Finding Purpose and Joy in Everyday Obedience

Summary

So often, we find ourselves longing for something just out of reach—a better job, a happier marriage, a more fulfilling life. The world constantly tells us that the grass is greener elsewhere, feeding our desire for significance and meaning in things we don’t have. But the truth is, no matter where we go or what we achieve, we always take ourselves—and our heart issues—with us into the next season. The emptiness or restlessness we feel isn’t solved by changing our circumstances, but by allowing God to transform our hearts. God’s love for us is deeper than we can imagine; He created us on purpose, for a purpose, and He seeks us even when we feel unworthy or broken.

Chasing significance in the next big thing causes us to miss what God is doing in our lives right now. We often fall into the “when I, then I” trap—believing that happiness or fulfillment will come with the next milestone. But true joy and peace are found not in the destination, but in daily obedience to Jesus. The prize isn’t out there somewhere; it’s in the process, in the grind, in the ordinary moments lived for God’s glory. Paul’s life is a testament to this: despite his past and the hardships he faced, he found purpose and transformation through God’s grace, not his own achievements.

There are three main enemies to being grateful in the grind: the seduction of comfort (the pillow), the lure of distraction (the shiny thing), and the temptation to quit (the towel). Comfort can make us resistant to God’s call when it’s hard. Distraction keeps us from hearing God’s voice. And when life gets tough, we’re tempted to give up. But God calls us to persevere, to find purpose in every task—no matter how mundane—when it’s done for His glory. Whether we’re working, serving, or simply caring for our families, every moment can become sacred when offered to God. The joy and peace we seek are not found in chasing after more, but in letting Christ live through us, being grateful right where we are.

Key Takeaways

- The longing for “greener grass” is rooted in a desire for significance and meaning, but changing our circumstances won’t fill the emptiness inside. Only God’s transforming love can address the deep needs of our hearts, reminding us that we are His beloved, created on purpose and for a purpose. Our worth is not found in what we achieve, but in who we are in Christ. [03:08]

- The “when I, then I” mindset—believing fulfillment is always in the next season—causes us to miss the blessings and opportunities God has for us today. We must recognize that we carry our heart issues with us wherever we go, and only by letting God heal and change us can we experience true contentment and significance in the present. [09:50]

- True joy and peace are found in daily, simple obedience to Jesus, not in occasional mountaintop experiences or adrenaline-filled accomplishments. The process itself—the grind—can be the reward when it is lived for God’s glory. Obedience in the ordinary is where we encounter the real prize: God’s presence and purpose in our lives. [16:16]

- God’s grace is not just about forgiveness, but about transformation. Like Paul, we are called to let God’s grace work through us, turning our weaknesses and failures into testimonies of His power. Our past does not disqualify us; instead, God redeems it for His purposes, making us instruments of His love and grace to others. [18:28]

- The enemies of gratitude in the grind—comfort, distraction, and the urge to quit—are overcome by focusing on God’s purpose and glory in every task. When we do even the most mundane things for God, they become sacred. Passion follows purpose, and when our purpose is selfless and centered on Christ, our lives make an eternal difference. [24:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:08] - The Lure of Greener Grass
[05:44] - God’s Love and Our Brokenness
[07:31] - The “When I, Then I” Trap
[09:50] - Taking Yourself Into Every Season
[10:55] - The Call to Deny Yourself
[12:16] - Freedom and What’s Beneficial
[13:24] - The Athlete’s Choice and Sacrifice
[15:33] - The Prize in Daily Obedience
[16:16] - Grateful in the Grind
[17:15] - Paul’s Story: Grace and Transformation
[19:19] - Hardships and God’s Purpose
[20:17] - Enemy #1: The Seduction of Comfort
[22:56] - Enemy #2: The Lure of Distraction
[24:17] - Enemy #3: The Temptation to Quit
[26:38] - Sacredness of Everyday Tasks
[27:55] - Christ Living in Us
[30:28] - Communion: Remembering God’s Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Grateful in the Grind

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Corinthians 10:23, 31
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

- 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

- Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Corinthians 10:23, what does Paul mean when he says, “not everything is beneficial” even if we have the right to do it?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main “enemies” of being grateful in the grind? ([20:17])
3. How does Paul describe the effect of God’s grace in his life in 1 Corinthians 15:10?
4. What does Galatians 2:20 say about who is living in us as believers?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that not everything we are free to do is actually good for us or brings glory to God? How does this relate to our daily choices? ([12:16])
2. The sermon talks about the “when I, then I” mindset. Why is it so easy to believe that happiness or fulfillment is always in the next season of life? ([07:31])
3. How does God’s grace not only forgive but also transform us, according to Paul’s story and the sermon? ([18:28])
4. What does it mean for ordinary, everyday tasks to become “sacred” when done for God’s glory? ([27:55])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says we often chase after “greener grass” and miss what God is doing right now. Is there an area in your life where you’re waiting for the next thing to bring you happiness? How can you invite God to transform your heart in that area? ([03:08])
2. Think about the “when I, then I” trap. What is one “when I, then I” statement you’ve believed recently? How has it affected your contentment or gratitude? ([07:31])
3. Of the three enemies—comfort (the pillow), distraction (the shiny thing), and the urge to quit (the towel)—which one do you struggle with most? What is one step you can take this week to resist it? ([20:17])
4. The sermon says, “The prize isn’t out there somewhere; it’s in the process, in the grind, in the ordinary moments lived for God’s glory.” What is one ordinary task you do regularly that you can intentionally offer to God this week? ([16:16])
5. Paul says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” What would it look like for you to let Christ live through you in your daily routines? ([27:55])
6. The message highlights that our past does not disqualify us, but God redeems it for His purposes. Is there a part of your story you feel disqualifies you? How might God want to use that for His glory? ([18:28])
7. When life gets tough and you feel like quitting, what practical things can you do to “pick up the towel” and keep going, being grateful in the grind? ([24:17])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see His purpose in your daily life, to transform your heart, and to give you gratitude in every season—especially in the grind.

