Focused Faith: Trusting God Amidst Life's Challenges

Summary

### Summary

Today, we celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Pastor Jeff and Pastor Dawn, honoring their faithfulness to each other and to God. This milestone serves as a backdrop to discuss the importance of faith and commitment, both in marriage and in our relationship with God. In our culture, relationships often break down due to unmet expectations, and this is true for our spiritual lives as well. Many people walk away from their faith because their reality does not match their expectations. This sermon aims to address how we can maintain a focused faith, even when life doesn't go as planned.

I shared my personal journey of faith, from a childhood filled with confidence in God's goodness to the devastating loss of my daughter, Kara. This tragedy shook my faith, but it also became a turning point where God met me in my darkest hour and taught me the true meaning of His goodness. Through this experience, I learned that faith is not about having a life free from suffering but about trusting in God's goodness despite the suffering.

We explored the story of Adam and Eve to understand how the enemy shifts our focus away from God's goodness, leading us to doubt and disobedience. Just as Eve was deceived into thinking that God was withholding something good from her, we too can be led astray if we lose focus on God's goodness. The enemy's tactics haven't changed; he still aims to shift our focus and weaken our faith.

To maintain a focused faith, we need to shift our focus in three key areas: suffering, God's sovereignty, and the brokenness in the world. By focusing on the Savior rather than our suffering, we can access Jesus' overcoming power. Recognizing God's sovereignty helps us trust His authority and plan, even when we don't understand it. Lastly, understanding that Jesus came to redeem us from both internal and external brokenness gives us hope and strength to endure.

Practical steps to refocus our faith include coming to the Lord, communing with Him through His Word, and connecting with a spiritual community. These steps help us maintain a clear and strong faith, enabling us to see God's goodness all the days of our lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. Faith and Unmet Expectations: Many people walk away from their faith because their reality does not match their expectations. It's crucial to understand that faith is not about having a life free from suffering but about trusting in God's goodness despite the suffering. This shift in perspective can help us maintain our faith even when life doesn't go as planned. [02:27]

2. The Enemy's Tactics: The story of Adam and Eve shows how the enemy shifts our focus away from God's goodness, leading us to doubt and disobedience. Just as Eve was deceived into thinking that God was withholding something good from her, we too can be led astray if we lose focus on God's goodness. The enemy's tactics haven't changed; he still aims to shift our focus and weaken our faith. [12:07]

3. Focusing on the Savior: Pain and suffering can easily knock our faith out of focus. However, by focusing on the Savior rather than our suffering, we can access Jesus' overcoming power. This shift in focus allows us to live in victory over the things that try to overcome us. [18:26]

4. God's Sovereignty: Recognizing God's sovereignty helps us trust His authority and plan, even when we don't understand it. God's goodness is not about making our circumstances pleasant but about being with us and giving us access to His overcoming power. [19:51]

5. Practical Steps to Refocus Faith: To maintain a focused faith, we need to come to the Lord, commune with Him through His Word, and connect with a spiritual community. These steps help us maintain a clear and strong faith, enabling us to see God's goodness all the days of our lives. [27:08]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Celebrating Pastor Jeff and Pastor Dawn
[01:12] - Commitment in Relationships
[01:48] - Unmet Expectations in Marriage and Faith
[02:27] - Walking Away from Faith
[03:01] - Alarming Statistics
[03:33] - Prayer for Restoration
[04:02] - Personal Faith Journey
[05:13] - Building a Family
[06:41] - Tragic Loss of Kara
[09:02] - Message of Hope
[09:43] - Overcoming Unmet Expectations
[10:28] - Faith Focus
[11:12] - The First Faith and the First Fall
[12:07] - The Enemy's Tactics
[13:56] - Shifting Focus from Suffering
[15:14] - Sunday School Stories
[18:26] - Focusing on the Savior
[19:51] - God's Sovereignty
[23:57] - Redemption from Brokenness
[25:28] - Practical Steps to Refocus Faith
[27:08] - Coming to the Lord
[28:36] - Communing with God
[30:04] - Connecting in Community
[33:14] - Prayer for New Believers
[34:00] - Closing and Next Steps

