Faithfulness on the Journey: Trusting God Along the Way
Summary
Life is often compared to a long road trip, filled with destinations we hope to reach—graduations, careers, marriage, raising children, retirement. Yet, if we focus only on the destination, we risk missing the beauty, growth, and faithfulness that God weaves into every step of our journey. The stories of Abraham, Moses, and David remind us that even those who walked closely with God did not always reach their earthly goals, but what defined them was not their achievements, but their faithfulness and their walk with God.
Psalm 121, a song sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, captures this truth. As they faced treacherous terrain, dangers, and uncertainty, they recited, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Their journey was not just about arriving at the temple, but about learning to trust God’s active, attentive care along the way. The psalm repeats the word “keep” (shamar) six times, emphasizing that God is not a passive observer but an active guardian—He watches, protects, and preserves us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
God’s faithfulness does not mean we are immune from evil or hardship. Rather, He promises to sustain us, to provide a way out of temptation, and to keep us secure in His presence, even when we feel vulnerable or afraid. Our lives are not measured by the destinations we reach, but by our daily walk with God—by our faithfulness in the journey. Every challenge, setback, and detour is an opportunity for God to refine us, to build our trust, and to reveal His goodness.
As a church, our mission is to grow in love and go in love—not just within our walls, but out into the world, building relationships and communities that reflect God’s heart. The work we do, whether building a school in Cambodia or gathering for fellowship, is not the end goal, but the beginning of a journey where God’s faithfulness is revealed and our faith is deepened. Let us not miss the daily moments of God’s presence by being fixated on the finish line. Instead, may we walk faithfully with Him, trusting that He will guide us home to where we truly belong.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Help Is Found in Him Alone
When facing the hills and challenges of life, true help does not come from worldly sources—possessions, status, or even relationships—but from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. This calls us to lift our eyes above the distractions and false securities of this world, anchoring our hope in God’s sovereignty and care. In every season, He alone is our source and sustainer. [33:22]
- God Actively Keeps and Guards Us
The Hebrew word “shamar” reveals that God’s keeping is not passive; He is actively involved in every detail of our lives. He watches over us, guards us from harm, and preserves us from decay and corruption. Even when we feel unseen or forgotten, God is intimately aware and present, never slumbering or turning away from our needs. [39:06]
- The Journey Matters More Than the Destination
Scripture and the lives of the faithful show that God is more concerned with our walk than our arrival. Abraham, Moses, and David were commended not for reaching their earthly goals, but for their faithfulness along the way. Our spiritual growth, character, and intimacy with God are forged in the journey, not just at the finish line. [54:05]
- God’s Faithfulness in Our Vulnerability
In moments of fear, danger, or uncertainty—whether on a literal road trip or in the trials of life—God’s protection and presence become most real. He covers us from the front and behind, often in ways we cannot see or understand at the time. These experiences stretch our faith, teaching us to rely on Him when our own strength and control fail. [50:02]
- Faithfulness Is the True Measure of Our Lives
At the end of our journey, God will not commend us for our achievements or possessions, but for our faithfulness. Every setback, temptation, and act of obedience is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply. Our calling is to walk with God daily, allowing Him to shape us and use us for His purposes, knowing that He will ultimately bring us home to Himself. [58:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Mission: Grow in Love, Go in Love
[03:10] - Five Minutes of Fellowship
[12:36] - Road Trip Stories and Community
[18:21] - Praying for Iran and Persecuted Christians
[23:17] - Lessons from Long Road Trips
[25:02] - The Problem with Focusing on Destinations
[26:28] - Abraham, Moses, and David: Journeys of Faith
[28:55] - Psalm 121: God as Our Keeper
[31:34] - Lifting Our Eyes to the Hills
[36:43] - Depending on God’s Help
[39:06] - God’s Active Keeping: Shamar
[46:12] - God’s Protection in Crisis
[51:09] - God Keeps Us from Evil
[54:05] - The Journey Over the Destination
[57:51] - Country Roads: God Guides Us Home
[59:28] - Cambodia School: The Journey Begins
[01:00:27] - Our Ongoing Mission
[01:17:22] - Announcements and Sending
[01:22:46] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:24:22] - Fellowship and Final Announcements
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Faithfulness on the Journey”
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### Bible Reading
- Psalm 121 (main text)
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (quoted in sermon)
- Hebrews 11:37-40 (quoted in sermon)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 121, what word is repeated several times, and what does it mean in the context of the psalm? ([37:54])
2. According to the sermon, what were Abraham, Moses, and David known for, and did they reach their earthly destinations? ([27:44])
3. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, what does Paul say God will do when we face temptation? ([52:12])
4. What does the psalmist mean when he says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?” ([31:34])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the psalmist emphasizes that God “keeps” or “watches over” us so many times in Psalm 121? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([39:06])
2. The sermon says that God’s faithfulness doesn’t mean we are immune from evil or hardship. How does this change the way we view God’s protection in our lives? ([51:09])
3. The lives of Abraham, Moses, and David were described as journeys where the destination was not always reached. What does this suggest about how God measures success or faithfulness? ([27:44])
