Hungry for God: Action Beyond Comfort and Convenience

Devotional

Day 1: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Leads to Satisfaction

True hunger for God is a deep craving that compels us to seek Him above all else, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zones or rearranging our priorities. This kind of hunger is not satisfied by the things of this world, but only by the presence and righteousness of God. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God promises that we will be filled, and our souls will find the satisfaction that nothing else can provide. Let your desire for God move you to action, not just words, and trust that He will meet you in your pursuit. [01:40]

Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking satisfaction apart from God? How can you intentionally turn that hunger toward Him today?

Day 2: Hunger Beyond Comfort—Pursuing Jesus When It’s Uncomfortable

A genuine hunger for Jesus means pursuing Him even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or goes against the expectations of others. It’s easy to seek God when it fits neatly into our schedules or when it feels good, but true hunger is revealed when we are willing to press in, show up, and stand for Christ even when it costs us something. Are you willing to move beyond convenience and comfort to encounter God, or do you settle for a faith that only fits your preferences? Let your hunger for Jesus drive you to step out in faith, even when it stretches you. [09:02]

Reflection: What is one specific comfort or convenience you can set aside this week to pursue Jesus more wholeheartedly?

Day 3: From Words to Action—Standing on Your Commitment to Christ

There is a difference between saying you love Jesus and actually living it out when it matters most. Like the disciples, we may have good intentions and declare our devotion, but true faith is proven when we stand firm in our commitment, even under pressure or opposition. God is looking for people who not only speak about their hunger for Him but also act on it, standing on their convictions and following through when the opportunity arises. Let your actions match your words, and let your life be a testimony of steadfast faith. [14:45]

Matthew 26:31-35, 56 (ESV)
31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”
34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
...
56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Reflection: When was the last time you had to choose between comfort and standing for your faith? What would it look like to “stand on business” for Jesus in your current season?

Day 4: Pressing Through Opposition—The Woman with the Issue of Blood

The story of the woman with the issue of blood shows us that hunger for Jesus will push us beyond social norms, shame, and obstacles. Despite her pain, isolation, and the risk of public humiliation, she pressed through the crowd because she believed that one touch from Jesus could change everything. Her desperation and faith moved her to action, and she received her miracle. When you are truly hungry for God, you will press in, regardless of what others think or what stands in your way, knowing that only Jesus can satisfy your deepest needs. [32:37]

Mark 5:25-34 (ESV)
25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.
28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?”
31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
32 And he looked around to see who had done it.
33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.
34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Reflection: What “crowd” or obstacle is standing between you and Jesus right now? How can you press through it to reach Him today?

Day 5: Hunger That Follows—Desiring Jesus More Than Just His Miracles

True spiritual hunger is not just about seeking God for what He can do for us, but about desiring Him for who He is. Bartimaeus cried out for Jesus, pressed through the opposition, and received his sight, but he didn’t stop there—he followed Jesus down the road. Let your hunger for God go beyond the breakthrough or the miracle; let it lead you into a deeper relationship and ongoing pursuit of Jesus Himself. The greatest reward is not just the answer to your prayer, but the presence of Jesus in your life. [54:11]

Mark 10:46-52 (ESV)
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”
50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Reflection: After God answers your prayer or brings breakthrough, how can you continue to pursue and follow Jesus, making Him your greatest desire?

Sermon Summary

Hunger for God is the defining mark of a generation that refuses to settle for the status quo. When the world is saturated with wickedness and distraction, God is stirring up a supernatural craving for righteousness among His people. This hunger is not about convenience or comfort; it is a deep, driving desire that compels us to pursue Jesus above all else, even when it costs us something. True hunger for God is proven not by what we say, but by what we do—by our willingness to press in, to stand firm, and to act when it matters most.

Throughout history and even now, revival breaks out when people are desperate enough to move beyond their comfort zones. Whether it’s students leading Bible clubs in their schools despite opposition, or individuals like the woman with the issue of blood pushing through shame and social barriers to touch Jesus, hunger always finds a way. This kind of hunger is not satisfied with religious routine or surface-level Christianity. It demands more than a Sunday morning fix; it seeks a genuine encounter with the living God.

The difference between intention and action is critical. Many, like Peter and the disciples, sincerely declare their devotion but falter when tested. Yet, God’s grace is sufficient to restore and empower us to stand boldly, as the apostles did in Acts, choosing obedience to God over the approval of men. Hunger for God will always be tested by discomfort, opposition, and the lure of convenience, but those who press through will find satisfaction that nothing else can provide.

