challenge of prayer and fasting, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed. This journey is not just about personal transformation but also about inviting others to experience the same breakthroughs. By trusting God with our struggles and stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to the miraculous work He wants to do in and through us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus Sees You in Your Struggle: In the midst of life's storms, it's easy to feel invisible to God. However, Jesus is always aware of our struggles and sees us clearly. This awareness is the first step towards experiencing His intervention and comfort. [54:40]

2. Jesus is Coming for You: Jesus actively moves towards us in our struggles, not to condemn but to rescue. His presence is a source of courage and reassurance, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. [55:41]

3. Faith Grows in Struggles: Our faith is often strengthened in the midst of challenges. By focusing on Jesus rather than our problems, we allow our faith to grow, enabling us to experience His power and presence more fully. [01:02:28]

4. Invite Jesus into Your Life: Welcoming Jesus into our lives with determination can lead to significant breakthroughs. This act of faith allows us to reach our destinations and experience the peace and guidance that only He can provide. [01:09:27]

5. The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in prayer and fasting helps us focus on God and align our will with His. This spiritual discipline opens the door for God to work powerfully in our lives, leading to transformation and growth. [01:05:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [36:05] - Introduction to Faith and Breakthrough
- [38:07] - The Polar Vortex and God's Forecast
- [39:09] - Testimonies of Last Year's Breakthroughs
- [40:46] - Aligning Our Will with God's
- [42:36] - The Power of Prayer
- [43:49] - Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
- [44:49] - Addressing Unanswered Prayers
- [45:43] - The Challenge of Fasting
- [46:51] - Different Ways to Fast
- [48:17] - Resources for Breakthrough
- [49:32] - Inviting Others to Join
- [50:08] - The Theme of Little Faith
- [52:35] - Jesus Sees You in Your Struggle
- [54:40] - Jesus is Coming for You
- [55:41] - Growing Faith in Struggles
- [01:02:28] - Embracing Weakness for Strength
- [01:09:27] - Inviting Jesus into Your Boat
- [01:10:45] - Declaring Your Breakthrough
- [01:12:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 14:25-31
2. Mark 6:47-48
3. Matthew 17:20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 6:47-48, what does it mean that Jesus saw the disciples struggling in the boat? How does this relate to the idea that Jesus sees us in our struggles? [54:40]

2. According to Matthew 14:25-31, what was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on water, and how did his focus shift during the event? [01:01:14]

3. What does Matthew 17:20 say about the power of faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed? How does this relate to the sermon’s theme of little faith? [50:08]

4. How did the disciples' willingness to invite Jesus into their boat lead to a breakthrough, according to John 6:20-21? [01:09:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus seeing us in our struggles? How might this awareness impact a person's faith journey? [54:40]

2. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the concept of faith growing through struggles? What does this teach about the nature of faith? [01:02:28]

3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to invite Jesus into their lives, and what are the potential outcomes of doing so? [01:09:27]

4. How does the sermon explain the role of prayer and fasting in aligning our will with God's? What are the expected results of engaging in these spiritual disciplines? [46:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current struggle in your life. How can the knowledge that Jesus sees you in your struggle provide comfort and hope? [54:40]

2. Identify a distraction that often diverts your focus from Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to maintain your focus on Him, especially during challenging times? [01:04:36]

3. Consider the concept of inviting Jesus into your "boat." What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Him, and how can you take steps to do so this week? [01:09:27]

4. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and fasting. What specific commitment can you make to incorporate these practices into your daily routine over the next 21 days? [46:51]

5. Think about a time when your faith was tested. How did that experience help you grow spiritually, and how can you apply those lessons to your current situation? [01:02:28]

6. The sermon challenges us to step out in faith, like Peter did. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a bold step of faith, and how can you prepare for it? [01:10:45]

7. How can you encourage someone else in their faith journey, especially if they are going through a struggle? What specific actions can you take to support them this week? [01:12:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Sees You in Your Struggle
In the midst of life's storms, it can often feel as though we are invisible to God, lost in the chaos of our struggles. However, the truth is that Jesus is always aware of our circumstances and sees us clearly. This awareness is not passive; it is the first step towards experiencing His intervention and comfort. Jesus' presence in our lives is a constant reminder that we are never alone, even when the challenges we face seem insurmountable. His watchful eye is a source of hope and reassurance, encouraging us to trust in His timing and His plan for our lives. [54:40]

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you remind yourself today that Jesus sees you and is actively working on your behalf?


Day 2: Jesus is Coming for You
In our struggles, Jesus is not a distant observer but an active participant who moves towards us with the intention of rescue and support. His presence is a source of courage and reassurance, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. Jesus comes not to condemn but to offer His strength and guidance, helping us navigate through life's challenges. This understanding transforms our perception of struggles, seeing them as opportunities for Jesus to demonstrate His love and power in our lives. [55:41]

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt alone in a struggle. How can you invite Jesus into that memory and allow His presence to bring healing and courage?


Day 3: Faith Grows in Struggles
Our faith is often strengthened in the midst of challenges. By focusing on Jesus rather than our problems, we allow our faith to grow, enabling us to experience His power and presence more fully. The story of Peter walking on water illustrates this truth, showing how our faith can waver when we divert our attention from Jesus to the challenges around us. However, even in moments of doubt, Jesus is there to catch us and help us grow. This growth often occurs in the midst of our struggles, as we learn to depend more on Jesus' power than on our own. [01:02:28]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you shift your focus from the problem to Jesus, allowing your faith to grow through this experience?


