Finding Strength and Purpose in God's Presence
Summary
This morning, we gathered around the promise that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. No matter what we face—whether the ground beneath us feels unsteady or the future uncertain—God goes before us, and we can trust Him. Psalm 46 reminds us to “be still and know that I am God,” a call to rest in His sovereignty even when the world feels chaotic. As we journey through Mark 3, we see Jesus withdrawing with His disciples, even as crowds press in, seeking healing and answers. The story unfolds in a time of rising tension, with opposition mounting and the stakes growing higher for Jesus and His followers.
Jesus’ pattern of withdrawing is significant. He models the importance of stepping back, of being with the Father, and of inviting others into that space. This time, He calls a select group—the twelve apostles—each unique, diverse, and, by human standards, unlikely candidates for such a calling. Yet, Jesus appoints them to be with Him, to preach, and to exercise authority over evil. Their calling is both specific and symbolic, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel and signaling a new chapter in God’s redemptive story.
We live in a different era—post-Pentecost—where the Spirit of God indwells every believer, not just a select few. The authority and presence of God are not reserved for an elite group but are gifts to all who follow Jesus. Our calling is to be with Him, to know Him deeply, and to share His story with others. The diversity and uniqueness of the original twelve remind us that God uses all kinds of people, with all kinds of backgrounds, to build His body—the church. Our community is meant to reflect that same beautiful diversity, each of us bearing God’s image and contributing to the whole.
It’s easy to come to Jesus for what He can do for us—problem-solving, blessing, or as a spiritual “genie.” But we are invited to come to Him for who He is: the One who offers forgiveness, grace, mercy, and presence. The challenge is to let our lives be so shaped by Jesus that, if someone were to follow us around, they would see Him in our words, actions, and attitudes. We are called to live as sent people, embodying grace, humility, and joy—not because we are perfect, but because Christ is at work in us. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him, allowing His Spirit to transform us, and let’s walk together as His body, for His glory.
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Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence Is Our Steadfast Refuge
In the midst of uncertainty, chaos, or personal struggle, God’s presence is not just a comforting idea but a living reality. He goes before us, stands with us, and invites us to trust Him even when we cannot see or feel His hand at work. The call to “be still and know” is an invitation to rest in His sovereignty, not to escape trouble, but to find strength within it. Our faith is anchored not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God. [13:52]
- Withdrawing to Be With God Is Essential, Not Optional
Jesus repeatedly withdrew from the crowds, modeling a rhythm of engagement and retreat. This was not avoidance, but a deliberate prioritization of intimacy with the Father and intentional investment in a few. In our own lives, the call to withdraw—whether for prayer, reflection, or rest—is not a luxury but a necessity for spiritual vitality. It is in these quiet spaces that we are refilled, re-centered, and prepared to re-enter the world with purpose. [33:54]
- God’s Calling Embraces Diversity and Imperfection
The twelve apostles were a diverse, even unlikely, group—fishermen, zealots, administrators, and more. Their differences were not obstacles but opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed through community. Likewise, the church is not a collection of the “most qualified,” but a tapestry of unique stories, backgrounds, and gifts. Our diversity is not a liability but a reflection of God’s creative intent, and our imperfections are the very places where His grace is most evident. [41:22]
- We Are Invited to Come to Jesus for Who He Is, Not Just What He Can Do
It’s tempting to approach Jesus as a problem-solver or a dispenser of blessings, but He calls us to something deeper. True discipleship means coming to Him for His presence, His sacrifice, and His ongoing work in our lives—not just for solutions to our problems. This shift in posture transforms our relationship with God from transactional to transformational, rooting our faith in His character rather than our circumstances. [48:56]
- Our Lives Are Meant to Be a Living Testimony of Jesus
The question is not just whether we profess faith, but whether our daily lives reflect the reality of Christ within us. If someone were to follow us, would they see evidence of Jesus—grace, humility, patience, and joy that defy the norms of our world? This is not about perfection, but about a surrendered life that points others to the transformative power of Christ. Our “sentness” is lived out in the ordinary moments, as we embody the love and presence of Jesus to those around us. [01:00:19]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:52] - God Our Refuge: Psalm 46
[20:35] - Trusting God in Every Season
[24:41] - The Rising Tension in Mark 3
[26:51] - Crowds, Miracles, and Logistics
[32:01] - Jesus’ Authority and the Hiddenness of His Mission
[33:54] - Withdrawing and Calling the Twelve
[35:02] - The Unique Role of the Apostles
[41:22] - Diversity and Community Among the Twelve
[45:06] - The Shift from Jesus Alone to a Sent Community
[46:11] - Why Do We Come to Jesus?
[48:56] - Coming to Jesus for Who He Is
[51:16] - More Than Words: Truly Being With Jesus
[53:45] - The Spirit’s Transforming Presence
[56:02] - The Church as the Body of Christ
[58:03] - A Thought Experiment: Would Others See Jesus in Us?
[01:00:19] - Living as a 21st Century Disciple
[01:03:53] - The Invitation to Transformation and Sentness
[01:22:07] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 (ESV)
> God is our refuge and strength,
> a very present help in trouble.
> Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
> though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
> though its waters roar and foam,
> though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
> ...
> “Be still, and know that I am God.
> I will be exalted among the nations,
> I will be exalted in the earth!”