4. In Hebrews 11:37-40, the “heroes of faith” did not receive what was promised in their lifetimes. How does this challenge our expectations about what it means to follow God? ([56:05])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about being so focused on the destination that we miss the journey. Is there an area in your life where you are so focused on a goal that you might be missing what God is doing right now? What would it look like to slow down and notice God’s presence in the process? ([25:02])
2. Psalm 121 says our help comes from the Lord, not from worldly things. Are there “idols” or false sources of security in your life that you tend to look to for help instead of God? What would it look like to “lift your eyes” to God this week? ([33:22])
3. The Hebrew word “shamar” means God is actively keeping and guarding us. Can you think of a recent time when you felt God’s protection or presence, even if things were hard? How did that experience affect your faith? ([39:06])
4. The sermon shared a story about feeling vulnerable and afraid during a crisis, but also experiencing God’s protection. When have you felt most vulnerable in your life, and how did you see (or not see) God’s faithfulness during that time? ([50:02])
5. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will provide a way out of temptation. Is there a temptation or struggle you are facing right now? What practical step can you take this week to look for and take God’s “way out”? ([52:12])
6. The sermon said that at the end of our journey, God will commend us for our faithfulness, not our achievements. What is one area where you want to grow in faithfulness, even if you don’t see immediate results or “success”? ([58:25])
7. As a church, we are called to “grow in love and go in love.” What is one relationship or community you feel God is calling you to invest in, not just as a project or destination, but as part of your journey with Him? ([01:00:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you notice His faithfulness in the small moments this week, to trust Him with your journey, and to grow in faithfulness no matter what the destination looks like.
Devotional
Day 1: Our Help Comes from the Lord Alone
In the journey of life, it is easy to look to worldly sources—our careers, possessions, relationships, or even our own strength—for help and security. Yet, true help comes from God, the Maker of heaven and earth, who is sovereign over all things. When we face challenges, uncertainties, or moments of fear, we are invited to lift our eyes beyond the hills, beyond the idols and distractions, and fix our gaze on the Lord. He alone is our source of strength, guidance, and hope, and He calls us to depend on Him fully, trusting that He is always present and able to provide for every need. [33:22]
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been relying on something or someone other than God for help? How can you intentionally turn to God for help in that area today?
Day 2: God Actively Watches Over and Keeps Us
God is not a distant or passive observer; He is actively involved in every detail of our lives. The Lord “keeps” us—He guards, preserves, and watches over us with unwavering attention. He never slumbers or sleeps, and His care is constant, even when we are unaware or feel alone. Just as backup arrives at the right moment in times of need, God is always aware of our circumstances and ready to intervene. We can rest in the assurance that He is our Keeper, holding us securely and protecting us from harm, both seen and unseen, every step of the way. [40:00]
Psalm 121:3-4 (ESV)
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Reflection: When have you experienced God’s protection or presence in a way that surprised you? How can you remind yourself of His active care in your daily routine?
Day 3: God Guards Us from Evil and Provides a Way Out
While God does not promise a life free from hardship or exposure to evil, He does promise to keep us from being overcome by it. He preserves our lives, provides spiritual protection, and offers a way out when we face temptation. Even in the midst of trials, God is faithful to sustain us and guide us toward what is good. We are called to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He is present in every circumstance, and to look for the ways He provides escape and strength to endure. [52:12]
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Reflection: Think of a temptation or struggle you are currently facing. What “way out” might God be providing for you, and how can you take a step toward it today?
Day 4: The Journey Matters More Than the Destination
Life is often focused on reaching milestones—achievements, goals, or destinations—but God invites us to prioritize the journey with Him. The stories of Abraham, Moses, and David remind us that even when earthly promises seem unfulfilled, what matters most is walking faithfully with God each day. Our faith is refined and deepened not by what we accomplish, but by how we trust and depend on God through every challenge, setback, and detour. God uses the journey to shape our hearts, build our faith, and draw us closer to Him. [54:05]
Hebrews 11:39-40 (ESV)
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Reflection: In what ways have you been overly focused on reaching a particular goal or destination? How can you shift your focus to being faithful and present with God in your journey today?
Day 5: God’s Faithfulness Guides Us Home
Through every peak and valley, God’s faithfulness is unwavering. He is with us in every moment, guiding, sustaining, and preparing us for our true home with Him. Our earthly achievements and possessions are not what define us; rather, it is our faithfulness and relationship with God that matter most. One day, He will welcome us home—not because of what we have accomplished, but because we have walked with Him. Let us not miss the daily evidence of His goodness and faithfulness, but instead, trust that He will guide us to where we truly belong. [58:25]
John 14:2-3 (ESV)
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Reflection: How does knowing that God is preparing a place for you change the way you approach your daily life and challenges? What is one way you can live today with eternity in mind?
Quotes
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