Finding Freedom: Trusting God to Move Forward

 

Summary

Feeling stuck is a common experience that many of us face at different points in our lives. Whether it's due to financial burdens, health issues, relationship struggles, or mental health challenges, the sensation of being trapped can be overwhelming. However, it's crucial to remember that God is always present, ready to help us navigate through these difficult times. The enemy often tries to convince us that we are alone and abandoned, but this is far from the truth. God is with us, and He desires for us to live an abundant life, free from the chains that hold us back.

To move forward, we must first acknowledge our situation. Admitting that we are stuck is not a sign of weakness but an act of humility and accountability. It opens the door for God's intervention and allows us to begin the healing process. Once we recognize our need for help, we must trust God and take a step of faith. Trusting God means believing in His plan, even when the path is unclear. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, knowing that God will equip us with everything we need.

Fear and doubt are powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep us immobilized. They whisper lies that we are not capable or worthy, but God tells us otherwise. He has given us the tools to overcome these obstacles, and by putting on the armor of God, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Letting go of fear and doubt makes room for faith and hope, allowing us to move forward with confidence.

In this journey, it's important to remember that we are not alone. God is always with us, guiding and providing for us. He is the way maker, the promise keeper, and the miracle worker. By putting our faith into action, we can get unstuck and step into the life that God has prepared for us. It's time to get off the broken escalator and take a step forward.

Key Takeaways:

1. Acknowledge Your Situation: Admitting that you're stuck is the first step to getting unstuck. It's an act of humility that invites God's intervention and begins the healing process. Recognizing where you are allows God to work in your life and guide you towards freedom. [39:56]

2. Trust in God's Plan: Trusting God means stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. It requires leaving your comfort zone and believing that God will equip you with everything you need. Trusting His timing and plan is essential for moving forward. [50:06]

3. Let Go of Fear and Doubt: Fear and doubt are tools the enemy uses to keep you stuck. By putting on the armor of God, you can stand firm against these attacks. Replacing fear and doubt with faith and hope allows you to move forward with confidence. [54:55]

4. Take Action: Faith without works is dead. It's not enough to just acknowledge your situation or trust God; you must also take action. Moving forward requires stepping out in faith and doing your part, trusting that God will do His. [44:23]

5. You're Not Alone: Remember that God is always with you, guiding and providing for you. He is the way maker and the promise keeper. By putting your faith into action, you can get unstuck and step into the life God has prepared for you. [58:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Feeling Stuck
- [03:15] - The Escalator Analogy
- [06:30] - God's Presence in Our Struggles
- [09:45] - Moving Forward with Faith
- [12:00] - Acknowledging Our Situation
- [15:20] - Trusting God's Plan
- [18:40] - Letting Go of Fear and Doubt
- [22:10] - Taking Action
- [25:30] - The Role of Community
- [28:45] - God's Faithfulness
- [32:00] - The Power of Prayer and Action
- [35:15] - Encouragement to Move Forward
- [38:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."

2. 1 John 1:9 - "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

3. Ephesians 6:10-13 - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are the things that can slow us down in our spiritual race, and how are we encouraged to overcome them? [39:56]

2. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the feeling of being stuck, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [06:30]

3. What does 1 John 1:9 say about the importance of confession, and how does it relate to getting unstuck in life? [39:56]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of fear and doubt in keeping us stuck, and what tools are we given to combat these feelings? [54:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "stripping off every weight" in Hebrews 12:1-2 apply to the process of getting unstuck in our lives? What might these "weights" look like in a modern context? [39:56]

2. The sermon mentions the importance of acknowledging our situation as a first step to freedom. Why might this be a difficult step for many people, and how does it open the door for God's intervention? [39:56]

3. Ephesians 6:10-13 talks about putting on the whole armor of God. How can this metaphor be applied to our daily struggles with fear and doubt? [54:55]

4. The sermon emphasizes the need to take action alongside faith. How does this balance of faith and works manifest in the examples given in the sermon, such as the story of Moses or the farmer? [50:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in life. What was the "weight" that held you back, and how did you eventually overcome it? [39:56]

