Stubborn Faith: Trusting God Through Adversity

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of "stubborn faith" through various biblical examples and personal reflections. We began with a story about a man in the desert who had to decide whether to drink the water in a jug or use it to prime an old pump, illustrating the principle of giving all you have to receive even more in return. This story set the stage for discussing the kind of faith that persists even in the most challenging circumstances.

We examined the lives of biblical figures like Daniel, Paul and Silas, Noah, and Habakkuk, who all demonstrated stubborn faith. Despite facing dire situations, they continued to trust and praise God. Daniel in the lion's den, Paul and Silas in prison, Noah building the ark, and Habakkuk praising God despite barren fields—all these stories show that stubborn faith is unwavering and resilient.

We then turned to Psalm 23, focusing on verse 4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." This verse reassures us that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments. David's confidence in God's presence and protection serves as a model for us to emulate.

We also discussed how God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, symbolizing His provision and protection even in the midst of adversity. This table is a place of communion with God, where we can find peace and assurance despite external pressures.

Finally, we identified three ways to recognize when the enemy is at our table: when we think it must be better elsewhere, when we feel we're not good enough, and when we believe we won't make it. These are lies from the enemy that we must counter with the truth of God's Word.

### Key Takeaways

1. Stubborn Faith in Adversity: Stubborn faith is the kind of faith that remains steadfast even when circumstances are dire. Like Daniel in the lion's den or Paul and Silas in prison, this faith does not waver but instead grows stronger. It is a faith that says, "Even if God does not deliver me in the way I expect, I will still praise Him" [31:41].

2. God's Ever-Present Help: Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is always with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death. This assurance allows us to face our fears and challenges with confidence, knowing that His rod and staff will comfort and protect us. Embracing this truth can transform our perspective on suffering and hardship [37:44].

3. Divine Provision in Adversity: God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, symbolizing His provision and protection. This table is a place of communion with God, where we can find peace and assurance despite external pressures. It is a powerful reminder that God is with us, even in the midst of our struggles [46:18].

4. Recognizing the Enemy's Lies: The enemy often tries to infiltrate our thoughts, making us believe that we are not good enough or that we won't make it. Recognizing these lies is crucial for maintaining our faith. We must counter these lies with the truth of God's Word, which assures us of our worth and His plans for our success [50:17].

5. Faith as a Daily Journey: Building stubborn faith is a daily journey that involves trusting God one step at a time. Whether it's through small acts of obedience or facing significant challenges, each step strengthens our faith. We must remember that God is working all things together for our good, even when we can't see it [55:09].

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[27:11] - Introduction and Greetings
[27:44] - Story of the Man in the Desert
[30:45] - Introduction to Stubborn Faith
[31:16] - Daniel in the Lion's Den
[32:47] - Paul and Silas in Prison
[33:14] - Noah's Stubborn Faith
[33:45] - Habakkuk's Faith
[34:49] - Psalm 23:4 - Walking Through the Valley
[37:44] - God is With Us
[39:00] - The Shepherd's Rod and Staff
[41:17] - Rest and Restoration
[44:00] - God's Generosity
[46:18] - Table in the Presence of Enemies
[50:17] - Recognizing the Enemy's Lies
[55:09] - Building Daily Faith
[56:09] - Prayer for Salvation and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23:4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
2. Habakkuk 3:17-18: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
3. 2 Kings 6:16-17: "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