Hunger also produces expectation. Just as only the real thing can satisfy a craving, only Jesus can fulfill the deepest needs of our souls. Substitutes—whether they are worldly pleasures, distractions, or even well-meaning religious activities—will always leave us empty. But one touch from Jesus changes everything, turning years of pain into testimony and lack into abundance.

The call is clear: refuse to be silent, refuse to be passive, and refuse to settle for less than God’s best. Let hunger drive you to prayer, to action, and to a life that stands as a testimony of God’s power. When you hunger for Jesus above all else, you will never be left unsatisfied.

Key Takeaways

1. Hunger for God Demands Action, Not Just Words It’s easy to declare our love for Jesus in worship or on social media, but true hunger is revealed in what we do when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Like the disciples, we may mean our declarations, but only when we stand firm in the face of challenge do we truly “stand on business.” God is seeking those who will move from intention to action, pressing in even when it costs them something. [14:45]
2. Revival Breaks Out Where Hunger Overcomes Comfort Revival is not reserved for the spiritually elite or for special moments; it happens wherever people are desperate enough to move beyond their comfort zones. Whether it’s students starting Bible clubs in hostile environments or believers gathering despite opposition, hunger for God always finds a way. The move of God in our generation is marked by those who refuse to be silent or passive, but instead rise up and act. [22:11]
3. Only Jesus Satisfies the Deepest Cravings We often try to fill our emptiness with substitutes—pleasure, achievement, or even religious activity—but only Jesus can truly satisfy. Like the woman with the issue of blood, when we’ve tried everything else and are left empty, desperation drives us to the only One who can heal and restore. Hunger for Jesus produces expectation, and only the real thing will meet that expectation. [44:08]
4. Hunger Presses Through Opposition and Social Norms The world will always offer reasons to stay silent, to conform, or to back down. But hunger for God pushes past social norms, opposition, and even shame. Whether it’s the woman pressing through the crowd or Bartimaeus shouting louder when told to be quiet, those who are truly hungry for Jesus will not be deterred by what others think or say. [32:37]
5. The Goal is Jesus Himself, Not Just His Blessings It’s easy to seek God for what He can do for us—healing, breakthrough, provision—but true hunger is for Jesus Himself. Bartimaeus didn’t just receive his sight and walk away; he followed Jesus down the road. Our hunger must go beyond the miracle to a lifelong pursuit of Christ, desiring Him above all else and allowing our lives to be a testimony of His goodness. [54:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Bible Confession and Opening Scripture
[02:32] - The Call to Fasting and Hunger
[05:38] - Local Revival and Student Testimonies
[07:37] - Hunger Beyond Comfort
[09:02] - Craving Jesus vs. Convenience
[11:45] - The Disciples’ Intentions and Actions
[14:45] - When Words Are Tested by Action
[16:23] - Obeying God Over Human Authority
[22:11] - Standing Up in the Face of Opposition
[27:05] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[32:37] - Breaking Social Norms for Jesus
[38:18] - Modern Examples of Hunger
[44:08] - Only the Real Thing Satisfies
[47:34] - One Touch from Jesus Changes Everything
[52:28] - Bartimaeus: Hunger That Shouts Louder
[54:11] - Following Jesus Beyond the Miracle
[57:44] - Prayer for Supernatural Hunger

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:6 (ESV) — > “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 5:6, what does Jesus promise to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?
According to the sermon, what are some real-life examples of people showing hunger for God, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient? ([05:38])
What did the woman with the issue of blood do that showed her hunger for Jesus went beyond social norms and comfort? ([31:43])
How did the disciples’ actions in Matthew 26 differ from their words, and what changed for them later in Acts 5? ([14:45])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect being “blessed” with hungering and thirsting for righteousness? What does this say about what God values in us?
The sermon talks about the difference between intention and action. Why do you think it’s so easy to say we’re hungry for God, but so hard to actually show it when it costs us something? ([12:55])
The woman with the issue of blood risked shame and rejection to reach Jesus. What does her story teach us about the kind of hunger God responds to? ([32:37])
The disciples went from running away in fear to boldly standing up for Jesus in Acts 5. What role did hunger for God play in that transformation? ([16:23])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “True hunger for God is proven not by what we say, but by what we do—by our willingness to press in, to stand firm, and to act when it matters most.” What is one area in your life where you’ve been “saying” but not “doing”? What’s a small step you could take this week to move from intention to action? ([14:45])
Think about a time when you chose comfort or convenience over pursuing God. What was the result? How can you prepare yourself to choose hunger for God over comfort next time? ([09:02])
The woman with the issue of blood pushed through the crowd and social shame to reach Jesus. Is there a “crowd” or barrier in your life that’s keeping you from pressing into God? What would it look like to push past it? ([31:43])
The sermon gave examples of students starting Bible clubs even when it wasn’t popular or easy. Is there a place in your life—work, school, family—where God might be calling you to stand up for Him, even if it’s uncomfortable? What’s holding you back? ([22:11])
The pastor said, “Only Jesus can truly satisfy.” Are there things you’ve been turning to for satisfaction that always leave you empty? What’s one practical way you can turn to Jesus instead this week? ([44:08])
Bartimaeus didn’t just get his miracle and leave—he followed Jesus down the road. When God answers your prayers or blesses you, do you keep following Him, or do you drift back to old routines? How can you make sure your hunger is for Jesus Himself, not just what He can do for you? ([54:11])
The call was to “refuse to be silent, refuse to be passive, and refuse to settle for less than God’s best.” What’s one area where you’ve been silent or passive about your faith? What’s a specific way you can speak up or take action this week? ([24:17])