2. The sermon encourages us to acknowledge our situation as a first step to getting unstuck. Is there an area in your life where you need to admit you're stuck? How can you begin to address it this week? [39:56]

3. Trusting God's plan often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith, and what practical steps can you take to move forward? [50:06]

4. Fear and doubt can be paralyzing. Identify a specific fear or doubt that is holding you back. What scripture or truth can you hold onto to combat this in the coming week? [54:55]

5. The sermon mentions the importance of community in our journey. Who in your life can you reach out to for support and accountability as you work to get unstuck? [44:23]

6. Consider the role of prayer and action in your life. How can you ensure that you are not just praying for change but also taking the necessary steps to make it happen? [50:06]

7. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we are not alone. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and guidance in your daily life, especially when you feel stuck? [58:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Acknowledging Our Reality
Acknowledging that we are stuck is the first step toward liberation. It is not a sign of weakness but an act of humility and accountability. By admitting our situation, we open the door for divine intervention and begin the healing process. Recognizing where we are allows God to work in our lives and guide us toward freedom. This acknowledgment is crucial because it invites God to intervene and helps us to start the journey of healing and transformation. It is a courageous step that requires honesty and vulnerability, but it is essential for moving forward. [39:56]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck? How can you invite God into this situation today to begin the process of healing and transformation?


Day 2: Trusting in Divine Guidance
Trusting in God's plan means stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. It requires leaving our comfort zones and believing that God will equip us with everything we need. Trusting His timing and plan is essential for moving forward. This trust is not passive; it involves active faith and a willingness to embrace the unknown, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. By trusting in His divine guidance, we can navigate through life's uncertainties with confidence and hope. [50:06]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God will provide what you need?


Day 3: Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Fear and doubt are powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep us immobilized. They whisper lies that we are not capable or worthy, but God tells us otherwise. He has given us the tools to overcome these obstacles, and by putting on the armor of God, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Letting go of fear and doubt makes room for faith and hope, allowing us to move forward with confidence. By replacing fear and doubt with faith, we can embrace the life that God has prepared for us. [54:55]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: What fear or doubt is currently holding you back? How can you replace it with faith and take a step forward today?


Day 4: Taking Faithful Action
Faith without works is dead. It's not enough to just acknowledge your situation or trust God; you must also take action. Moving forward requires stepping out in faith and doing your part, trusting that God will do His. This involves actively participating in the process of change and being willing to take the necessary steps toward the life God has prepared for you. By putting your faith into action, you can break free from the chains that hold you back and step into a life of abundance and purpose. [44:23]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to move forward in faith? How can you actively participate in the process of change and growth?


Day 5: Embracing God's Presence
Remember that God is always with you, guiding and providing for you. He is the way maker and the promise keeper. By putting your faith into action, you can get unstuck and step into the life God has prepared for you. Embracing God's presence means recognizing that you are never alone and that He is always working on your behalf. This awareness brings comfort and strength, enabling you to face life's challenges with courage and hope. [58:26]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to embrace His guidance and provision today?

Quotes

"Have you ever felt stuck in a situation? Have you ever felt like your circumstance, you're not going anywhere? I was talking earlier. You know whenever we've had all this weather and if you slid off and you get in the ice and you're just digging a rut and you're just stuck and you feel like you're going nowhere. I've felt that way. I have felt that way and I'm sure that you guys too and I'm sure that there is somebody under the sand of my voice today who has felt stuck or who feels like they're stuck today." [00:35:17] (34 seconds)


"But there is something that we can do. And there is someone we can turn to. Amen? Let's pray. God, I thank you for your love and your mercy. God, I thank you for your grace this morning. And I'm so thankful, Lord, that there is nowhere that we can go that you are not there, Lord. And that you are always there to help us when we get stuck in life's circumstances, Lord. And that there is nothing too big for you, Lord. And that there is nothing so small that you don't care about, Lord. Because what matters to us matters to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." [00:37:53] (35 seconds)


