Journeying Together: Faith, Perseverance, and Community

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Firm and Be Patient in Trials

James encourages believers to remain steadfast and patient, even when the journey is difficult and exhausting. The spiritual life, like a pilgrimage, is filled with moments of fatigue, uncertainty, and even suffering, but there is blessing in enduring through these times. Early Christians faced persecution and hardship, yet James reminds them—and us—that those who stand firm during testing are blessed. When the road feels long or God feels silent, sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is simply keep showing up, trusting that God is present and working even in our weariness. [38:42]

James 5:7-11 (NIV)
"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

Reflection: When you feel spiritually exhausted or discouraged, what is one small way you can “just show up” and keep walking with God today, even if you don’t feel inspired?

Day 2: Stay on the Trail—Follow the Path Set Before You

The wisdom of pilgrimage teaches that staying on the trail, even when tempted to wander or seek shortcuts, is essential for reaching the destination. The trail has been marked by those who have gone before, and though it may be hard and tiring, it is the surest way forward. In the spiritual life, we are invited to trust the path God has set, following the example and wisdom of faithful ones before us, rather than striking out on our own and risking getting lost or burdened. [26:15]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to take a shortcut or go your own way instead of following God’s path? What would it look like to trust and stay on the trail today?

Day 3: God Walks With Us—We Are Never Alone

On the journey, whether we feel alone or surrounded by others, God is always present, walking with us and never growing weary. Even when we are physically or spiritually isolated, we keep holy company with God and with the community of faith. This companionship gives us strength, comfort, and the courage to keep going, knowing that God’s presence is constant and unfailing, and that we are supported by others who share the journey. [42:52]

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Reflection: Who are the people God has placed in your life to walk alongside you, and how can you reach out to them or lean on God’s presence when you feel alone?

Day 4: Let Go of Unnecessary Burdens

Just as pilgrims discover they are carrying things they do not need, we too often bear spiritual or emotional burdens that weigh us down. The journey invites us to examine what we are carrying—old guilt, grudges, expectations, or fears—and to set down what is no longer needed. By letting go, we travel lighter and are freer to experience the joy and growth God intends for us. [45:07]

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Reflection: What is one burden—an old hurt, a fear, or a habit—that you sense God inviting you to lay down today so you can walk more freely with Him?

Day 5: The Journey Is the Point, and the Destination Matters Too

While the pilgrimage itself shapes and transforms us, the destination—God’s presence and the fulfillment of His promises—gives meaning and hope to our journey. Each finish line is also a starting line, as we are continually called into new beginnings with God. Keeping our eyes on Christ and the hope of His coming helps us persevere, celebrate milestones, and embrace the adventure of faith with joy. [47:09]

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: As you reflect on your spiritual journey, what is one way you can celebrate how far God has brought you, and how might you embrace the next “starting line” He is inviting you to cross?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered as a diverse community—different in age, background, and experience, yet united by hearts bound to Christ. We came together seeking God in one another, in Scripture, and in the shared journey of faith. Our focus was on pilgrimage, both as a physical act and as a metaphor for the spiritual life. Drawing from my own experience walking the Camino de Santiago, I reflected on how the long, sometimes exhausting journey mirrors our walk with God. The journey itself is sacred, and the act of simply staying on the trail—persisting through fatigue, uncertainty, and even boredom—holds deep spiritual wisdom.

Through a story for the children, we explored the temptation to stray from the path, the loneliness and confusion that can result, and the grace of finding our way back. The trail, made by those who have gone before, offers guidance and safety, even when shortcuts seem appealing. In the same way, the spiritual life is shaped by the wisdom and faithfulness of those who have walked before us, and by our willingness to keep going, even when the way is hard.

We listened to the letter of James in both traditional and Gen Z slang translations, highlighting how the message of patience, perseverance, and honesty transcends language and generation. James calls us to stand firm in the face of testing—not just the minor frustrations of daily life, but the real hardships and persecutions faced by early Christians. The call is to keep showing up, to keep walking, even when faith feels dry or God seems distant.

