Relentless Faith: Empowering Generations Through Women's Love

 

Summary

Today we gathered to celebrate the unique and powerful role of women—especially mothers—in shaping faith across generations. We reflected on the relentless, nurturing love that so many women demonstrate, and how their faith-filled persistence becomes a foundation for the next generation. Through stories from my own life, I shared how the faith of my wife, mother, grandmothers, and other godly women has been a source of strength and inspiration, especially in times when circumstances seemed impossible. Their unwavering trust in God, even when the way forward was unclear, has left a legacy that continues to echo through our family and our church.

We explored the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22-28, a mother who refused to give up when her daughter was suffering. Despite being ignored and even rebuffed by Jesus, she pressed in with humble confidence and desperate trust. Her persistence moved Jesus to act, and her faith became a testimony not just for her daughter, but for generations to come. This story reminds us that our faith today becomes the power and testimony for others tomorrow. Even when our prayers seem unanswered, or when we face loss and suffering, God’s plans are greater than we can imagine. Our struggles, when surrendered to God, become stories of hope and redemption for those who follow.

We also acknowledged the pain of unanswered prayers, especially as we grieve the loss of loved ones. Yet, we hold to the truth that because of Jesus, the spiritual person can live in glory forever, and that our lives—though brief in the scope of eternity—are opportunities to display faith that points others to Christ. Whether you come from a legacy of faith or are seeking to break cycles and start anew, your persistence in prayer, your humility, and your willingness to trust God in the unknown are vital. The next generation is watching, and your faith can empower them to stand strong.

As we go from here, let’s be a people who model relentless faith, who hold the next generation before God, and who trust that every struggle and every act of faith is being woven into a greater story. May our lives be living testimonies that point to the hope and power found in Jesus alone.

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Key Takeaways

- Faith is a Legacy, Not Just a Moment: The faith we exercise today—especially in the face of adversity—becomes the foundation and power for the next generation. Our struggles and victories in faith are not isolated; they echo through our families and communities, shaping the spiritual landscape for those who come after us. [01:08:49]

- Desperate Trust Over Despair: When faced with silence or apparent rejection from God, like the Canaanite woman, we are called to bring our raw, honest needs before Him. Faith begins not when we have all the answers, but when we trust God enough to voice our deepest needs and persist in seeking Him, even when the outcome is uncertain. [01:25:35]

- Humility Unlocks God’s Mercy: True faith is marked by humble confidence—a willingness to accept our position before God and yet boldly ask for His mercy. The Canaanite woman did not argue for her worthiness but simply trusted in Jesus’ goodness, showing that faith thrives in humility and surrender, not in pride or entitlement. [01:26:09]

- God’s Plans Surpass Our Understanding: Even when prayers seem unanswered or suffering persists, God’s purposes are far greater than we can comprehend. Our lives are but a moment in the scope of eternity, and God is weaving every struggle and act of faith into a story that brings hope and redemption beyond what we can see. [01:22:09]

- Persistent Faith Changes Lives: Faith is not a one-time act but a muscle to be exercised through persistence. Like the Canaanite woman, we are called to keep pressing in, not giving up on God even when the breakthrough seems delayed. Our relentless faith becomes a testimony and a source of strength for others, both now and in the future. [01:28:17]

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Youtube Chapters

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:51] - Opening Worship: Let the Wind Blow
- [05:44] - Mother’s Day Reflections and Humor
- [08:06] - Praise in Every Season
- [12:06] - Welcome to Mothers and Guests
- [13:47] - Church Family News & Paul’s Memorial
- [15:23] - Mother’s Day Family Feud Game
- [24:37] - Announcements: Upcoming Events
- [31:17] - Coffee & Connection Break
- [31:58] - Worship: Redemption and Identity in Christ
- [45:45] - Worship: Joy in the House of the Lord
- [55:22] - Pastoral Prayer for Community & Other Churches
- [56:50] - Personal Story: Faith in Uncertainty
- [01:10:06] - The Canaanite Woman’s Faith (Matthew 15)
- [01:18:09] - Wrestling with Unanswered Prayer & Suffering
- [01:25:17] - Building Relentless Faith: Three Keys
- [01:31:21] - The Power of Persistent Faith for Generations
- [01:33:47] - Responding to Jesus & Closing Blessing
- [01:35:21] - Closing Worship: The Father’s Love

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of Persistent Faith Across Generations

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 15:22-28 (NIV)
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story of the Canaanite woman, what obstacles did she face when she approached Jesus for help?
[[01:10:20]]