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 3:5-6 (NIV) - "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
2. John 16:33 (NIV) - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
3. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV) - "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

### Observation Questions
1. What did the serpent say to Eve to shift her focus away from God's goodness? (Genesis 3:5-6)
2. According to John 16:33, what does Jesus promise us about our experiences in this world?
3. How does 2 Timothy 1:9-10 describe the work of Christ in relation to death and life?
4. What were some of the practical steps mentioned in the sermon to refocus our faith? ([27:08])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How did the enemy's deception in Genesis 3:5-6 lead to a shift in Eve's perception of God's goodness? What does this tell us about the nature of temptation?
2. In John 16:33, Jesus acknowledges that we will face trouble in this world. How does this understanding help us maintain our faith during difficult times? ([18:26])
3. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 speaks about Jesus destroying the power of death. How does this truth provide hope and strength in the face of suffering and loss? ([23:57])
4. The sermon mentioned that unmet expectations can lead people to walk away from their faith. How can recognizing God's sovereignty help us trust His plan even when our expectations are not met? ([19:51])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your expectations did not match your reality. How did this affect your faith, and what steps can you take to refocus on God's goodness? ([02:27])
2. The sermon discussed the enemy's tactics in shifting our focus away from God's goodness. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart and mind against these deceptions? ([12:07])
3. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world but to take heart because He has overcome the world. How can you apply this promise to a current challenge you are facing? ([18:26])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of focusing on the Savior rather than our suffering. What specific steps can you take this week to shift your focus from your problems to Jesus? ([18:26])
5. Recognizing God's sovereignty can help us trust His plan. How can you remind yourself of God's authority and goodness when you face situations that you don't understand? ([19:51])
6. The sermon mentioned practical steps to refocus our faith, such as coming to the Lord, communing with Him through His Word, and connecting with a spiritual community. Which of these steps do you need to prioritize in your life right now, and how will you do it? ([27:08])
7. Think of someone you know who has walked away from their faith due to unmet expectations. How can you reach out to them and share the message of hope and God's goodness that you learned from this sermon? ([03:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Goodness Despite Suffering
Description: Many people walk away from their faith because their reality does not match their expectations. It's crucial to understand that faith is not about having a life free from suffering but about trusting in God's goodness despite the suffering. This shift in perspective can help us maintain our faith even when life doesn't go as planned. When we face trials and tribulations, it is easy to feel abandoned or question God's goodness. However, true faith is about holding on to the belief that God is good, even when our circumstances are not. This perspective allows us to see beyond our immediate pain and trust in God's greater plan for our lives. [02:27]

Psalm 34:19 (ESV): "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or disappointment you faced. How did it affect your faith? Can you ask God to help you see His goodness in that situation today?

Day 2: Recognizing the Enemy's Tactics
Description: The story of Adam and Eve shows how the enemy shifts our focus away from God's goodness, leading us to doubt and disobedience. Just as Eve was deceived into thinking that God was withholding something good from her, we too can be led astray if we lose focus on God's goodness. The enemy's tactics haven't changed; he still aims to shift our focus and weaken our faith. By understanding these tactics, we can be more vigilant and guard our hearts against doubt and disobedience. [12:07]

2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV): "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to doubt God's goodness. What were the circumstances, and how did you respond? How can you guard your heart against such doubts in the future?

Day 3: Focusing on the Savior
Description: Pain and suffering can easily knock our faith out of focus. However, by focusing on the Savior rather than our suffering, we can access Jesus' overcoming power. This shift in focus allows us to live in victory over the things that try to overcome us. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of His love, sacrifice, and power, which can help us navigate through our trials with hope and strength. [18:26]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently experiencing pain or suffering? How can you shift your focus from the problem to the Savior today?

Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Description: Recognizing God's sovereignty helps us trust His authority and plan, even when we don't understand it. God's goodness is not about making our circumstances pleasant but about being with us and giving us access to His overcoming power. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we can't see the bigger picture. This trust can bring peace and assurance in the midst of uncertainty. [19:51]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you struggled to understand God's plan. How can you practice trusting in His sovereignty and goodness in that situation today?