### Observation Questions
1. What decision did the man in the desert face, and what principle does this story illustrate? [27:44]
2. How did Daniel, Paul and Silas, Noah, and Habakkuk demonstrate "stubborn faith" in their respective situations? [31:16]
3. According to Psalm 23:4, what comforts David as he walks through the valley of the shadow of death? [34:49]
4. What are the three ways to recognize when the enemy is at our table, as discussed in the sermon? [47:08]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the man in the desert relate to the concept of giving all you have to receive even more in return? [30:16]
2. What does "stubborn faith" look like in modern-day situations, and how can we cultivate it in our lives? [32:12]
3. How can Psalm 23:4 change our perspective on facing fears and challenges in our lives? [37:44]
4. Why is it significant that God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, and what does this symbolize about His provision and protection? [46:18]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision like the man in the desert. How did your faith influence your choice, and what was the outcome? [27:44]
2. Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you apply the "stubborn faith" demonstrated by Daniel, Paul and Silas, Noah, or Habakkuk to your own life? [31:16]
3. Psalm 23:4 speaks of God's presence and comfort in our darkest moments. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you are going through a tough time? [34:49]
4. Identify a lie from the enemy that you have believed recently (e.g., thinking it must be better elsewhere, feeling not good enough, or believing you won't make it). How can you counter this lie with the truth of God's Word? [47:08]
5. How can you create a "table" of communion with God in your daily life, especially in the midst of external pressures and adversities? [46:18]
6. What specific steps can you take this week to build and strengthen your faith, even in small acts of obedience? [55:09]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by enemies or overwhelming circumstances. How did you experience God's provision and protection during that time, and how can this memory encourage you in future challenges? [52:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Unwavering Faith in Dire Circumstances
Stubborn faith is the kind of faith that remains steadfast even when circumstances are dire. This faith does not waver but instead grows stronger, much like Daniel in the lion's den or Paul and Silas in prison. It is a faith that says, "Even if God does not deliver me in the way I expect, I will still praise Him." This kind of faith is not dependent on the outcome but on the unwavering trust in God's character and promises. It is a faith that persists, even when the situation seems hopeless, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience that comes from a deep relationship with God.

In our lives, we may face situations that test our faith to its limits. It could be a health crisis, financial difficulties, or relational challenges. In these moments, stubborn faith calls us to hold on to God's promises and continue to trust Him, even when we cannot see the way forward. This kind of faith is built over time, through daily acts of trust and obedience, and it is strengthened by remembering God's past faithfulness. [31:41]

Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV): "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you demonstrate unwavering faith in God's promises, even if the outcome is uncertain?

Day 2: God's Presence in Our Darkest Moments
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is always with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death. This assurance allows us to face our fears and challenges with confidence, knowing that His rod and staff will comfort and protect us. Embracing this truth can transform our perspective on suffering and hardship. When we understand that God is with us, we can find peace and strength to endure even the most difficult situations.

David's confidence in God's presence and protection serves as a model for us to emulate. In our darkest moments, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, and His guidance can lead us through the valley to a place of safety and rest. This truth encourages us to trust in God's constant presence and to lean on Him for support and guidance. [37:44]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did His presence provide you with comfort and strength?

Day 3: Divine Provision in the Midst of Adversity
God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, symbolizing His provision and protection. This table is a place of communion with God, where we can find peace and assurance despite external pressures. It is a powerful reminder that God is with us, even in the midst of our struggles. This divine provision is not just about physical needs but also about spiritual nourishment and emotional support.

In times of adversity, it can be easy to focus on the challenges and forget that God is providing for us in ways we may not immediately recognize. His provision may come in the form of peace, strength, or wisdom to navigate difficult situations. By focusing on God's provision, we can shift our perspective from our problems to His faithfulness, finding hope and encouragement in His presence. [46:18]

Psalm 34:10 (ESV): "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

Reflection: Consider a current struggle you are facing. How can you recognize and appreciate God's provision in the midst of this adversity?

Day 4: Recognizing and Countering the Enemy's Lies
The enemy often tries to infiltrate our thoughts, making us believe that we are not good enough or that we won't make it. Recognizing these lies is crucial for maintaining our faith. We must counter these lies with the truth of God's Word, which assures us of our worth and His plans for our success. By identifying and rejecting these lies, we can protect our minds and hearts from the enemy's attacks.