2. How did Jesus initially respond to the woman’s request, and how did she react to his response?
[[01:11:04]]

3. According to the sermon, what qualities did the Canaanite woman show in her interaction with Jesus?
[[01:12:01]]

4. The pastor shared stories of women in his own life who demonstrated faith. What were some specific ways their faith impacted him and his family?
[[01:00:59]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus responded to the Canaanite woman the way he did before granting her request? What might he have been teaching her, the disciples, or us?
[[01:13:38]]

2. The sermon says, “Faith is a legacy, not just a moment.” How does the faith of one person affect others, especially the next generation?
[[01:08:49]]

3. The Canaanite woman showed “humble confidence” in her approach to Jesus. What does it look like to have both humility and boldness in our faith?
[[01:26:09]]

4. The pastor talked about unanswered prayers and suffering. How does the story of the Canaanite woman help us understand God’s bigger plans when our prayers seem to go unanswered?
[[01:22:09]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt like your prayers were being ignored or unanswered. How did you respond? Is there a situation right now where you need to persist in prayer like the Canaanite woman?
[[01:25:35]]

2. The pastor shared how the faith of his wife, mother, and grandmothers gave him strength during hard times. Who in your life has modeled persistent faith for you? How has their example shaped your own faith journey?
[[01:00:59]]

3. The sermon emphasized that “faith is a muscle, not a moment.” What is one practical way you can exercise your faith this week, especially when things are difficult or uncertain?
[[01:28:17]]

4. The Canaanite woman didn’t argue for her own worthiness but trusted in Jesus’ goodness. Are there areas in your life where pride or a sense of entitlement might be holding you back from fully trusting God? What would it look like to surrender those areas?
[[01:26:09]]

5. The pastor encouraged everyone—whether you come from a legacy of faith or are starting fresh—to be persistent in prayer for the next generation. Who is one person (child, friend, family member) you can commit to pray for regularly? How will you remind yourself to do this?
[[01:06:09]]

6. When facing loss or suffering, the sermon reminded us that God’s plans are greater than we can imagine. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you are in the middle of a struggle? Is there a verse, song, or practice that helps you hold on to hope?
[[01:22:09]]

7. The pastor challenged the church to be a people who model relentless faith for the next generation. What is one step you can take this week to make your faith more visible to those around you—at home, at work, or in your community?
[[01:29:27]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you persist in faith, to trust Him in the unknown, and to be a living testimony for the next generation. Pray for the specific people you named in your discussion.

Devotional

Day 1: Persistent Faith in the Face of Silence
The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22-28 shows a mother who refuses to give up, even when her cries seem to go unanswered. She presses in, undeterred by silence or apparent rejection, and brings her desperate need before Jesus with unwavering trust. Her persistence is not just about getting what she wants, but about demonstrating a faith that believes Jesus is able and willing, even when the answer is delayed. This kind of faith is bold, raw, and honest—it keeps asking, keeps seeking, and keeps knocking, trusting that God hears and cares, even when the response is not immediate. [01:10:20]

Matthew 15:22-28 (ESV)
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel tempted to give up praying or trusting God because you haven’t seen an answer yet? What would it look like to persist in faith today, even in the silence?


Day 2: Your Faith Today Is Their Power Tomorrow
The choices you make to trust God, especially in difficult times, are not just for you—they become a source of strength and testimony for others. The sermon reminds us that your faith today is their power tomorrow, and your struggle now is their testimony later. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend, your example of faith can echo through generations, inspiring others to trust God in their own challenges. Even when you don’t see immediate results, your persistence in faith plants seeds that God can use to bring hope and transformation to those who come after you. [01:08:31]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Reflection: Who is watching your faith journey right now? How can you intentionally model trust in God for the next generation or those around you today?


Day 3: Humble Confidence Before God
The Canaanite woman’s response to Jesus is marked by humility—she does not argue for her own worthiness, but simply asks for mercy. She accepts her position, yet boldly believes that even a crumb of God’s goodness is enough. This humble confidence is the posture of true faith: surrendering pride, but never surrendering hope. When we come to God, we don’t demand based on our merit, but we approach with the assurance that His mercy is abundant and His heart is kind. Faith thrives in humility, and God honors those who come to Him with open hands and a trusting heart. [01:26:09]

James 4:6 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Reflection: Is there an area where pride or self-sufficiency is keeping you from fully trusting God? How can you approach Him today with humble confidence, asking for His mercy?


