Stepping Out in Faith: Embracing the Unknown
Summary
Stepping into the unknown is a journey that every believer is called to embark upon. This journey is not about having all the answers or knowing every step in advance, but about trusting God and taking steps of faith, much like Abraham did. Abraham's story, as recounted in Romans 4 and Hebrews 11, serves as a powerful reminder that faith often requires us to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown, relying solely on God's promises.
Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how God called me from a life of disbelief and brokenness to one of faith and purpose. It was a journey marked by surrender and obedience, beginning with a simple "yes" to Jesus. This "yes" led me to leave my hometown, pursue ministry, and eventually meet my wife, Kim. Together, we have navigated the uncertainties of life and ministry, always striving to follow God's leading.
Our story is one of stepping out in faith, whether it was moving to Sanibel to pastor a church or later planting a new church in Cape Coral. Each step required trust in God's provision and guidance, even when the path was unclear. We learned that when the cost of following God seems clear and the benefits are vague, it is often the Holy Spirit leading us into His will.
As we look to the future, we are preparing for a transition in leadership, trusting that God has chosen Pastor Jason to lead the church into its next chapter. This decision is not made lightly, but with prayer and discernment, knowing that God has a plan for this church that extends beyond our tenure.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith Requires Action: Like Abraham, faith is not just a belief but an action. It involves stepping out into the unknown, trusting that God will guide and provide. Obedience is a choice of the will, not an emotion. [32:30]
- God's Call is Personal: Each person's journey with God is unique. It begins with a personal "yes" to Jesus, a surrender that leads to transformation and purpose. This call is not about knowing all the answers but trusting in God's love and promises. [37:22]
- The Cost of Faith: Following God often involves leaving behind the familiar and comfortable. The cost may be clear, but the benefits are often revealed as we walk in obedience. Trusting God means believing that He will fulfill His promises. [45:18]
- Community and Support: The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Being part of a community provides support, encouragement, and accountability. Our church family plays a crucial role in helping us grow and persevere in our faith. [55:41]
- Embracing Change: As we prepare for a leadership transition, we trust that God is leading us into a new season. Change can be daunting, but it is also an opportunity for growth and renewal. We believe that the best is yet to come for our church. [01:06:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:46] - Introduction to the Series
[32:30] - The Journey of Faith
[37:22] - Personal Testimonies
[40:04] - Meeting and Marriage
[42:40] - Stepping Out in Faith
[45:18] - The Cost of Following God
[47:33] - Early Ministry Challenges
[50:45] - Building a Community
[53:09] - Planting a New Church
[55:41] - Celebrating 30 Years
[57:45] - The Call to Trust
[01:01:24] - Public Declaration of Faith
[01:06:52] - Announcing Leadership Transition
[01:12:35] - Preparing for the Future
[01:15:30] - Worship and Commitment
[01:23:49] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stepping into the Unknown
Bible Reading:
- Romans 4:12
- Hebrews 11:8
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 4:12 say about following in the footsteps of Abraham's faith? How does this relate to the concept of stepping into the unknown? [32:30]
2. In Hebrews 11:8, what action did Abraham take by faith, and how does this illustrate the sermon’s theme of stepping into the unknown? [32:30]
3. How did the pastor describe his personal journey of faith and the initial steps he took after saying "yes" to Jesus? [37:22]
4. What were some of the challenges and uncertainties faced by the pastor and his wife when they moved to Sanibel and later to Cape Coral? [45:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Abraham in Hebrews 11:8 illustrate the idea that faith requires action, even when the destination is unknown? [32:30]
2. The pastor mentioned that obedience is a choice of the will, not an emotion. How does this perspective influence one's journey of faith? [37:22]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says, "When the cost seems really, really clear and the benefits vague, beware, the Holy Spirit may be wooing you into the will of God"? How can this apply to personal decisions in life? [45:18]
4. How does being part of a community support and encourage individuals in their journey of faith, according to the sermon? [55:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step into the unknown in your own life. How did you experience God's guidance and provision during that time? [32:30]
2. The pastor shared his journey of saying "yes" to Jesus and the changes it brought. What is one area in your life where you feel God is asking for your "yes"? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [37:22]
3. Consider the idea that the cost of following God may be clear, but the benefits are often revealed later. How can you trust in God's promises when the benefits are not immediately visible? [45:18]
4. How can you actively participate in your church community to support others in their faith journey? What steps can you take to build stronger connections within your church family? [55:41]
5. As the church prepares for a leadership transition, what role can you play in supporting and embracing this change? How can you contribute to the growth and renewal of your church during this new season? [01:06:52]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of giving God your "yes." What is one practical way you can demonstrate your commitment to God in your daily life this week? [57:45]
7. Reflect on the pastor's statement about the Holy Spirit leading us into God's will. How can you discern the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life, especially when facing difficult decisions? [45:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Faith is not passive; it requires us to take bold steps into the unknown, trusting in God's guidance and provision. Like Abraham, who left his homeland without knowing his destination, believers are called to act on their faith, even when the path is unclear. This journey of faith is a choice of the will, not based on emotions or circumstances. It involves a deliberate decision to trust God and move forward, believing that He will fulfill His promises. [32:30]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a tangible step towards that today?
