Persevering Faith: Embracing Challenges and Community
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often start with enthusiasm and vigor, but as time progresses, we may find ourselves wavering. This is a common experience, not just in our spiritual lives but in various aspects of life, such as diets, exercise routines, and personal commitments. The key is not just to start strong but to finish strong, maintaining our faith and commitment through the challenges and storms of life.
Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared how a pivotal connection with Pastor Omar and Leti revitalized our ministry during a time of discouragement. This connection exemplifies the importance of community and support in sustaining our faith journey. We are now on the verge of a new chapter, closing on a property in Puyallup, Washington, a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of perseverance.
The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14 serves as a powerful illustration of faith. Peter's initial courage to step out of the boat and walk towards Jesus amidst the storm is commendable. However, when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the surrounding waves, he began to sink. This narrative highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, trusting in His promises rather than being overwhelmed by our circumstances.
Faith is not about avoiding difficulties but trusting God through them. The storms we face are not necessarily indicators of being out of God's will; rather, they are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in Him. As we navigate these challenges, we must remember that God is with us, as promised in Isaiah 43:2-3, assuring us of His presence and protection.
Ultimately, our faith journey is about staying committed to the calling God has placed on our lives. We are each given a mandate to impact the world around us, and it is through our perseverance and reliance on God's grace that we can fulfill this purpose. Let us rise up, embrace our calling, and trust in God's faithfulness to see us through.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Community: In times of discouragement, the support and humility of others can reignite our passion and commitment to our calling. Building strong, humble connections can sustain us through challenging times. [02:20]
- Starting Strong vs. Finishing Strong: Many begin their faith journey with enthusiasm but struggle to maintain it. True faith requires perseverance and a focus on God's promises, not just initial excitement. [06:40]
- Faith Through Storms: God often leads us through difficulties, not around them. These challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God, as He works in us through the storms. [19:15]
- Calling Out to God: In our struggles, we must actively seek God's help. Even when our cries are filled with fear, God's compassion and grace are available to us. [35:16]
- Fulfilling Our Mandate: Each of us has a unique calling and purpose. By staying faithful and committed, we can impact lives and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us. [50:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:20] - A Pivotal Connection
[03:36] - Starting Strong, Finishing Strong
[06:40] - The Struggle to Maintain Faith
[08:12] - The Story of Two Sons
[10:12] - Peter's Wavering Faith
[11:53] - The Dual Nature of Peter
[14:13] - Personal Reflections on Faith
[16:26] - Jesus Feeds the 5,000
[17:27] - Sent into the Storm
[19:15] - Faith Through Difficulties
[22:44] - The Challenge of Commitment
[30:50] - Calling Out to God
[35:16] - God's Compassionate Response
[50:47] - Embracing Our Calling
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 14:22-33
- Isaiah 43:2-3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 14, what was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on water, and how did his focus shift during the event? [11:53]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of community in sustaining faith during challenging times? [02:20]
3. What examples from everyday life did the pastor use to illustrate the concept of starting strong but struggling to finish strong? [03:36]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of calling out to God during our struggles, even when our cries are filled with fear? [35:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus amidst life's storms? [11:53]
2. The pastor mentioned that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but trusting God through them. How does this perspective change the way one might view personal challenges? [19:15]
3. Reflecting on Isaiah 43:2-3, how does the assurance of God's presence and protection influence a believer's response to trials? [27:11]
4. What does the pastor mean by "staying faith," and how does it differ from initial enthusiasm in one's spiritual journey? [08:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Think about a time when you started something with enthusiasm but struggled to maintain it. What steps can you take to ensure you finish strong in your current commitments? [03:36]
2. The pastor shared a personal story about the importance of community. How can you actively build and maintain supportive relationships within your faith community? [02:20]
3. Reflect on a current storm or challenge in your life. How can you shift your focus from the circumstances to trusting in Jesus' promises? [11:53]
4. In what ways can you actively seek God's help in your struggles, and how might this change your perspective on the challenges you face? [35:16]
5. Consider the unique calling and purpose God has placed on your life. What practical steps can you take this week to embrace and fulfill this mandate? [50:47]
6. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What actions can you take this week to minimize its impact on your spiritual journey? [11:53]
7. How can you apply the lessons from Isaiah 43:2-3 to a current situation, trusting in God's presence and protection as you navigate through it? [27:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community in Faith
In times of discouragement, the support and humility of others can reignite our passion and commitment to our calling. Community plays a crucial role in sustaining our faith journey. When we connect with others who share our beliefs and values, we find encouragement and strength to persevere through challenges. These connections remind us that we are not alone and that others are walking alongside us, offering support and guidance. Building strong, humble connections can sustain us through challenging times. [02:20]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your community has been a source of encouragement for you? How can you reach out to them today to express gratitude or offer support in return?