Sermon Clips

But see, this is something we have to get is oftentimes hunger is born out of a place of desperation where we say, I've tried everything else. It doesn't have to be that. We don't have to just get, we don't have to have all these terrible things happen and try all the things of the world, then come to Jesus. But unfortunately, humanity is so stubborn sometimes that we have to try everything else. And then we get a desperation in us that we know, man, I've tried everything else. I'm hungry for Jesus now. [00:28:43] (30 seconds) #DesperationLeadsToHunger

What is not going to save a generation is games, fooling around, commercialized church, where we try to get people, you know, I need to go get some donuts in my coffee. If church is getting coffee and a donut for you, and then coming in and then getting pumped in and pumped right back out, that is not going to change a generation. Amen. That is not going to change anything. That is not going to change anything. Sun Mucks is not saving anybody. It's good. Don't get me wrong. Like I like, listen, I'm not saying there's nothing wrong with having a coffee shop or anything like that. It's great. It's awesome. I'm glad that we have a coffee shop. We have some great people that are running it and stuff, but some bucks is not the answer to what is going on in our world. The answer is Jesus Christ and his word and his power. The answer is the fire of God coming on the inside of individuals. I don't care about social norms. I don't care about the status quo. I care about what the word of God has to say. [00:35:47] (52 seconds) #NoSubstitutesOnlyJesus

``Only the real thing can truly satisfy. Only the real thing. The fake thing can't satisfy. The drugs, they might make you feel good for a second, but they can't satisfy what your real need is. The alcohol, it can satisfy you for a second, but you'll feel emptier than you did before when you're done. Whatever that thing is in your life, that you feel that emptiness on the inside of you, and you think that that thing can fill it. I'll tell you this, it may make you feel good for a couple of moments, but afterwards it will leave you worse than before. Hungering for Jesus, only a hunger for Jesus can truly satisfy. [00:44:24] (39 seconds) #OneTouchChangesAll

One touch from Jesus can erase 12 years of problems. It can do what five years of therapy and 10 years of doctors could never do. Ten years of doctors could never do. one touch from Jesus it changes everything one touch from Jesus can fix whatever you're facing this morning. [00:48:01] (17 seconds) #PrioritizeJesusOverAll

Are you hungry enough to push past everything for Jesus? Hungry enough to push past the norms of your schedule, to move date night, to move family night. You know, well, my family is very important. You can move your family night. Come to encounter Jesus. Your family will be stronger the next family night because you came to the house of God. [00:51:36] (19 seconds) #GodRespectsFreeWill

God responds to faith. God cannot do in your life what you do not allow him to do. People don't like that. Well, can't God just do whatever he wants? Actually, no. Not that he doesn't have the power to do whatever he wants to. He does have the power. But he chooses to say, I respond to the free will of man. It's up to you. He's a gentleman. He will not force his power upon you. He will not force you to receive anything from him. [00:53:42] (27 seconds) #GodNeverLeavesHungry

My hunger for Jesus is not just about the breakthrough or the miracle my hunger for Jesus is simply for Jesus I want Jesus I don't just want the blessings he gives me I don't just want his healing power although I want that too I want the blessings I want the healing power I want that but I also want him as my Lord I also want to follow him I just want Jesus I don't we don't compartmentalize Jesus he's he you know sometimes he's Lord sometimes he's healer he always is all of those things he's all of that my name is Joey and I'm a pastor I'm both of those things all the time at the same time Jesus is everything the Bible says that he is he's Lord He's everything. Are you hungry for Jesus? [00:56:20] (56 seconds)

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