Day 2: Personal Call to Transformation
Each person's journey with God is unique and begins with a personal "yes" to Jesus. This surrender leads to transformation and a life of purpose, even when the path is not fully understood. Trusting in God's love and promises, believers are invited to embark on a journey that is not about having all the answers but about being open to His leading. This personal call is an invitation to experience God's transformative power in every aspect of life. [37:22]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you said "yes" to God. How has that decision transformed your life, and what new "yes" might He be inviting you to today?
Day 3: The Cost and Reward of Faith
Following God often involves leaving behind the familiar and comfortable, with the cost being clear but the benefits revealed over time. Trusting God means believing that He will fulfill His promises, even when the path is uncertain. This journey requires a willingness to embrace the unknown, confident that God's plans are for our good and His glory. The cost of faith is real, but the rewards are eternal and far outweigh any temporary sacrifices. [45:18]
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one familiar or comfortable thing God might be asking you to leave behind? How can you trust Him to reveal the benefits of this step of faith?
Day 4: The Power of Community
The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Being part of a community provides support, encouragement, and accountability, helping believers grow and persevere in their faith. A church family plays a crucial role in this journey, offering a space to share burdens, celebrate victories, and walk alongside one another in love. Embracing community is an essential part of living out one's faith and experiencing the fullness of God's design for His people. [55:41]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your church community this week to both give and receive support in your faith journey?
Day 5: Embracing Change with Hope
Change can be daunting, but it is also an opportunity for growth and renewal. As believers prepare for new seasons, trusting that God is leading them into His will, they can embrace change with hope and anticipation. The best is yet to come, as God continues to work in and through His people, guiding them into new chapters of their journey. Embracing change is about trusting in God's faithfulness and being open to the new things He is doing. [01:06:52]
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one change you are currently facing, and how can you embrace it with hope, trusting that God is leading you into a new season?
Quotes
Beware when the benefits seem clear and the cost vague that Satan may be wooing you into a trap. Oh, look, look, this, all this, it's going to be all this, all this. What's it going to cost? Well, don't worry about that now. Just put it on the credit card. [00:45:04] (24 seconds)
But when the cost seems really, really clear and the benefits vague, beware, the Holy Spirit may be wooing you into the will of God. So Kim's like, I'm leaving everything. For what? Well, you could say, well, you're going to Sanibel. You've got to understand this 50 years ago. [00:45:16] (21 seconds)
Whatever God might be calling you to step into, step out of. There's a cost. I hope it's clear. And the reward? Well, you've got to trust him. It'll be there. It'll be there. Thank you. Thank you that you're the Lord's sheep, the people of his pasture. [01:22:49] (26 seconds)
You're the children of the Most High God. You're the church of the blood of Jesus that he's purchased. You belong to him. It's not our church. We've been entrusted to steward it under him. And it's been the joy of our life to do that. And we're grateful for you that have been so faithful over the years. [01:23:14] (27 seconds)
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