Rising in Faith: Embracing God's Extraordinary Call
Summary
In the exploration of the principles that attract the light of God's favor, it is emphasized that God often chooses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary feats. This concept is rooted in the belief that God's love for commonality is evident in the abundance of ordinary people He created. The understanding here is that recognizing and accepting one's ordinariness is crucial to overcoming personal challenges and reaching new heights in life. It is suggested that without this acceptance, individuals may become stuck at their personal "Jordan Rivers," unable to move forward due to mental barriers that convince them of the impossibility of their situation.
The message further delves into the idea that during dark and difficult times, similar to the thick darkness that covered the Earth as mentioned in the Bible, the glory of the Lord can rest upon individuals, making them a light amidst the darkness. This light is not just for personal benefit but is also meant to attract nations and kings, symbolizing the impact one's life can have on others when living in accordance with God's will. The key to accessing God's favor is encapsulated in the word "arise," which signifies the choice to rise in faith rather than shrink back in fear during challenging times.
The narrative of Joshua taking over leadership from Moses is used to illustrate the concept of rising in faith. Joshua faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites across the flooded Jordan River and into battles with giants. Despite the impossibility of the situation, God's assurance to Joshua was the same as it is to believers today: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise is accompanied by the call to be strong and courageous, to obey God's law, and to meditate on it day and night for success and prosperity.
The importance of taking time to recharge and seek God's guidance is also highlighted. The practice of sabbatical, as observed by Moses and Jesus, is presented as a necessary step for individuals to withdraw from their busy lives, regroup, and prepare to rise up against challenges. The message encourages believers to intentionally create space for such times of reflection and connection with God.
The vision for a vibrant and active church community is painted through a series of imaginative scenarios. These scenarios depict a church that is innovative, welcoming, and deeply involved in nurturing faith, supporting families, and reaching out to the community with love and compassion. The church is envisioned as a place where members are empowered to use their gifts and where the church's influence extends globally through technology and missions.
The message concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to rise up in faith and shatter the darkness that may surround them. It is a declaration of authority over the enemy and a refusal to back down from challenges. The emphasis is on partnering with God to achieve victory and to be a blessing to others in a dark world.
Key Takeaways:
- The recognition that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes is a powerful motivator for individuals to rise above their perceived limitations and engage in the work God has for them. This understanding helps break mental barriers and encourages a mindset of possibility and faith in God's ability to work through anyone. [01:12:52]
- The concept of "arising" in faith, especially during times of darkness and difficulty, is a call to action that requires a conscious decision to trust in God's promises and step into the light of His favor. This act of faith is not only transformative for the individual but also serves as a beacon to others, drawing them towards the light of Christ. [57:08]
- The story of Joshua's leadership transition from Moses serves as a reminder that God's presence and promises are constant, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The encouragement to be strong and courageous is applicable to all who are stepping into new territories or roles, trusting that God will be with them as He was with those who came before. [01:05:40]
- The practice of sabbatical, as exemplified by biblical figures, underscores the necessity of taking time to withdraw, recharge, and seek God's direction. This principle applies to all areas of life, suggesting that regular periods of rest and reflection are essential for sustained spiritual growth and readiness to rise to future challenges. [01:09:53]
- The vision of a dynamic and supportive church community illustrates the potential impact of a collective faith in action. When believers partner with God and each other, they can create an environment that fosters spiritual growth, serves the community, and extends the reach of the gospel both locally and globally. [49:08]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)
> "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
- Joshua 1:5-9 (NIV)
> "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 60:1-3 say about the role of God's glory in times of darkness?
2. According to Joshua 1:5-9, what are the key instructions God gives to Joshua as he takes on his new leadership role?
3. In the sermon, what is the significance of the word "arise" as mentioned in Isaiah 60:1? ([52:25])
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of recognizing one's ordinariness in achieving extraordinary things? ([01:12:52])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of God's presence in Joshua 1:5-9 provide encouragement for facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?
2. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of living in accordance with God's will on others around us? ([53:09])
3. How can the practice of taking a sabbatical, as mentioned in the sermon, help individuals recharge and prepare for future challenges? ([01:09:53])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between faith and action in the context of "arising" during difficult times? ([57:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt ordinary but were able to accomplish something extraordinary. How did recognizing your ordinariness help you overcome mental barriers? ([01:12:52])
2. In what ways can you "arise" in faith during a current dark or difficult situation in your life? What specific steps can you take to trust in God's promises? ([52:25])
3. How can you create intentional space in your life for rest and reflection, similar to the practice of a sabbatical? What might this look like in your weekly routine? ([01:09:53])
4. Think about a personal "Jordan River" you are facing. How can the story of Joshua's leadership inspire you to be strong and courageous in this situation? ([01:05:40])
5. How can you contribute to creating a vibrant and supportive church community that nurtures faith and reaches out with love and compassion? What specific actions can you take this week? ([49:08])
6. Identify a mental barrier that is currently holding you back. What steps can you take to break through this barrier and rise to new heights in your life? ([01:12:52])
7. How can you partner with God to shatter the darkness in your community? What practical steps can you take to be a light to those around you? ([55:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Ordinary Vessels
God delights in using the ordinary to manifest the extraordinary, inviting each person to accept their commonality as a canvas for His work. This acceptance is a gateway to overcoming limitations and achieving greatness, as it aligns with the divine pattern of using the unassuming to accomplish the remarkable. It is in the ordinary that the potential for God's extraordinary purposes is often hidden, waiting to be unveiled through faith and obedience. [01:12:52]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Reflection: In what ways do you feel ordinary, and how can you offer that ordinariness to God for His extraordinary purposes?
Day 2: Arising to Shine in Darkness
In the midst of life's darkest moments, the call to "arise" is an invitation to step into the light of God's favor, illuminating the path not only for oneself but also for those who are drawn to the light. This act of faith requires a conscious decision to trust in God's promises, to rise above fear, and to become a beacon of hope and guidance in a world that often feels engulfed in shadows. [57:08]
Isaiah 60:1-3 - "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you."
Reflection: What darkness are you facing, and how can you choose to arise and shine God's light in that situation today?
Day 3: Courageous Steps into New Territories
The story of Joshua is a testament to God's faithfulness in new ventures, reminding believers that God's presence and promises remain steadfast, even in the face of daunting challenges. Embracing this truth instills the courage needed to step into uncharted territories, trusting that the same God who was with our predecessors will be with us, guiding and strengthening us along the way. [01:05:40]
Joshua 1:5-6 - "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous..."
Reflection: What new territory or role is God calling you to step into, and how can you demonstrate strength and courage in that transition?
Day 4: Sabbatical for Spiritual Rejuvenation
The biblical practice of sabbatical is a divine invitation to withdraw from the busyness of life, to recharge, and to seek God's guidance. This time of rest and reflection is not a luxury but a necessity for spiritual vitality, equipping believers to rise refreshed and ready to face life's challenges with renewed perspective and strength. [01:09:53]
Exodus 23:10-11 - "For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest and reflection into your life to ensure you are spiritually recharged?
Day 5: Fostering a Dynamic Faith Community
The vision of a vibrant church community is one where faith is actively nurtured, families are supported, and love and compassion are extended to the broader community. This dynamic environment is where spiritual gifts are recognized and utilized, and where the collective influence of the church reaches far beyond its walls, impacting the world through technology, missions, and genuine relationships. [49:08]
Ephesians 4:15-16 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Reflection: What unique gifts can you contribute to your church community, and how can you actively participate in its growth and outreach?
Quotes
1) "God uses Ordinary People to do extraordinary things. You'll never get through your personal Jordan Rivers if you do not understand that God uses Ordinary People to do extraordinary things." [01:14:11] (Download)
2) "During difficult and stressful times, you rise up in faith. The light of God's favor is on you, but you've got to rise up and step into it by faith." [01:03:04] (Download)
3) "The glory of the Lord rested on the people of Israel during dark and difficult times... We are still a light in the middle of all the darkness." [55:03] (Download)
4) "Arise during difficult and stressful times... you can rise in faith or you can shrink back in fear. I encourage you to rise in faith to seize the moment and to shatter the darkness." [57:08] (Download)
5) "The Holy Spirit has given you and I the power to shatter that Darkness. We have the authority in the name of Jesus to shatter the darkness." [57:50] (Download)
6) "God said to Joshua... 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' Be strong and courageous... meditate on [God's law] day and night for success and prosperity." [01:05:40] (Download)
7) "Imagine a church that is active and vibrant and growing and expanding... We're going somewhere together in the name of Jesus." [49:08] (Download)
8) "You don't have to make things happen on your own... God says 'I'm going to raise you up in the eyes of the people.' God does that." [01:23:20] (Download)
9) "Sometimes you got to step back and regroup because you can't step up if you can't catch up. You need to get some time alone with the Lord." [01:12:16] (Download)
10) "He's already there. I don't have to look at my future with trepidation or fear because he's already there... He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things." [01:20:50] (Download)
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