> The Lord of hosts is with us;
> the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Mark 3:7-19 (ESV)
> Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
> And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 46, what images are used to describe God’s presence and help in times of trouble?
2. According to Mark 3, what did Jesus do when the crowds became overwhelming, and who did he invite to join him? [26:51]
3. What kinds of people made up the group of twelve apostles Jesus called, and what were they appointed to do? [33:54]
4. In the sermon, what reasons were given for Jesus withdrawing from the crowds, and how did this pattern impact his ministry? [33:54]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God invite us to “be still and know” Him, especially when life feels chaotic or uncertain? How does this relate to trusting God’s character over our circumstances? [13:52]
2. The sermon highlighted that Jesus withdrew not to avoid people, but to prioritize time with the Father and invest in a few. What does this suggest about the balance between serving others and personal spiritual health? [33:54]
3. The twelve apostles were a diverse and imperfect group. What does their selection say about the kind of people God uses to build His church? [41:22]
4. The sermon challenged us to come to Jesus for who He is, not just what He can do. How does this shift our understanding of discipleship and our relationship with God? [48:56]
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### Application Questions
1. When you face uncertainty or stress, what does it look like for you to “be still and know” that God is your refuge? Is there a specific situation right now where you need to trust God’s presence more deeply? [13:52]
2. Jesus made a habit of withdrawing to be with the Father, even when there were pressing needs around him. What practical steps could you take this week to create space for time alone with God? What tends to get in the way? [33:54]
3. The original twelve apostles were a mix of backgrounds, personalities, and even flaws. In what ways do you see God using the diversity and imperfections in our group or church community for His purposes? [41:22]
4. Think about your own reasons for coming to Jesus. Are there times when you treat Him more like a problem-solver or a “spiritual genie” than a Savior and friend? How might you shift your focus to seek His presence and character above what He can do for you? [48:56]
5. The sermon asked, “If someone were to follow you around all day, would they see Jesus in your words, actions, and attitudes?” What is one area of your daily life where you want to be more intentional about reflecting Christ? [58:03]
6. Our “sentness” means living out grace, humility, and joy in ordinary moments. Can you share a recent example where you had the opportunity to embody Jesus to someone else? What made it easy or difficult? [01:00:19]
7. The Spirit of God now indwells every believer, not just a select few. How does this truth encourage or challenge you in your everyday life and relationships? [53:45]
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Devotional
Day 1: God Is Our Refuge and Strength in Every Circumstance
No matter what we face—uncertainty, fear, or upheaval—God remains our steadfast refuge and strength, always present to help in times of trouble. Even when the world feels unstable or our lives are shaken, we are invited to trust in His promises and rest in the assurance that He goes before us and is with us. In moments of confusion or anxiety, we can be still and know that He is God, exalted above all, and that His presence is our fortress. [13:52]
Psalm 46:1-7 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to trust God as your refuge and strength today, and how can you intentionally bring that situation before Him in prayer?
Day 2: Jesus Calls Us to Withdraw and Be With Him
Amidst the busyness, demands, and needs around us, Jesus models the importance of withdrawing—sometimes alone, sometimes with others—to be refreshed, re-centered, and to spend intentional time with God. This rhythm of stepping away is not neglecting the needs of others, but recognizing that spiritual renewal and clarity come from being with Him. As we follow Jesus, we are invited to make space in our lives to withdraw, listen, and entrust our hopes, dreams, and burdens to Him, trusting that He is working even when we do not see or feel it. [33:54]
Mark 3:13-15 (ESV)
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.
And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
and have authority to cast out demons.
Reflection: When can you intentionally withdraw this week—even for a short time—to be with Jesus, and what might you need to set aside to make that space?
Day 3: The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit in Us
After Pentecost, every believer is given the indwelling Holy Spirit—not just a select few—empowering us to live out our faith, experience God’s presence, and share His story with others. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us, teaching, guiding, and giving us courage to follow Jesus in our daily lives. We are not alone or powerless; God’s Spirit is with us permanently, equipping us to walk in His ways and to testify to His goodness in a broken world. [53:45]
Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you today, and what step of faith might you take that would require His power rather than your own strength?
Day 4: We Are the Body of Christ—Diverse, Unique, and Needed
God calls together a beautifully diverse community, each person uniquely gifted and needed, to form the body of Christ. Our differences—backgrounds, personalities, strengths—are not obstacles but essential parts of God’s design for His church. Together, we embody the presence of Jesus in the world, reaching people in ways we could never do alone. Embracing this diversity means celebrating others’ gifts, recognizing our own, and living out our shared calling to love, serve, and reflect Christ to those around us. [41:22]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
Reflection: Who in your church family is different from you, and how can you encourage or partner with them this week to reflect the unity and diversity of the body of Christ?
Day 5: Following Jesus Means Living a Life Others Can See
Our call to follow Jesus is not just about private belief but about living in such a way that others can see Christ in us—through our words, actions, and responses in everyday life. If someone were to follow you throughout your day, would they see evidence of Jesus’ grace, kindness, patience, and humility? This is not about perfection, but about allowing the transformative work of Christ to shape us so that our lives point others to Him, even in our struggles and imperfections. [01:03:53]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Reflection: If someone observed your interactions today, what would they learn about Jesus from your life, and what is one area where you want to more intentionally reflect Him?
Quotes
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