Faithfulness: A Journey of Growth and Stewardship

As we gather at Yellowstone National Park, we begin a journey through the wilds—both the wilds of our national parks and the wilds of our faith. Yellowstone, with its grandeur and history, invites us to reflect on what it means to be faithful. The park is a living testament to the complexity of stewardship, the ongoing process of learning, and the call to care for creation. Just as Yellowstone has evolved over time—shaped by the hands of many, sometimes for reasons other than pure conservation—so too does our faith develop, shaped by our experiences, our mistakes, and our growth.

Yellowstone’s most famous feature, Old Faithful, is a symbol of reliability, but the park itself is a reminder that faithfulness is not always about predictability or perfection. The land was inhabited and cherished by indigenous peoples long before it became a national park, and its history is marked by both mistakes and corrections—feeding bears, dumping garbage, and later, restoring balance by reintroducing wolves. This journey mirrors our own spiritual path: we do not begin with perfect faith, but grow into it through steps of learning, repentance, and transformation.

God’s faithfulness, unlike ours, is unwavering and foundational. It is the ground beneath our feet, the assurance that we are never abandoned, even when we falter. Our own faithfulness is a journey, not a destination. Like Peter, who grew from a fisherman who denied Christ to the rock upon which the church was built, we are called to take one step at a time toward holiness. The call is not to immediate perfection, but to continual growth—toward compassion, mercy, care, and love.

Yellowstone teaches us that change is not only acceptable but necessary. The park’s story is one of transformation, and so is ours. No matter where we are on our journey—at the beginning, in the midst of struggle, or on the mountaintop—God’s Spirit is present, inviting us to take the next faithful step. Our task is to care for the world entrusted to us, to grow in faithfulness, and to trust in the enduring faithfulness of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faithfulness is a journey, not a static achievement. Just as Yellowstone National Park has changed and grown through history—sometimes through mistakes and course corrections—so too does our faith develop over time. We are not called to instant perfection, but to continual growth and learning. [35:06]
• 2. God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our lives. Unlike human faithfulness, which ebbs and flows, God’s love and presence are constant, holding us up even when we fail or doubt. This assurance allows us to take risks, repent, and try again, knowing we are never abandoned. [36:19]
• 3. Our responsibility as stewards of creation is both practical and spiritual. The call to “have dominion” is not about exploitation, but about care, repair, and respect for the world God has given us. Small acts—like cleaning up, recycling, or repairing—are spiritual practices that reflect our gratitude and responsibility. [17:14]
• 4. Growth in holiness is a process marked by compassion, mercy, and love. The example of Peter reminds us that even the greatest saints began with doubts and failures. Each step we take in caring for others and the world is a step toward the holiness of Christ. [39:07]
• 5. Being at the beginning of the journey is not a cause for shame. Yellowstone’s story shows that transformation is ongoing, and spiritual experiences are possible at every stage. God’s Spirit is present with us whether we feel strong in faith or just starting out, inviting us to take the next step. [41:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:47] - Opening Announcements
• [06:39] - Call to Worship and Prayer
• [12:22] - Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
• [15:37] - Children’s Time: Caring for Creation
• [18:54] - Practical Ways to Steward the Earth
• [28:09] - Introduction to Yellowstone and Faithfulness
• [31:04] - Yellowstone’s History and Purpose
• [32:39] - Conservation Lessons and Changes
• [33:37] - The Reintroduction of Wolves
• [35:06] - Faithfulness as a Journey
• [36:19] - God’s Faithfulness vs. Human Faithfulness
• [39:07] - Growing in Holiness
• [41:58] - Transformation and Spiritual Experience
• [43:07] - The Call to Grow
• [46:56] - Hymn: All Things Bright and Beautiful
• [49:32] - Prayers of the People
• [53:45] - Ways to Connect and Serve
• [59:16] - Closing and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV) — > Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
> And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV) — > But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Psalm 117:1-2 (ESV) — > Praise the Lord, all nations!
> Extol him, all peoples!
> For great is his steadfast love toward us,
> and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
> Praise the Lord!

Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 1:26-28, what does it mean that humans are given “dominion” over the earth? How is this described in the sermon’s children’s time? [15:37]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the mistakes and corrections that happened in Yellowstone’s history? [32:39]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between God’s faithfulness and human faithfulness? [36:19]
4. What example from Peter’s life is used to show that growth in faith is a process? [39:07]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that “dominion” is not about exploitation but about care and responsibility. How does this understanding change the way we think about our role in creation? [17:14]
2. Yellowstone’s story includes both mistakes (like feeding bears and dumping garbage) and positive changes (like reintroducing wolves). What does this teach us about the process of spiritual growth and repentance? [33:37]
3. The sermon points out that God’s faithfulness is “the ground beneath our feet.” How might this assurance affect the way we respond to our own failures or doubts? [36:19]
4. Peter’s journey from denying Jesus to becoming a leader in the church is highlighted. What does this suggest about how God uses imperfect people in the journey of faith? [39:07]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that faithfulness is a journey, not a destination. Where do you see yourself on this journey right now—just starting out, in the middle, or feeling strong? What is one “next step” you feel called to take? [35:06]
2. Think about a time when you made a mistake in caring for God’s creation or in your spiritual life. How did you respond? Is there a “course correction” you feel God is inviting you to make now? [32:39]
3. The sermon mentions practical ways to care for creation, like recycling, cleaning up, or repairing instead of replacing. What is one small, specific action you can take this week to be a better steward of the world around you? [17:14]
4. God’s faithfulness is described as unwavering, even when ours is not. How does knowing this help you when you feel like you’ve failed or are struggling in your faith? [36:19]
5. Peter’s story shows that even those who doubt or fail can grow into leaders and examples of faith. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you’re “not good enough” for God to use you? How might God be inviting you to grow in that area? [39:07]
6. The sermon says that being at the beginning of the journey is not a cause for shame. How can you encourage someone else who feels like they are just starting out or struggling in their faith? [41:58]
7. Yellowstone’s transformation over time is seen as a positive thing. Is there a part of your life or faith that needs to change or grow? What would it look like to welcome that change instead of resisting it? [43:07]