Partnering with God: Faith, Action, and Perseverance
Summary
Today, we explored the powerful truth that the future is, in many ways, in our hands. Drawing from the story of King Joash and the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 13, we saw how God’s promises often require a response of faith and action from us. Elisha gave Joash a promise of victory, but Joash’s limited response—striking the ground only three times—meant he experienced only a partial victory. This story is a vivid reminder that while God is sovereign and His purposes will stand, He invites us to partner with Him, and our faith-filled actions can shape the outcomes we experience.
We reflected on the tension between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility. Scripture shows that God works in us and through us, but He also calls us to “work out” our faith, to toil, to plant, and to water, trusting that He brings the growth. The expansion of God’s kingdom is not a passive process; it requires our fervor, faith, and willingness to look beyond what is comfortable or reasonable. The stories of faithful men and women—whether the founders of Calvary Church, my own parents, or a man named Keela in Port Moresby—demonstrate that small, faithful steps can have a generational impact far beyond what we can see.
We also considered why we sometimes stop short of all God has for us: weariness, lack of visible results, natural-mindedness, fear of looking foolish, or simply being too easily content. Each of these can cause us to settle for less than God’s best, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. Yet, the call is to be audacious, proactive, and persevering—to keep “striking the ground” in faith, trusting that God is able to do more than we ask or imagine.
Ultimately, we look to Jesus, who did not stop halfway but finished the work the Father gave Him. Because of His finished work, we can live with bold faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. There is still more in God for each of us and for our church. Let’s not settle for “that will do,” but press on for stronger, larger, and more, for the sake of God’s kingdom and the generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Promises Require Our Participation
God’s promises are not automatic; they invite a response of faith and action. Joash’s limited response to Elisha’s instruction resulted in limited victory, showing that our willingness to act in faith can determine the extent of what we experience. The future is not just in God’s hands—it is also in ours, as we partner with Him in obedience and expectation. [06:33]
- The Tension Between Sovereignty and Responsibility
Scripture reveals a dynamic partnership: God is sovereign, yet He calls us to work, to strive, and to step out in faith. Paul’s words about toiling with all God’s energy illustrate that our fervor and faith are not opposed to God’s power, but are the very means through which He works. We cannot be passive and expect to see the fullness of God’s purposes; our faith-filled action matters. [16:53]
- Faithfulness Bears Fruit Beyond What We See
Often, we grow weary or discouraged because we do not see immediate results. Yet, the stories of those who have gone before us—like the founders of Calvary or faithful local pastors—remind us that our acts of faith and service can have generational impact. Never underestimate the long-term fruit of your faithfulness, even when it seems small or unseen. [26:12]
- Don’t Let Fear or Contentment Limit Your Faith
We may stop short because we fear looking foolish or because we become content with partial victories. Yet, God honors audacious faith—He never rebuked anyone for believing too much, only for believing too little. If we settle for “enough,” we may miss out on the greater things God desires to do in and through us, and our choices can affect generations to come. [31:16]
- Perseverance Unlocks God’s “More”
The call is to keep striking the ground—to persevere in faith, prayer, and action, even when it’s hard or the results are not yet visible. Jesus finished His course, and because of His perseverance, we have hope and salvation. In the same way, if we keep going—one more prayer, one more act of faith—we will discover that there is still much more in God for us and for our church. [36:13]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:57] - Introducing the Family
[03:38] - The Future is in Your Hands
[06:33] - The Power of Small Beginnings
[08:49] - Jesus’ Promise of Greater Things
[12:46] - The Overlap of God’s Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
[16:53] - Faith and Fervor: Our Role in God’s Work
[21:34] - Why Do We Stop Short?
[22:20] - Interpreting Weariness in Ministry
[24:08] - The Hidden Impact of Faithfulness
[26:12] - Stories of Generational Faith
[30:16] - The Fear of Looking Foolish
[31:16] - The Danger of Contentment
[32:35] - Stirring Up Audacious Faith
[34:30] - Proactive and Persevering Faith
[36:13] - The Reward of Perseverance
[39:29] - Responding to Jesus
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Future is in Your Hands
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Kings 13:14-19 (The story of King Joash and Elisha)
- John 14:12 (“Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…”)
- Philippians 2:12-13 (“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Kings 13:14-19, what specific instructions did Elisha give to King Joash, and how did Joash respond? What was the result of his actions?
2. According to John 14:12, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him? How does He describe the kind of works they will do?
3. In Philippians 2:12-13, what is the relationship between our effort (“work out your own salvation”) and God’s work in us?