Day 4: Invite Jesus into Your Life
Welcoming Jesus into our lives with determination can lead to significant breakthroughs. This act of faith allows us to reach our destinations and experience the peace and guidance that only He can provide. The disciples' journey with Jesus in their boat serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives. When we invite Jesus into our "boat," we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to guide us through life's storms and into the calm of His presence. [01:09:27]

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: What area of your life have you not fully invited Jesus into? What steps can you take today to welcome Him into that space?


Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Engaging in prayer and fasting helps us focus on God and align our will with His. This spiritual discipline opens the door for God to work powerfully in our lives, leading to transformation and growth. As we embark on a 21-day challenge of prayer and fasting, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed. This journey is not just about personal transformation but also about inviting others to experience the same breakthroughs. By trusting God with our struggles and stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to the miraculous work He wants to do in and through us. [01:05:19]

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)

Reflection: As you consider participating in a period of prayer and fasting, what specific intention or breakthrough are you seeking from God? How can you prepare your heart and mind for this spiritual journey?

Quotes



I want you to think about what is stressing you out, what is consuming your thoughts, what is frustrating you, or maybe something that God is calling you to that you don't feel ready to do. And I want you to write it on there. Now, I'm gonna preach for long enough for you to think about it and for the Holy Spirit to move, okay? So you got some time. That's why I'm preaching longer. Okay, so when you think, when is he gonna be quiet? I'm giving you time. Some of you are gonna be like, I got it done. Please stop, okay? [00:40:16] (30 seconds)


And we'll talk about that part in a minute. That time is meant to be focused in the presence of God in prayer. And you're gonna pray over whatever it is on this thing. You can take two. There's more back there. If it helps you, take one home and put one on the cross. But you're going to pray over whatever that is. And you can even pray over each other's. If you're in a life group, or you just wanna say, hey, can you pray over mine? We'll pray over yours. We're gonna pray over all the ones on the cross throughout this time. [00:43:04] (32 seconds)


But prayer is the biggest element. In fact, a lot of us, we hesitate to ask God, because we think he can't do it. Now, we just sang a song, right? He's not gonna fail. We sang a couple of them about all the great things God can do. And we're gonna read today about it as well. But in Matthew chapter seven, seven, it says, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be open to you. [00:43:36] (33 seconds)


And the one who listens to the prayers is saying to you, like, just ask me. Just ask me. And I'm not asking you to do that. I will deliver it. Now, of course, like I said, sometimes the answer may be no. Sometimes the answer may be not yet. We're gonna, on the 26th, we're gonna have a special time of prayer. worship, celebration of what God's done. But I'm also going to speak for a few minutes about those who prayed and fasted and did everything you're supposed to do, but haven't got what you asked for. What to do there. We'll talk about that on that Sunday. [00:44:52] (40 seconds)


Some of you are going to give up food. Um, some of you, and that might be all day. That might be from, uh, you know, as long as the sun's up, that might be a three day fast. And then you do something different, or you might fast from Friday to, you know, I don't know what God's calling you to. You'd spend some time reading this document and then pray and see what God's inviting you to do. Now, some of you, um, food's not what has a grip on your life. It's more like this. Okay. Some of you need to give up social media and stop scrolling. So you have time to pray. Now I want to, I want to invite you. I want to challenge you. Don't, don't delete a meal. [00:48:25] (35 seconds)


And it's so easy to get distracted by what I see in the peripheral. Like, there's some, there's some legit things to be afraid of. Like, wind and waves. If you're walking on water, you should be worried. Unless you have your eyes on Jesus. So we have to decide. It says faith is, right? Right? It's, it's most powerful when we believe in things we can't see. And so you have to decide, I'm gonna look at the things I can't see. I'm gonna believe those things in spite of what I can see. Now, Jesus, Peter had the benefit. [01:04:36] (43 seconds)


of like physical jesus right in front of him but every one of you can look back in your life and think of a moment when jesus was undeniably present that is what you need to look at in moments of struggle when you're in terrible trouble learn to depend on jesus in your struggle don't give more attention to your struggle than your savior now i invite you um don't delete the meal and forget to keep your eyes on jesus don't take up a hobby dig [01:05:19] (43 seconds)


us what may have been in play mark 651 the last part and to 52 they were totally they were totally amazed that's when the wind and waves died down for they still didn't understand the significance of the fact that they were willing to take him into the boat and they finally reached their destination their hearts were too hard to take it in some of you aren't ready for this breakthrough because you haven't come to grips with what god has already done in your life just previous to this they saw the miracle of loaves and fish being multiplied to feed 5 000 probably 10 000 with women and children 10 000 people you need to figure out what jesus is already doing in your life to get ready for what he's going to do next and that's why we're going to talk about the miracle of the loaves and fish we get our hearts hardened we're like this is this is how far god gets to go and no further i'm going to do the prayer but not the fasting and those hard hearts keep us from experiencing those big moments that god's inviting us to now what's amazing is everybody in the boat got a breakthrough can you can you stand up we're gonna we're gonna create a moment where you get to come forward. I need our prayer team to come forward. But everybody in the boat, all 12 disciples got a breakthrough that day. [01:08:01] (76 seconds)


Because when Jesus got into the boat, what happened? The wind and waves calmed down and they reached the other side. everybody got a miracle that day. Now, only one of them got out of the boat. Only one of them had a spectacular miracle. I know God will work in your life, even if you just kind of sit there and wait for him, but I'm inviting you to get out of the boat. This may be something new, prayer and fasting, something new for you. I'm inviting you to let God do spectacular things in your life. You may not walk on water, but God may totally transform you, your family, your workplace through what he's going to do in you over the next three weeks. [01:10:45] (46 seconds)


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Transcript
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