Devotional

Day 1: The Prize Is Found in Daily Obedience to God
True joy and fulfillment are not found in chasing after the next big thing or accomplishment, but in faithfully living each day for the glory of God. The world tells us to seek significance in what’s next, but God invites us to discover purpose and gratitude in the process, in the ordinary moments, and in simple obedience. When we shift our mindset from “when I, then I” to “today, for God’s glory,” we begin to experience the peace and satisfaction that only He can give. The work itself, when done for Him, becomes the reward. [16:16]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection: What is one ordinary task you will do today that you can intentionally offer to God as an act of worship and gratitude?


Day 2: God’s Grace Transforms Our Purpose and Effort
God’s grace is not just about forgiveness; it is His power at work within us, transforming our hearts and giving us the strength to live out our calling. Like Paul, we may feel unworthy or inadequate, but God’s grace enables us to persevere, work hard, and make a difference—not by our own strength, but by His. Our past does not disqualify us; instead, God redeems it and uses us for His purposes, turning our weaknesses into testimonies of His love and power. [17:15]

1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Reflection: Where do you feel weak or unqualified, and how can you invite God’s grace to work through you in that area today?


Day 3: Resist the Temptation to Quit—Be Grateful in the Grind
When life gets hard, it’s tempting to give up, seek comfort, or get distracted by the next shiny thing. But God calls us to persevere, to resist the enemy, and to keep going even when it’s difficult. The enemy wants to discourage and distract us, but God gives us the strength to endure. Instead of throwing in the towel, we are invited to pick it up, wipe our brow, and continue with gratitude, knowing that our faithfulness in the grind brings glory to God and shapes our character. [24:17]

James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to give up? How can you choose gratitude and perseverance in that situation today?


Day 4: Your Everyday Calling Is Sacred When Done for God’s Glory
Whatever your role or task—whether it’s changing diapers, working late, or serving in ministry—when it’s done for God’s glory, it becomes sacred. Your calling is not just about a specific job or title, but about bringing God’s presence and purpose into every moment. When Christ lives in you, even the most mundane activities are filled with meaning and joy. The prize is not “out there,” but in experiencing Christ’s life and peace within you as you live each day for Him. [27:55]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection: What is one routine or overlooked part of your day that you can approach as a sacred opportunity to serve God and others?


Day 5: God’s Love Gives Us Lasting Significance
Our longing for significance and meaning is ultimately fulfilled in God’s love for us. No matter what we have done or what has been done to us, God calls us His beloved children, created on purpose for a purpose. Life’s brokenness and the lies we believe can make it hard to trust this truth, but God’s love is steadfast and unchanging. He sees you, seeks you, and sent Jesus to rescue you—your worth is found in Him, not in your achievements or circumstances. [05:44]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: What is one lie about your worth or significance that you need to surrender to God today, trusting instead in His unchanging love for you?

Quotes

I believe it's a longing for significance, for meaning, for validation, and it feels like it's just out there somewhere and not here. That's where it feels like. So before I go any farther, I want to make sure I remind you of what God says about you. And here's what God says about you. You are His beloved child. He created you on purpose for purpose. He sees you. He seeks you. He sent Jesus to rescue you. You matter more to Him than heaven itself. [00:05:00] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

The hope, the good news is there's hope because God can and will heal you, give you significance and purpose, and change you. And so as you move into each new season, you take all of that healing with you. Or you can. Because the real issue isn't our circumstances, isn't our situation, it's our heart. [00:10:21] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

If you want to experience life the way it was created to where you'll be the most you that you want to be, it's not in pursuing you. It's denying yourself. And pursuing what God has called you to. [00:16:42] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

But instead, what we need to do is we need to pick up the towel, wipe off our brow, right? Do first aid on our bruises and keep going. Be grateful in the grind. When life is tough, give thanks. When it's hard, give praise. Here's the thing. Passion follows purpose. [00:24:24] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

``When our purpose is selfish, our behavior becomes self -destructive. And we have to apologize later and repent later, right? But when our purpose is selfless, doing it for God's glory, your passion makes a difference. [00:26:05] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

Your calling in life, whatever it is that you are doing in the very moment can become sacred when it's done for God's glory. You see, if you're changing diapers at 2 a .m., it matters when it's done for His glory. When you're putting in another long shift at work, it matters for God's glory, when it's done for God's glory. When you're driving kids or grandkids all over town, it matters when it's done for His glory. [00:27:23] (50 seconds) Edit Clip

Galatians chapter 2 20 says this it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me I am grateful in the grind because the prize isn't out there the prize is in here this is where I experience the joy of the Lord this is where I experience the peace that surpasses all understanding because it's not out there it's in here and I experience it when it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. [00:28:28] (46 seconds) Edit Clip