Stepping Forward in Faith Through Uncertain Transitions

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Before Understanding: Obedience Precedes Clarity

God often calls us to take steps of faith before we have all the answers, just as the disciples participated in Palm Sunday without fully grasping its meaning. We long for a detailed plan, a spiritual GPS, but God usually gives us just enough light for the next step, inviting us to trust Him in the uncertainty. True discipleship means moving forward even when the path is unclear, believing that understanding will come as we walk in obedience. The journey itself brings clarity, and hindsight reveals the wisdom of God’s leading. [34:33]

John 12:16 (ESV)
"His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense God prompting you to act, even though you don’t have all the answers? What would it look like to take that next step in faith today?

Day 2: Authentic Testimony Creates Movement

When we genuinely encounter Jesus, our changed lives and authentic testimonies naturally draw others to seek Him. The story of Lazarus’ resurrection spread because eyewitnesses couldn’t stop talking about what they had seen, and their authenticity attracted those who were curious. Sharing what God has done in your life, even if it seems small or ordinary, can spark spiritual curiosity and momentum in others, leading them to encounter Jesus for themselves. [58:11]

John 12:17-18 (ESV)
"The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign."

Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you saw God at work in your life—who could you share this story with today, and how might your testimony encourage their faith journey?

Day 3: Spiritual Insight Is a Gift, Not Just Knowledge

Being close to Jesus and knowing Scripture does not guarantee immediate understanding; spiritual insight is a gift from God that often unfolds over time. Even the disciples, who walked with Jesus daily and witnessed His miracles, did not fully comprehend what was happening until after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that confusion or lack of clarity is not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to remain open, curious, and dependent on God for revelation. [46:13]

1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV)
"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you feel confused or uncertain? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to give you fresh insight and understanding as you continue to follow Jesus?

Day 4: God Gives Light for the Next Step, Not the Whole Journey

God rarely reveals the entire path ahead; instead, He provides just enough light for the next step, teaching us to trust Him moment by moment. Like walking a dark path with only a small torch, we may wish for floodlights to see the whole way, but God’s presence and guidance are sufficient for each step. As we move forward in faith, clarity and direction unfold progressively, and we learn to rely on God rather than our own need for control or certainty. [39:44]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: Where are you waiting for more clarity before moving forward? What would it look like to trust God with just the next step, believing He will guide you as you go?

Day 5: Community Discernment and the Power of Shared Faith

God leads His people not just individually but in community, calling us to discern His will together and to move forward as one body. The tension between those who want to accelerate and those who seek caution is healthy and necessary, as it reflects the diversity of gifts and perspectives within the church. By trusting the Holy Spirit and embracing both faith and wisdom, we can step into God’s purposes together, even when the way forward is not perfectly clear. [36:09]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Reflection: How can you contribute your unique perspective or gift to help your church discern God’s direction? Is there a conversation or prayer you can initiate this week to encourage unity and shared faith in your community?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a heartfelt reflection on what it means to follow God in seasons of transition, uncertainty, and change—both as individuals and as a church community. There is a sense that God is stirring hearts, especially among the younger generation, to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus. This longing is not just a trend but a movement of the Spirit, calling us to return, to regather, and to build our lives on Christ as our firm foundation.

Looking back on my own journey at Kingsford, I shared how the lack of a clear mission and vision was a source of frustration. I wanted a GPS-like clarity—a detailed map of where we were going and how to get there. But God, in His wisdom, often leads us differently. Instead of giving us the whole route, He gives us just enough light for the next step. The process of wrestling, questioning, and even feeling lost was not wasted; it was God’s way of shaping us, teaching us to trust Him in the unknown.

We see this same pattern in John 12, where the disciples participated in Palm Sunday without understanding its significance. Only later, after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, did they look back and realize what God was doing. Their confusion did not disqualify them; rather, it was part of the journey. Proximity to Jesus and biblical knowledge do not guarantee immediate understanding—spiritual insight is a gift that often comes through obedience and reflection.