Day 2: Perseverance in Faith Beyond Initial Enthusiasm
Many begin their faith journey with enthusiasm but struggle to maintain it. True faith requires perseverance and a focus on God's promises, not just initial excitement. It's easy to start strong when everything is new and exciting, but the real test of faith comes when we face challenges and obstacles. Maintaining our faith requires a steadfast commitment to God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His faithfulness, we can finish strong. [06:40]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 feel your initial enthusiasm has waned? How can you refocus on God's promises to reignite your commitment?
Day 3: Embracing Growth Through Life's Storms
God often leads us through difficulties, not around them. These challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God, as He works in us through the storms. The story of Peter walking on water illustrates the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus amidst life's storms. When we focus on our circumstances, we may feel overwhelmed, but by trusting in God's presence and promises, we can find peace and strength. The storms we face are not necessarily indicators of being out of God's will; rather, they are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in Him. [19:15]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did it help you grow in your faith, and what did you learn about trusting God through it?
Day 4: Calling Out to God in Our Struggles
In our struggles, we must actively seek God's help. Even when our cries are filled with fear, God's compassion and grace are available to us. It's important to remember that God is always ready to listen and respond to our cries for help. When we call out to Him, we acknowledge our dependence on His strength and guidance. God's compassionate response reassures us of His presence and willingness to help us navigate life's challenges. [35:16]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to call out to God for help today? How can you make space to listen for His compassionate response?
Day 5: Fulfilling Our Unique Calling with Faithfulness
Each of us has a unique calling and purpose. By staying faithful and committed, we can impact lives and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us. Our faith journey is about staying committed to the calling God has placed on our lives. We are each given a mandate to impact the world around us, and it is through our perseverance and reliance on God's grace that we can fulfill this purpose. Embracing our calling requires trust in God's faithfulness to see us through. [50:47]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can embrace your unique calling today? How can you rely on God's grace to help you fulfill this purpose?
Quotes
In the life of faith, how many of you know, we experience, a lot of experience, a starting faith, or starting their Christianity fired up, and all of a sudden begin to teeter off. How many of you have seen people not finish too well? Maybe you have a resolve this year to read the Bible. [00:06:49] (26 seconds)
See, it's not just making the decision that counts with God, but it's seeing it through. And I want to help you this morning see it through. I want to encourage you. I want God to stir up your heart. But I don't want to just stir you. I don't want you to just be all stirred up and then walk out the door and then hit another wall. [00:09:24] (29 seconds)
See, one of the best and the biggest things that God is doing in our lives is teaching us to trust him. So faith usually leads you through difficult times, not around them. God will take you to a place where you're going to learn. You and I are going to learn to trust him. Not in our abilities, not in our talents, not even in our church. [00:26:02] (28 seconds)
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you, for I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Sometimes we need to realize this, church, that our Savior has the best intentions for us, and oftentimes it's not about the good times, but it's through the difficult times that we really experience the closeness of God. [00:27:18] (37 seconds)
And so what this shows me is to get help you need to call out to Jesus. See, oftentimes, how many know, in our frustration, we don't call out to God. We call our comadre, hey, you know, I was going out to my life and nobody cares. We call our spirit to those who need us. [00:33:51] (24 seconds)
And I love this. They don't even cry out in faith. The Bible says they cried out in fear. You know what that shows me? How loving and gracious God is with us. Okay, that didn't show a lot of faith, but that's okay. I'm going to help you guys anyways. Because how many know God knows us? [00:35:16] (23 seconds)
When you make a commitment to Jesus, you're going to have enemies that come and begin to, I'm writing a book, and I'm right in the middle of it. And, you know, how many ever, you heard the spread of Jezebel, right? How many? How many of you know Jezebel? How many of you know men are not attracted to Jezebel? [00:25:04] (21 seconds)
So initial faith is not enough. We need staying faith. We need sustaining faith. And when Peter, when Jesus said to Peter, oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt? He's not talking about the intensity of Peter's prayer or Peter's faith. Because how many know sometimes we can get pretty intense? [00:43:41] (25 seconds)
See, when Peter takes heed to Jesus' command, Peter is not so much walking on water as he is walking on Jesus' promises. And somewhere you and I need to start leaning on his promises. Because how many know this world right now says, don't be deceived. I want to tell you something. [00:45:27] (27 seconds)
I want to close with this thought. Remember his character. Hear his command. And you and I have been given a mandate. That word mandate means an official order or commission to do something. You have a calling. You have a command upon your life. If you ignore that calling, people will be lost for all eternity. [00:48:07] (27 seconds)
Because there's people depending on me, just like people are depending on you to have that staying faith, to hold on, not to give up, so that we can fulfill Matthew 10, 7 and 8. And as you go preach, saying the kingdom of God is at hand, heal the sick, cleanse the leper, raise the dead, cast out demons, freely you have. [00:50:47] (26 seconds)
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