Growing Faith Through Challenges and Unity
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family of faith, grateful for another opportunity to worship, to pray, and to encourage one another. We began by acknowledging God’s grace and mercy—how He has kept us, protected us, and given us another chance to get it right. Even in the midst of storms, loss, and challenges, God’s faithfulness remains, and we are called to remember and give thanks for His goodness, not just in the distant past, but even in the events of yesterday and last week.
We lifted up those among us who are hurting, grieving, or in need of healing, reminding ourselves that prayer is not just a duty but a privilege and a powerful way to support one another. We are called to pray for each other, knowing that God sees our hearts and blesses us as we intercede for others. As a church, we are encouraged to be invested in the life and direction of our community, to show up, to participate, and to walk together in unity.
Turning to the Word, we reflected on Luke 17:5, where the apostles plead, “Lord, increase our faith.” This plea comes after Jesus teaches them about forgiveness—an assignment that stretches the limits of human comfort and understanding. Faith, we learned, is not always comfortable. It grows in the soil of tough assignments, in the messiness of life, and in the resistance we face. Just as a plant needs fertilizer, sometimes our faith needs the “mess” of life to grow strong and beautiful.
We are reminded that faith does not have to be big to be effective; it just needs to be active. Jesus says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. God is not asking for perfection, but for obedience—a willingness to take even a small step in trust. Our ancestors accomplished much with little, not because they had all the answers, but because they acted in faith.
Importantly, faith multiplies when we walk together. The apostles’ plea was not individual, but corporate. There are some levels of faith and some victories that can only be reached in unity, when we encourage and believe with one another. God honors unity and moves powerfully when His people are on one accord. In this season, we are challenged to choose courage over comfort, to trust that if God gives the vision, He will also provide the provision. All He asks is that we take Him at His word, step out in faith, and watch Him work.
Key Takeaways
- Faith Grows in the Soil of Challenge
True faith is not developed in times of ease, but in the midst of difficulty and discomfort. When God calls us to forgive repeatedly, to endure hardship, or to step into the unknown, He is inviting us to a deeper trust. The “mess” of life—pain, resistance, and struggle—becomes the very ground where faith takes root and flourishes. [57:37]
- Active, Not Perfect, Faith Moves Mountains
God does not require us to have a flawless or massive faith. Even faith as small as a mustard seed, when put into action, can accomplish the impossible. The key is not the size of our faith, but our willingness to act in obedience, trusting God to do what we cannot. [01:02:59]
- Obedience Precedes Abundance
Faith begins not with having everything figured out, but with a simple “yes” to God’s call. Our ancestors achieved much with little because they were obedient, not because they had abundance. When we place our small faith in the hands of a big God, He multiplies it beyond what we could imagine. [01:06:42]
- Unity Multiplies Faith’s Power
There are victories and breakthroughs that can only be achieved together. The apostles’ prayer for increased faith was a collective cry, and God honors such unity. When we walk together, encourage one another, and believe as one, God moves in ways that surpass what any of us could experience alone. [01:08:41]
- Courage Over Comfort—Trusting God’s Provision
We are faced with a choice: to remain comfortable or to step out courageously in faith. God’s promise is that if He gives the vision, He will also provide the means. Our role is to trust Him, take the next step, and believe that He is able to do exceedingly above all we ask or think, even when the path is uncertain. [01:16:08]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:51] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[14:49] - Thanksgiving and Testimonies
[17:40] - Prayer for the Sick and Bereaved
[20:33] - Announcements and Community Updates
[23:09] - Church Meeting and Bible Study Invitation
[26:04] - Celebrating a New Month
[28:29] - Scripture Reading: Luke 17
[39:25] - Preparing Hearts for the Word
[43:40] - Prayer for the Word
[45:02] - God’s Got This: Faith and Belief
[47:49] - Faith in Uncomfortable Assignments
[51:29] - Faith Grows in Tough Assignments
[57:37] - The Soil of Faith: Embracing Challenges
[01:02:59] - Mustard Seed Faith: Active, Not Perfect
[01:08:41] - Faith Multiplies in Unity
[01:13:25] - God Honors Unity
[01:16:08] - Courage Over Comfort
[01:18:25] - Faith Requires Work
[01:19:48] - Invitation to Prayer and Commitment
[01:25:35] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[01:30:49] - Offering and Giving
[01:39:55] - Communion and Self-Examination
[01:43:02] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
[01:44:14] - Closing Blessing and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:5-6 (KJV)
> 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
> 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 17:5, what specific request do the apostles make of Jesus?