Pilgrimage teaches us that sometimes the only thing we can do is keep moving forward, trusting that God walks with us, never tiring, always present. We are not alone; we walk in holy company with God and with one another. Along the way, we may discover burdens we no longer need to carry, and we are invited to lay them down. The journey is the point, but the destination matters too. Reaching the end of a pilgrimage is both a finish line and a new beginning, just as each step in faith leads us deeper into life with Christ. May we find joy in the journey, strength to persist, and the courage to stay on the trail, knowing that Christ walks with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

1. The spiritual journey is shaped by persistence, not perfection. There are seasons when faith feels vibrant and others when simply showing up is all we can manage. In those moments, the act of staying on the trail—continuing in prayer, worship, and community—becomes a profound act of faith. God honors our perseverance, even when our motivation is simply to keep going. [41:32]
2. The wisdom of those who have walked before us is a gift. Just as pilgrims on the Camino follow a path marked by generations past, our spiritual lives are enriched by the traditions, prayers, and stories of the faithful who have gone before. Their example helps us navigate when the way is unclear, reminding us that we are part of a much larger story. [26:15]
3. Testing and hardship are not signs of failure, but opportunities for blessing. James reminds us that standing firm in difficulty brings a unique kind of blessing. The early Christians faced real persecution, yet their steadfastness became a witness to the power of faith. Our own trials, though different, can become places where God’s presence and strength are revealed. [38:42]
4. Community is essential on the journey. Whether we walk closely with others or find ourselves alone for stretches, we are never truly alone. God’s presence is constant, and the companionship of fellow pilgrims—family, friends, church—gives us strength, accountability, and the grace to accept both our own flaws and those of others. [42:52]
5. The journey is the point, but the destination matters too. Pilgrimage teaches us to value each step, to let go of unnecessary burdens, and to keep our eyes on the ultimate goal. Arriving at the destination—whether a cathedral in Spain or a deeper relationship with Christ—is both an ending and a new beginning, inviting us to live as pilgrims every day. [47:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:35] - Gathering as a Diverse Community
[22:25] - Children’s Story: Staying on the Trail
[26:15] - Wisdom of the Trail and Spiritual Life
[34:25] - Translating Scripture for New Generations
[35:42] - Gen Z Slang Reading of James
[36:43] - The Power of Everyday Language
[37:33] - Faithfulness in Translation
[38:42] - Testing, Persecution, and Blessing
[39:44] - Lessons from Pilgrimage: Keep Going
[41:32] - Showing Up When Faith is Hard
[42:52] - Holy Company: God and Community
[44:10] - Letting Go of Unnecessary Burdens
[47:09] - The Finish Line and New Beginnings
[53:22] - Prayers for Our World and Community
[63:57] - Open Space: Translating Scripture in Our Own Words
[72:43] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[79:00] - New Series: Words of Life and the Ten Commandments
[82:52] - Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

James 5:7-11 (ESV) — 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Observation Questions

What does James compare patience to in these verses?
According to the passage, what are believers supposed to do while they wait for the Lord?
In the children’s story, what happened when the unicorn left the trail? What was the result for both the unicorn and the cow? [[22:25]]
What are some of the hardships or “testing” that James refers to, and how does the sermon describe the challenges faced by early Christians? [[38:42]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think James uses the image of a farmer waiting for rain to describe patience? How does this connect to the idea of pilgrimage as described in the sermon? [[34:25]]
The sermon says, “the journey itself is sacred, and the act of simply staying on the trail—persisting through fatigue, uncertainty, and even boredom—holds deep spiritual wisdom.” What does it mean for “just showing up” to be an act of faith? [[41:32]]
The sermon talks about following a trail made by those who have gone before us. How does the wisdom and example of previous generations help us when our own faith feels weak or lost? [[26:15]]
James says those who remain steadfast are blessed. How does the sermon connect this idea of blessing to the real-life struggles and perseverance of both ancient and modern believers? [[38:42]]