As a church, we are in a similar place. Some want to move quickly, others want more certainty. Both perspectives are valuable, and the tension between them is healthy. But the call is to take the next step in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers. Authentic testimony—sharing what God is doing in our lives—creates momentum and draws others to Jesus. The challenge is to recognize God’s work in us, to share our stories, and to trust that clarity will come as we walk in obedience.

The invitation is simple but profound: embrace Jesus in this season of transition, take the next step He is calling you to, and share your testimony—even if you don’t have it all figured out. God is not asking for perfect understanding, but for willing hearts. Hindsight will reveal His plan; for now, faith is enough.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Precedes Understanding God rarely gives us the full map before we begin the journey. Like the disciples on Palm Sunday, we are often called to step forward in faith before we fully understand what God is doing. Obedience opens the door to clarity, and it is through the process of walking with God that understanding unfolds. [34:33]
2. Healthy Tension in Community Within the church, there are those who want to accelerate and those who want to proceed with caution. Both are necessary: visionaries propel us forward, while stewards ensure we move wisely. Embracing this tension, rather than resenting it, allows us to discern God’s will together and move forward in unity. [36:09]
3. Spiritual Insight is a Gift, Not an Achievement Being close to Jesus and knowing Scripture does not guarantee immediate understanding. The disciples themselves were often confused, and their eventual insight came through the Holy Spirit, time, and reflection. Our confusion or lack of clarity is not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to trust God’s process. [46:13]
4. Authentic Testimony Fuels Movement When we genuinely encounter Jesus, our changed lives and honest stories become a powerful witness. Authentic testimony attracts seekers and creates momentum that programs and strategies cannot manufacture. Sharing what God is doing in us, even in small ways, invites others to experience Jesus for themselves. [58:11]
5. Take the Next Step, Even Without All the Answers God often gives us just enough light for the next step, not the whole journey. The challenge is to identify what step God is calling us to take—whether it’s a conversation, a commitment, or an act of generosity—and to move forward despite uncertainty. Our imperfect steps of faith become part of God’s greater story, and hindsight will reveal His faithfulness.

** [64:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:43] - A Season of Regathering and Longing
[16:36] - Praising God’s Faithfulness
[29:11] - My Journey to Kingsford and the Search for Vision
[32:05] - Wrestling with Uncertainty and God’s Process
[34:06] - Lessons from Palm Sunday: Faith Before Clarity
[35:34] - Navigating Tension: Accelerators and Brake Pumpers
[36:59] - Balancing Wisdom and Faith
[38:16] - The Torchlight Metaphor: Trusting God Step by Step
[41:11] - Gaining Clarity Through the Journey
[42:02] - The Disciples’ Confusion and the Gift of Insight
[47:19] - Three Events That Brought Understanding
[52:34] - The Power of Testimony: Two Crowds, One Story
[58:11] - Authentic Testimony and Unstoppable Momentum
[62:31] - Invitation: Embracing Transition Together
[64:37] - This Week’s Challenge: Taking the Next Step
[67:34] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[71:49] - Final Song: The Goodness of God
[76:23] - Benediction and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 12:16-19 (ESV) — 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.
17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.
18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) — Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Observation Questions

According to John 12:16, when did the disciples finally understand the significance of what happened on Palm Sunday?
What were the two different groups in the crowd during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and what was each group’s response? ([53:53])
In Hebrews 11:1, how is faith described, and how does this connect to the disciples’ experience in John 12?
What did the Pharisees notice about the effect of the crowds’ testimonies about Jesus? ([01:01:18])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the disciples, even after spending years with Jesus, did not immediately understand the events they were witnessing? What does this suggest about the process of spiritual growth? ([46:13])
The sermon described a “healthy tension” between those who want to move quickly and those who want to proceed with caution in the church. Why might God allow this tension, and how can it benefit a church community? ([36:09])
The crowd’s testimony about Lazarus led others to seek out Jesus. What does this reveal about the power of authentic testimony in drawing people to faith? ([58:11])
The pastor shared that God often gives “just enough light for the next step.” How does this principle challenge our desire for certainty and control? ([39:44])