The enemy's lies can be subtle and insidious, often playing on our insecurities and fears. It is important to stay vigilant and to regularly immerse ourselves in God's Word, which is the ultimate source of truth. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith and build a strong defense against the enemy's deceptions. [50:17]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: Identify a lie that the enemy has been trying to make you believe. How can you counter this lie with the truth of God's Word today?

Day 5: Faith as a Daily Journey
Building stubborn faith is a daily journey that involves trusting God one step at a time. Whether it's through small acts of obedience or facing significant challenges, each step strengthens our faith. We must remember that God is working all things together for our good, even when we can't see it. This daily journey of faith requires perseverance, patience, and a willingness to trust God's timing and plan.

As we walk this journey, it is important to stay connected to God through prayer, reading His Word, and fellowship with other believers. These practices help to keep our faith strong and our focus on God. By taking one step at a time and trusting in God's faithfulness, we can build a resilient and unwavering faith that can withstand any challenge. [55:09]

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: What is one small step of faith you can take today to trust God more fully in your current situation?

Quotes

1. "Stubborn faith is the kind of faith that when life closes in, it's a faith that doesn't lose any ground but it actually moves forward. All throughout the Bible we find people in circumstances and situations where they really shouldn't have faith. And if you or I were in those circumstances, we probably wouldn't. We may lose our faith." [30:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God I believe you can shut the mouths of those lions. But if you don't, yet will I praise you. So in faith, he was saying, shut the mouths or not, God, I'm still going to praise you. That's stubborn faith. How do you get that kind of faith?" [31:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Instead they had church. They absolutely had church. They started worshiping. And when they started worshiping, the earth started quaking. And when the earth started quaking, the jail doors burst open. And then they had stubborn faith. And their stubborn faith got the guards saved and got all the guards saved and got all the prisoners free. That's stubborn faith." [32:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Even though the fig tree doesn't bud and there's no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, there's no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls. In other words, God if everything goes south, I'm still going to praise you. If everything goes the way I don't want it to, I'm still going to praise you." [33:45] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Now we don't know when David wrote this psalm. Some say that it was when he was young. Some say that it's when he was old, kind of recalling his life. I think that's what it is. When he was older and he was recalling his life. But he was saying even though I'm walking through a desperate, desperate season, David says I will not be afraid." [36:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God's with you when you're afraid. He's with you when you get the bad news. He's with you in the chemo ward. He's with you in the unemployment line. He's with you in the principal's office with your child that got sent to the principal. He's with you in desperate times. Just like David was with you in the unemployment line. David. Our great God. The good shepherd is with you. Do you believe that?" [38:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows. In other words, hey, you're going to be the one who not only has enough, Carl, but because of my generosity, you're going to be the one who really has more than enough. Have you gotten to the place with God to where you're so generous with your heart? You're so generous with your deeds that he's continually restoring those back to you." [44:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You know, the devil's not going to come to your table with a red jumpsuit on and carrying a pitchfork, is he? No, not at all. He's going to come looking all cool because he's going to look like something that you've been looking for. He will. And you know that. He's going to look like something you've been looking for. He's going to sound like something that you've been listening to. He knows exactly what to say, and he knows exactly what to do to you. And he'll be telling you what you want to hear." [48:42] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You and I need to stop listening to the devil's lies, don't we? If his mouth is open, he's lying. We need to stop listening to the enemy and start listening to what is true and what God says is true. And when Elisha was surrounded by the enemy, God said this through him in 2 Kings. Don't turn there. 2 Kings 6, 16. God said this. Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." [52:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So today we can have stubborn faith. Turn to your neighbor again. Turn to your other neighbor and quit bothering that one. Turn to your neighbor. And say, I can have stubborn faith. I can. I can have stubborn faith. We can have it. Even when we're surrounded by the enemies of pressure, the enemies of circumstances, you know, you fill out the list. The list or the enemy of fear about tomorrow, fill in the blank. Whatever it is, God's got you surrounded. You know that?" [52:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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