Application Questions

The sermon describes times when faith feels vibrant and other times when “just showing up” is all we can manage. When have you experienced a season where you had to simply keep going, even when you didn’t feel inspired? What helped you stay on the trail? [[41:32]]
The children’s story showed the temptation to take shortcuts or leave the path. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are tempted to “go off trail”? What are the consequences, and what helps you find your way back? [[22:25]]
The sermon highlights the importance of community—walking with others, even if not always side by side. Who are the “fellow pilgrims” in your life? How can you support each other when the journey gets hard? [[42:52]]
The pastor shared about carrying unnecessary burdens in her backpack and realizing some things could be left behind. What burdens—worries, habits, expectations—are you carrying that you might need to lay down? How could you start to do that? [[45:07]]
The wisdom of those who have walked before us is described as a gift. Is there a tradition, prayer, or story from someone in your faith journey that has helped you keep going? How might you pass that on to someone else? [[26:15]]
The sermon says, “the journey is the point, but the destination matters too.” How do you balance living in the present with keeping your eyes on the ultimate goal of your faith? [[47:09]]
The message from James and the sermon is to “stand firm” and “keep walking.” What is one practical step you can take this week to persist in your faith, even if it feels hard or ordinary? [[41:32]]

Sermon Clips

So what helps you keep going, keep walking, when the road feels long or God feels silent? On the Camino, when I was exhausted, and at the end of the day, when my feet were tired and my hips were tired and my legs were dragging, pilgrimage taught me, stay on the trail, you'll get there faster, just keep going. We had a trail left by others to follow, and as long as we kept following those markers on the trail, we knew we were going in the right direction. [00:39:44] (38 seconds) #JustShowUpKeepWalking

Sometimes in the spiritual life, it's exciting, and there's fireworks, and we are coming out of our best selves, and we just feel like we have got faith, and everything is aligned in us. But there are other times when the only thing we've got is showing up, when we are not coming out of our best selves, when we are tired, when we don't know what's going on. We're not even sure where God is or what is real. And then pilgrimage teaches us, just show up. Just show up. Keep walking. Stay on the trail. [00:40:50] (41 seconds) #NeverAloneInFaith

Now, I was blessed to do the Camino with two others, and we didn't always walk right together. Our paces were different, and over the day, we'd spread out, but we always came together at the end. So even when I was alone, I knew there were others watching out for me. Some people walk the whole Camino by themselves, and they enjoy those moments of solitude, and moments of camaraderie come up. I recently talked to a fellow who walked the whole Camino Francais, which is 500 miles, on his own, and he said his favorite parts were the evening communal meals at the Elberges. And so it is with the spiritual life. Sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes we have a strong sense of belonging and community. But the truth is, we are never alone. God is always there. God is always walking with us. And do you know what? God never gets tired. God never gets tired. God never gets exhausted. [00:41:45] (67 seconds) #AuthenticCommunity

Sometimes in the spiritual life, we're not motivated by high, holy, spiritual motivations. We just need God because things have fallen apart and it's just not working. And we just need God to clean up the mess we've made or to help us figure it out or come along beside us while God goes, it's okay. Sometimes we just need that with God. Those Jesus take the wheel moments. And Jesus always does. And things get wilder and more wonderful than we ever expected. [00:43:48] (36 seconds) #LightenYourSpiritualLoad

So we started this series with the journey is the point. And it is. And the destination matters too. James said we must be patient and wait for the coming of the Lord. The faith life right near matters. Right now matters. And the coming of the Lord matters too. [00:45:52] (23 seconds) #WalkingWithGodAlways

Arriving in Santiago was the finish line of that Camino and the starting line of living a life as a Christian pilgrim every day. And so we stay on the trail and we keep walking. We walk with God, God always right there at our side, keeping holy company with others, following a trail left by others, each walking the same trail differently, persisting through hard days, enjoying the easy parts, carrying our own stuff, maybe working on unloading some. We stay on the trail and we keep walking. [00:49:22] (49 seconds) #JoyfulPilgrimSpirit

James says the coming of the Lord is near and so whether that is today or tomorrow or next week or centuries from now the journey is the point and the destination matters too and may we be filled with the joy of the pilgrim walking into the plaza at the cathedral at the end of one journey and the beginning of another. [00:50:11] (32 seconds) #SteadyFaithForward

``As you go from this place, may your feet find solid ground. May your spirit find steady rhythm. May your doubts find holy company. And may you know that Christ is with you. Stay on the trail. Keep walking. [01:22:43] (20 seconds)

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