Day 4: God’s Greater Plan in Our Suffering
When prayers seem unanswered or suffering persists, it’s easy to wonder if God cares or if our faith matters. Yet, as the sermon reminds us, because of Jesus, the spiritual person can live in glory forever, and God’s plans are greater than we can ever know. Even when we don’t understand the “why” behind our pain, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory. Our lives are just a blink in the scope of eternity, and God promises comfort, hope, and a future beyond what we can see. In the midst of loss or disappointment, hold on to the truth that God’s love and purpose are unshakable. [01:21:21]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a situation where you don’t understand God’s plan. How can you choose to trust His greater purpose today, even without all the answers?


Day 5: Faith Is a Muscle—Exercise It Daily
Faith is not a one-time event, but a muscle that grows stronger through use. The Canaanite woman’s story shows us that faith is exercised through persistent prayer, relentless hope, and daily trust in God’s character. The sermon challenges us to imagine a community where faith is so visible and active that it inspires others to believe. Every act of faith—every prayer, every step of obedience, every moment of praise in hardship—builds spiritual strength and leaves a legacy. Don’t hide your faith or let it grow weak; instead, exercise it daily, knowing that God uses your persistence to draw others to Himself. [01:28:57]

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 practical way you can “exercise” your faith today—through prayer, encouragement, or action—so that others might see Christ in you?

Quotes

Your faith today is their power tomorrow. And your struggle now is their testimony later. That's what we need to remember. Your faith today is their power tomorrow. And your struggle now is their testimony later. [01:08:37]

I have been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by so many godly and faithfilled women. I think of both of my grandmas. People that would be holding their families up in prayer. People that would be out there just telling people about Jesus. [01:00:00]

A godly woman will do anything for her child. Anything. She'll become relentless in the pursuit of what her child needs. And a godly woman will do everything she can to instill and model a faith in her children and the next generation that echoes throughout what is to come. [01:04:53]

Sometimes I'll hear folks, especially as they age, and they'll be like, "I just don't know how I can serve anymore. I know exactly how you can serve." Hold the next generation up in prayer. Give them opportunities to serve and to innovate. Pour into their lives. [01:06:12]

Because of Jesus, the spiritual person can live in glory forever. And let me tell you, I know without a shadow of doubt that Paul is in glory with Jesus forever. Forever. So because of sin, yeah, when we pray for things and we're like that suffering, it doesn't seem right. [01:22:05]

But when he raises us to life, what we need to understand is whether you live five minutes or 110 years, as some World War II veteran just turned 110 years old. No matter how long you live, you can take that and when you look at it in the scope of your eternal existence, you can barely see it. [01:23:50]

Start with desperate trust, not despair. What did she say? Lord, help me. She didn't let silence, she didn't let rejection stop her plea. Instead, what did she do? She brought her raw, bold requests to God because faith begins when we voice our need. [01:25:36]

Surrender your pride, but never surrender your hope because faith thrives in humility. And even right now, if you're one of those people that was praying for Paul and you go, I did surrender my pride, but now he's gone. So, can't I give up hope? [01:27:00]

Faith thrives in humility. And when what we want isn't done in the way or the timing that we desire, here's the thing. Faith doesn't give up hope. Faith recognizes that we should still have faith in the greater plans of God. [01:27:46]

Persist until the breakthrough. That woman, she kept crying out. She wouldn't stop. And Jesus tests her perseverance, her persistence to reveal her faith. So don't give up on God. He's bigger than even the worst situation that you could imagine. [01:28:09]

Imagine what would happen if your neighbor suddenly saw you going through the most horrific things imaginable and yet saw you there praying day after day after day sharing the goodness of Jesus with them and the hope that is within yourself. [01:29:19]

Imagine how that would begin to change our world if a generation of Christ followers no longer worried about carpet colors, no longer worried about styles of music or any of these things, but said, "What do I need to do to display faith that is so true, so honest, so real and vital to the next generation to model that thing, to live that way, and to spread that truth throughout my community?" [01:29:53]

That's what I desire here today is for a community in the world to look at us as crazy psycho people that when the world is falling down around them still give glory to God and trust in him. That's what we need to be. [01:31:09]

Jesus hesitated because his mission was bigger than one miracle. Jesus was on his way to the cross where he would secure a salvation so vast that it would reach every desperate heart, Jew, Gentile, you, me. And that woman's daughter was healed that day. [01:31:44]

If you're already his today, it's time to exercise that faith muscle. Faith muscle, your persistence in prayer, your love for the next generation. It's all part of God's plan to draw others to him. And so, let's go out and live this way. [01:33:08]

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Transcript
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