2. According to Jesus in verse 6, what is the significance of having faith the size of a mustard seed?
3. The sermon mentions that the apostles’ plea for more faith was not individual but collective. How does the passage show this? [[01:08:41]]
4. What challenging assignment did Jesus give the disciples right before they asked for more faith? [[51:29]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus responded to the apostles’ request for increased faith by talking about mustard seed-sized faith instead of giving them a step-by-step plan? [[01:02:59]]
2. The sermon says, “Faith grows in tough assignments.” How does forgiving someone multiple times a day stretch a person’s faith? [[51:29]]
3. What does it mean that faith “multiplies when we walk together”? How might unity among believers impact the way faith works in a community? [[01:08:41]]
4. The pastor said, “Faith doesn’t start with abundance. It starts with obedience.” What does this mean in the context of the passage and the sermon? [[01:06:42]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon compared the “mess” of life to fertilizer that helps faith grow. Can you think of a recent challenge or “mess” in your life that God might be using to grow your faith? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently now? [[57:37]]
2. Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Is there an area in your life where you feel your faith is “small”? What is one small step of obedience you could take this week to act on that faith? [[01:02:59]]
3. The pastor shared that our ancestors accomplished much with little because they acted in faith, not because they had all the answers. Is there something God is calling you to do that you’ve been putting off because you feel unprepared? What would it look like to say “yes” in obedience, even if you don’t have it all figured out? [[01:06:42]]
4. The apostles asked for increased faith together. Is there a challenge or prayer need you could share with someone else this week so you can pray and believe together? How might inviting others into your faith journey change the outcome? [[01:08:41]]
5. The sermon challenged us to choose courage over comfort. What is one area where you are tempted to stay comfortable instead of stepping out in faith? What would courage look like for you in that situation? [[01:16:08]]
6. The pastor said, “If God gives the vision, He will also provide the provision.” Is there a vision or dream you believe God has given you, but you’re waiting for everything to be in place before you move? What is one step you can take this week to trust God’s provision? [[01:16:08]]
7. The message emphasized the power of unity. Is there someone in your church or community you need to reconcile with or encourage so that you can walk in greater unity? What practical step can you take toward that this week? [[01:13:25]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for increased faith—not just for themselves, but for each other and for the church as a whole. Ask God to help you step out in obedience, to grow through challenges, and to walk together in unity and courage.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Grows in Tough Assignments
Our faith is not strengthened in times of ease, but in the midst of challenges and difficult assignments. When God calls us to forgive, to love, or to step into something beyond our comfort zone, it is often uncomfortable and stretching. Yet, it is in these very moments—when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed—that God is inviting us to trust Him more deeply. Instead of running from the hard things, we are called to lean in, knowing that God is using these situations as the soil where our faith can take root and flourish. [51:29]
Luke 17:5 (KJV)
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Reflection: What is one difficult situation you are facing right now that you have been tempted to avoid? How can you invite God to grow your faith through it today instead of running from it?
Day 2: Forgiveness: The Call to Radical Grace
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a continual practice—even when it feels impossible. He calls us to forgive not just once, but repeatedly, even seven times in a single day. This radical grace can feel overwhelming and unnatural, especially when we have been hurt deeply or repeatedly. Yet, God’s command to forgive is an invitation to experience His own mercy and to rely on His strength, not our own, to extend grace to others. [53:37]
Luke 17:3-4 (KJV)
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Reflection: Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to ask God for the strength to forgive them again today, even if it feels impossible?
Day 3: Active Faith, Not Perfect Faith
God is not asking for a flawless or massive faith, but for a faith that is active—even if it is as small as a mustard seed. It is not about having all the answers or being completely confident; it is about taking the next step in obedience, trusting that God will meet you there. When you act on even a little faith, God can do extraordinary things through your willingness to trust Him. [01:03:37]
Luke 17:6 (KJV)
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Reflection: What is one small step of faith you can take today, even if you feel uncertain or unprepared? How can you put your faith into action?
Day 4: Faith Multiplies in Community
There are some levels of faith and breakthrough that we cannot reach alone; God honors unity and togetherness. When we come together as a community, praying and believing as one, our faith is multiplied and God moves in powerful ways. We are called to support, encourage, and walk with one another, knowing that God blesses the unity of His people and often answers the corporate cry for increased faith. [01:10:03]
Acts 2:44 (KJV)
And all that believed were together, and had all things common.
Reflection: Who in your church or community can you join with in prayer and faith this week? How can you encourage someone else’s faith as you seek God together?
Day 5: Courageous Faith Over Comfortable Living
God calls us not to settle for comfort, but to step out courageously in faith, trusting that if He gives the vision, He will also provide the provision. Even when circumstances look daunting or the path ahead is unclear, God promises to be with us, to guide us, and to supply what we need. Choosing courage over comfort is not reckless—it is an act of faith that believes God is bigger than any obstacle and that He is faithful to His word. [01:16:42]
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Reflection: Where are you choosing comfort over courage in your walk with God? What is one courageous step you can take today, trusting that God will provide what you need?
Quotes
If God gives the vision. Yeah. He'll give the provision. All right. All right. If God gives you the assignment. All right. He'll give you the assistance. All right. If we show up in faith. He'll show up in favor. [01:16:20] (19 seconds)
God honors unity. God blesses togetherness. God moves when his people cry out as one. You have to be on one accord. And God will do the race. If one of us can't believe for a little, imagine what will happen if all of us got together and believed together. He'll move mountains. [01:13:46] (38 seconds)
Faith doesn't start with abundance. It starts with obedience. That's where faith starts. Not with a lot, but with you being obedient. That's another word we don't like. We want to do our own thing. We don't want nobody telling us what to do. We want to figure that out on our own. If we would just be obedient unto God because a little faith in the hands of a big God is more than enough. [01:06:47] (34 seconds)
Faith doesn't necessarily have to be big. It just has to be active. Look at verse number six. Look at verse number six. It says, if you have the faith, the size of the grain, it depends on what you got. You got King James. It says the grain of mustard seed. [01:03:02] (21 seconds)
If God is calling us to do something bigger, he's also inviting us to trust him deeper. God ain't trying to set you up a failure. But you have to trust in God that he can do anything but fail. [00:56:39] (20 seconds)
If you want to see God move in a mighty way, you've got to stand in unity. If you want to see God move in a mighty way, you've got to speak faith to one another. You want to see God bless you and take you even higher? You've got to get together with somebody that believes and have a little talk with Jesus. [01:12:14] (20 seconds)
God's got this but do you believe it? Faith ain't always comfortable. It requires some work. Faith without works is dead. Simple as that. He couldn't make it more clear. faith without works is dead. [01:18:35] (32 seconds)
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