Day 5: Practical Steps to Refocus Faith
Description: To maintain a focused faith, we need to come to the Lord, commune with Him through His Word, and connect with a spiritual community. These steps help us maintain a clear and strong faith, enabling us to see God's goodness all the days of our lives. By regularly engaging in these practices, we can keep our faith strong and our focus on God, even in the midst of life's challenges. [27:08]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: Which of these three steps—coming to the Lord, communing with Him through His Word, or connecting with a spiritual community—do you need to focus on more? What is one practical step you can take today to strengthen that area?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Faith is just confidence in God's goodness. And if we want to bring a message today, I want to just tell you the title right off the top. It's faith focus, right? We want to have faith in God, but we want to have a faith that's clear, and that's strong, and that can hold us steady all the days of our lives. So we don't become one of these statistics, but we stay with the Lord all the days of our lives and into eternity. Amen?" [10:28]( | | )

2. "The goodness of God is not that your circumstances or my circumstances will be pleasant and happy. The goodness of God is that he will be with us, and he will be in us, and we will have access to his overcoming power. So if we are in pain or we are suffering, and we choose to focus on our suffering and not on our Savior, we will rob ourselves of the very overcoming power that Jesus is handing to us." [18:26]( | | )

3. "Come to the Lord. Here at High Ridge, we call it taking a step. You just take a step toward the Lord. You don't want to let the shame of sin or the pain of your wounds keep you from the goodness of God. Come to him. Jesus said in Matthew 11, 28, come to me, all you who are weary and carrying a heavy burden, and I will give you rest." [27:08]( | | )

4. "We connect. We stay in community. We stay in spiritual community. In Galatians 6-2, it says, share each other's burdens and in this way, obey the law of Christ. In other words, he said it. It's a law. We need each other. And I've got good news for you. Today, June 2nd, summer groups go live today. So you can walk straight out of here into the lobby and join a group." [28:36]( | | )

5. "The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus came to redeem us from the brokenness on the inside, yes, but also from the brokenness on the outside that has come to try to break us down and bring devastation and wounds. That's what I faced as I stood over that tiny grave and grieved." [23:57]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "We think about Pastor Jeff and Pastor Dawn. They've been committed to their marriage for 40 years. That's a long time to stay committed to one relationship, right? And we know that in our culture, relationships are breaking down at an increasingly and alarming rate. Marriages are breaking apart more and more. And the other day, I was looking at the top reasons that people cite for ending their marriage and divorce. And among those reasons were things that you and I might recognize, like infidelity or abuse or cruelty of some sort. But right among the top reasons for those relationships dissolving was two words that caught my attention. And it was these, unmet expectations." [01:12]( | | )

2. "I heard that as they survey people and ask them about their affiliation with any kind of religion, that over the last decade, those who would check the box, none, has gone up 70%. That is not the interesting part to me. The interesting part to me is that 78% of those that check that box say they grew up in church. So that means that they used to sing the songs and they used to know the verses and they used to hear the messages. And yet at some point, the reality of their life in faith was so different from the expectation that they started out with that they walked away." [03:01]( | | )

3. "I came to bring you a message of hope. Somebody say hope. Yes. God brought hope into the darkness. He met me there. And he began to teach me who he really is. And he began to show me what his goodness really means. And he taught me how to bring a focus to my faith so that I never lose sight. And he taught me how to bring a focus to my faith so that I never lose sight of God's goodness, no matter what I face in my life." [09:02]( | | )

4. "The first faith became the first fall. And I just want to tell you that the enemy has no new tricks or tactics. He does the exact same thing today. As I was grieving the loss of my daughter, you better believe that that serpent came slithering up in the shadows. He said in my ear, if God is so good, then why are you suffering like this? Why would he let that happen to you? If God is good, why do bad things happen? And I just want to share with you that if the enemy can shift our focus, he can affect our faith." [13:56]( | | )

5. "What I am is redeemed. I am not standing on this platform today because of who I am. I am standing on this platform because Jesus is who he says he is. Because he can do what he says he can do. And because when he says he has set us free from the law of sin and death, he has done it. And my life is a testimony of it. And that's what I've come to share with you today." [25:28]( | | )

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Transcript

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