Application Questions

The disciples’ confusion did not disqualify them from being part of God’s plan. Have you ever felt disqualified or “not spiritual enough” because you didn’t understand what God was doing? How does this story encourage you? ([44:44])
Think about a current area of transition or uncertainty in your life (work, family, church, etc.). What is one “next step” you sense God might be asking you to take, even if you don’t have all the answers? ([01:04:37])
The sermon highlighted the importance of sharing authentic testimonies, even if your story feels small or unfinished. What is one recent way you have seen God at work in your life? Who could you share this with this week? ([58:11])
In the church, some people want to “accelerate” and others want to “pump the brakes.” Which tendency do you relate to more, and how can you appreciate the value of the other perspective? ([36:09])
The pastor mentioned that sometimes we want a “GPS” for life, but God gives us a “torch” to light just the next step. What are some practical ways you can practice trusting God with the unknowns in your life this week? ([39:44])
The sermon challenged us to reflect on what might be stopping us from taking the next step—fear, control, pride, comfort, or doubt. Which of these do you most identify with, and what would it look like to surrender that to God? ([01:05:42])
Hebrews 11 is full of people who acted “by faith” without seeing the full picture. Is there a story from your own life, or someone you know, where hindsight revealed God’s faithfulness after a step of faith? How can this encourage you or your group to move forward in faith? ([01:08:21])

Sermon Clips

Looking back now, seven years later, I understand something that I couldn't see back then. That those moments of frustration weren't wasted. That wrestling wasn't in vain. That it was actually, I believe, God's way of bringing us to clarity. It was the process. The messy, the uncertain. The sometimes painful process that helped us actually see what God was doing and where He was leading us. [00:32:19] (29 seconds) #ClarityThroughTheProcess

Here's what I've learned. That both are right. That we actually need both. We need people who see the possibility and push forward. And we need people who ask the hard questions because part of their, the way that God has created them is to be those who protect or to steward what we have. And let me just say, neither approach is bad. I would actually argue that it's actually really good that we, that we have both. It actually is very healthy that we have this tension that we have people who want to push forward and we want to have people who put their foot on the brake. [00:36:07] (43 seconds) #BalanceInFaithAndCaution

I could wait for more light. Perhaps I could demand God to give me the full picture. Or I could trust that God just gives me enough light for the next step. Not the whole journey. Just the next step. And here's what I've discovered. That when I took that first step in faith, the next step became visible. Then the next. Then the next. God led me forward by giving me light one step at a time. [00:39:33] (31 seconds) #StepByStepFaith

Moving forward in faith didn't give us answers up front. It actually revealed them step by step. And for me, I now have greater clarity. About who we are as a church. Our core mission. Our priorities. And what God, what I think God might be doing through us in this future facility. [00:40:56] (23 seconds) #RevealedThroughFaith

Authentic testimony attracts seekers. It creates this movement momentum. Authentic testimony attracts seekers and creates this movement momentum. What this means for us is that when we encounter Jesus, we tell others what had happened. And we watch others approach. [00:58:14] (30 seconds) #TransformationDrawsAll

Change lives plus authentic testimony equals unstoppable momentum. When Jesus genuinely changes you, you can't help but tell someone about it. And when you tell someone, they want to see it for themselves. And when they see it for themselves, they will encounter Jesus. [00:59:26] (22 seconds) #HindsightRevealsPurpose

What step is God calling you to take before you fully understand? It might be a conversation you need to have. It might be a commitment you need to make. It might be a pattern you need to break. It might be a generosity you need to extend. Or a ministry you need to join. Or a relationship you need to repair. Or an invitation you need to offer. You don't see the full outcome. You don't have every answer. But you sense God's voice saying hey. Son. Daughter. This. Take this step. What will that be? I don't know. Only God in his loving relationship with you knows. And I believe God is prompting you right now. [01:04:40] (53 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the importance of taking steps of faith without full understanding

How does authentic testimony influence spiritual movement and growth

What role does patience play in God's process of clarity