4. The sermon mentioned that Joash’s limited response led to a limited victory. What was Elisha’s reaction to Joash’s actions? ([03:38])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha was angry with Joash for only striking the ground three times? What does this reveal about God’s desire for our participation in His promises? ([03:38])
2. The sermon talked about the “overlap” between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility. How does this tension play out in the stories of Joash and the widow with the oil (2 Kings 4)? ([16:53])
3. The preacher shared stories of people whose small, faithful actions had a generational impact. Why do you think God often works through small beginnings and ordinary faithfulness? ([06:33])
4. The sermon listed reasons why people “stop short” of all God has for them (weariness, lack of results, fear, contentment). Which of these do you think is most common, and why? ([21:34])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us not to settle for “that will do” but to keep pressing on for more. Is there an area in your life or faith where you have settled for less than God’s best? What would it look like to “strike the ground” again in that area? ([31:16])
2. Weariness and discouragement can cause us to stop short. Can you share a time when you felt like giving up on something God called you to do? What helped you keep going, or what might help you persevere next time? ([22:20])
3. The preacher said that sometimes we don’t see immediate results from our faithfulness, but God can use our small steps for generational impact. Is there a “small” act of faith or service you feel prompted to take this week, even if you can’t see the results yet? ([26:12])
4. Fear of looking foolish was mentioned as a reason people hold back. Is there something you feel God is asking you to do that feels risky or might make you look silly? How can the group encourage you to take that step? ([30:16])
5. The story of Keela in Port Moresby showed how one person’s proactive faith can lead to unexpected growth. Who is someone in your life you could invite, encourage, or serve in a new way this week? ([35:22])
6. The sermon emphasized perseverance—“strike the ground one more time.” What is one practical way you can persevere in prayer, service, or faith this month? ([36:13])
7. Jesus finished the work the Father gave Him. How does remembering Jesus’ perseverance and finished work motivate you to keep going in your own faith journey? ([36:13])
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Close in prayer, asking God for boldness, perseverance, and faith to partner with Him for all He wants to do in and through your lives.
Devotional
Day 1: The Future is in Your Hands
God often gives us promises, but He also looks for our response of faith and action. Just as Joash was given the promise of victory but limited the outcome by his own actions, we too are invited to participate in the fulfillment of God’s plans for our lives. Our willingness to step out, persist, and act in faith can determine the extent to which we experience God’s victory and blessing. The future is not just something we passively receive; it is shaped by how we respond to God’s word and opportunities. [07:40]
2 Kings 13:14-19 (ESV)
Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands. And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them,” and he struck three times and stopped. Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
Reflection: Where in your life have you been waiting for God to act, but He is actually waiting for you to take a step of faith or action today?
Day 2: Believing for Greater Things
Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the works He did—and even greater things—because of His finished work and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is not a promise reserved for “super Christians,” but for all who believe. The foundation for believing for greater things is not our own perfection or ability, but what Jesus accomplished through His death, resurrection, and ascension. We are called to expect God to do stronger, larger, and more through us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is and what He has done. [08:49]
John 14:12 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”
Reflection: What is one “greater thing” you sense God calling you to believe for in this season, and how can you take a practical step toward it today?
Day 3: The Overlap of God’s Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
Scripture teaches that while God is sovereign and works in us, we are also called to work out our faith with diligence and intentionality. There is a mysterious partnership between God’s power and our participation; we are not called to be passive, but to actively pursue maturity, growth, and fruitfulness. Our attitude, faith, and fervor have a real impact on what God does in and through us, and we are invited to join Him in His purposes with all our energy and effort. [16:53]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been passive, and how can you intentionally partner with God’s work in you this week?
Day 4: Don’t Stop at Three—Persevere in Faith
Many times, we stop short of all that God has for us because we grow weary, don’t see immediate results, fear looking foolish, or become too easily content. Yet, God calls us to keep striking the ground, to persevere, and to not settle for less than His best. Our perseverance not only impacts our own lives but also the generations to come. There is still more in God—more ideas, more creativity, more ministry, more grace, and more expansion—if we refuse to settle and keep pressing forward in faith. [32:35]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Where have you been tempted to settle or give up, and what is one way you can “strike the ground” one more time in faith today?
Day 5: Be Audacious, Proactive, and Persevering
God rewards audacious faith, proactive steps, and persevering hearts. We are not called to be stagnant or idle, but to ask boldly, act courageously, and keep going even when it’s hard or when we feel foolish. Faith without works is dead, and God delights to breathe on our efforts when we step out in obedience. Just as Jesus finished His course and did not stop halfway, we are called to give our all for His purposes, trusting that there is always more in Him. [36:13]
James 2:17 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Reflection: What bold, proactive step can you take today that would stretch your faith and demonstrate your trust in God’s promises?
Quotes
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