"As Henry Ford said, always doing what you've always done will always get you what you've always got. Amen. And so, all of us have a destiny in God. But we have an enemy who wants to keep us stuck and wants to keep us shut down. And so, we never attain that destiny. And that's why in Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, and I'm going to drop down a bit in that verse. It says, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." [00:39:19] (37 seconds)


"But the first thing to getting unstuck, and you're going to find that out, is you have to admit. You have to admit that you're stuck. Where are you stuck? You know, because we've all been there some time. Now, understand this. You can be stuck in some areas and be free in others. You might be free to worship, but you might be struggling and stuck in the fact that you're struggling to read your word. You might be free to advance in your career, but you're stuck in the ability to build relationships or meaningful relationships." [00:40:45] (36 seconds)


"There's no shame in admitting that we're stuck. In fact, that's the first step to breakthrough. Acknowledging our situation before God, because he already knows, right? He already knows it, but acknowledging that, it's an act of accountability. It's an act of humility that opens the door to his divine intervention. And in 1 John, chapter 1, verse 9, the Bible tells us, But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all wickedness. God's ready and he's willing to meet us right where we are. But first, we have to recognize our need for help." [00:41:25] (47 seconds)


"And like I said, it's not about shame. It's about honesty. It's about being honest with yourself and with God. And in the process of acknowledging where we are, God can begin to heal and to guide you. It's our vulnerability. That's a hard word for people to swallow. It's our vulnerability that his power, that's when his power is most evident. But being in denial is going to keep you stuck." [00:42:40] (28 seconds)


"It comes in so many different ways. But God has a plan and he'll always take care of us. Tell him you're stuck, that you need help. Like I said, he already knows. But then number two, you have to learn to trust God. And take that step of faith. That second key to moving forward is trusting God. And I like the quote that Pastor Chad used last week. If you were here, you'll remember. It was of Mother Teresa's. And she said, I've never had clarity, but what I have always had is trust. We can't always trust. And we, we, sometimes people have to, you have to learn to trust people again. But you never have to lose trust in God because he's never going to do you wrong." [00:46:36] (50 seconds)


"And too many Christians are like the people stuck on the escalator, just waiting. Oh, I'm just gonna wait. Just waiting for something to happen. They might even cry out to God and pray. And prayer is powerful. And it is something that we need to do. But it's not the only thing that we should do. Sometimes there's other work to be done. And there's other work to do. And in Exodus chapter 14, Israel was trapped. They were trapped between the Egyptian army on one side and the Red Sea on the other. And Moses began to pray. And listen to what this verse says, verse 15." [00:48:09] (42 seconds)


"There's a time to seek God and there's a time to do what he says. There's a time to hear God's word and there's a time to be a doer of the word. There's a time to pray and there's a time to stop praying and start doing. We do need to pray. We do need to trust God. But James 2 20 says, faith without works is dead. And so there's a time to pray and believe and there's a time to plan and to organize. And, uh, a farmer is one of the best examples of working with God." [00:49:40] (30 seconds)


"Moving forward requires that we step out even into a path that is unclear. Last week, Pastor Chad also said, I thought he's going to get all over my notes. He also talked about when they came to the Jordan River that he and many others probably would bring the architects forward, you know, to start building a bridge or working on a way over. But that's not what God wanted. He wanted them to take a step into the water and to trust his plan. You know, there was an old song you say, I'm not going down, I'm not going under, but I'm going through. You know, sometimes we have to go through the storm." [00:51:43] (39 seconds)


"Fear and doubt, man, they are powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep us stuck. But God has given us the tools to defeat him. Listen to what Ephesians says in chapter 6, verse 10 through 13. It says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand the evil day and having done all to stand." [00:55:11] (47 seconds)


"Remember that God's not done with you. You may feel stuck, but it's just a season. He has great plans for you. He has desires for you to live with purpose and with joy. You may just need your joy restored this morning. He can do it, but you have to allow it. You have to do your part. So what does it take to move forward? First, you have to acknowledge that you're stuck. He knows it anyway, but tell him. Second, you have to trust God and step out in faith. And third, you have to let go of that fear and doubt." [00:57:17] (37 seconds)


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Transcript
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