Trusting God: Faith and Assurance in Challenges
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of trust and faith in God, especially during challenging times. We began by acknowledging the human tendency to place trust in others, only to be let down. However, we are reminded that God is the one true entity we can trust without fear of betrayal. He is our shield and our refuge, and even when our faith seems to wane, He remains steadfast and faithful. We prayed for clarity and assurance for everyone present, emphasizing that God will work out our needs, whether they be jobs, children, or other miracles.
We also discussed the concept of divine favor, which is not earned but given by God's grace. This favor can manifest in extraordinary ways, beyond our prayers or actions. We celebrated Remembrance Sunday, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and looked forward to Thanksgiving 2024, encouraging everyone to prepare for a time of gratitude and praise.
The sermon continued with a focus on faith, particularly when it feels like it's running low. Using the analogy of a car running out of fuel, we were reminded that our faith needs to be constantly replenished through the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word, and understanding is crucial for applying faith effectively. We explored the importance of understanding God's principles and how they guide us in life.
We examined instances where Jesus addressed "little faith," teaching us that even small faith, when backed by understanding, can move mountains. Panic and fear can hinder our faith, but by seeking the kingdom of God and understanding His principles, we can overcome challenges. We were encouraged to live ready, maintaining habits that keep us spiritually strong.
In moments of panic, we were advised to speak in tongues, declare God's Word, play faith-filled music, connect with our faith community, use the name of Jesus, take action, and expect miracles. These steps help us navigate difficult situations with faith and assurance in God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in God is unwavering and reliable, unlike human trust which can falter. In times of uncertainty, remember that God is our shield and refuge, and He will work out our needs according to His will. [57:21]
- Divine favor is a gift from God, not something we earn. It can manifest in extraordinary ways, beyond our prayers or actions, reminding us of God's grace and sovereignty in our lives. [59:30]
- Faith must be continually replenished through the Word of God. Understanding is key to applying faith effectively, as it allows us to grasp the principles that guide us in life. [01:09:08]
- Even little faith, when backed by understanding, can move mountains. Panic and fear can hinder our faith, but by seeking the kingdom of God and understanding His principles, we can overcome challenges. [01:21:12]
- In moments of panic, speak in tongues, declare God's Word, play faith-filled music, connect with your faith community, use the name of Jesus, take action, and expect miracles. These steps help us navigate difficult situations with faith and assurance in God's promises. [01:38:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[57:21] - Trust in God
[59:30] - Divine Favor
[01:00:42] - Remembrance Sunday
[01:02:59] - Thanksgiving 2024
[01:04:43] - Faith on Reserve
[01:05:41] - Running Low on Faith
[01:09:08] - Faith Comes by Hearing
[01:11:10] - Importance of Understanding
[01:15:09] - Ethiopian Eunuch's Understanding
[01:17:05] - Fluctuating Faith
[01:19:08] - Living Ready
[01:20:21] - Little Faith and Panic
[01:23:30] - Mustard Seed Faith
[01:31:26] - Overcoming Panic with Faith
[01:38:09] - Steps in Panic Situations
[01:58:07] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
2. Matthew 17:20 - "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"
3. Luke 12:28-32 - "If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?"
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 10:17, how does faith come to us, and why is this significant for our spiritual growth?
2. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the need to replenish our faith, and how does this relate to our daily spiritual practices? [01:05:41]
3. What examples did the pastor give of how divine favor can manifest in our lives, and how does this relate to our understanding of grace? [59:30]
4. How did Jesus address the issue of "little faith" in Luke 12:28-32, and what assurance does He provide to His followers?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for faith to be "replenished" through the Word of God, and how can this process impact a believer's life? [01:09:08]
2. How does the concept of divine favor challenge the idea that we must earn God's blessings through our actions? [59:30]
3. In what ways can understanding God's principles help us overcome challenges and avoid panic in difficult situations? [01:21:12]
4. How does the analogy of a car running out of fuel illustrate the importance of maintaining a strong faith, and what practical steps can believers take to ensure their faith is not depleted? [01:05:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you placed your trust in someone and were let down. How can you shift your trust to God in similar situations moving forward? [57:21]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel your faith is running low. What steps can you take this week to replenish your faith through the Word of God? [01:09:08]
3. Consider the concept of divine favor. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and openness to receiving God's unearned blessings in your life? [59:30]
4. When faced with panic or fear, what practical actions can you take to maintain your faith and trust in God's promises? How can you incorporate these actions into your daily routine? [01:38:09]
5. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your understanding of God's principles help you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it?
6. How can you actively seek the kingdom of God in your daily life, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this pursuit? [01:21:12]
7. In what ways can you connect with your faith community to support your spiritual growth and help others in their faith journey? [01:38:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Unfailing Shield
In times of uncertainty, human trust can falter, but God's trustworthiness remains unwavering. He is our shield and refuge, providing a safe haven when life becomes overwhelming. Unlike human relationships, where betrayal and disappointment can occur, God's faithfulness is constant. He promises to meet our needs, whether they are related to employment, family, or other areas of life. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [57:21]
Psalm 18:30-31 (ESV): "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?"
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust God more fully today, and how can you actively place that trust in Him?
Day 2: Embracing Divine Favor
Divine favor is a gift from God, not something we earn through our actions or prayers. It is a manifestation of His grace and sovereignty, often appearing in unexpected and extraordinary ways. This favor reminds us of God's active presence in our lives, guiding and blessing us beyond our understanding. By recognizing and embracing this favor, we can live with a sense of gratitude and openness to the blessings God has in store for us. [59:30]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's unearned favor in your life recently, and how can you express gratitude for it today?
Day 3: Replenishing Faith Through the Word
Faith is not a static entity; it requires constant replenishment through the Word of God. Just as a car needs fuel to run, our faith needs the nourishment of Scripture to remain strong and effective. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes by hearing the Word, and understanding is crucial for applying it in our lives. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we can gain the understanding needed to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [01:09:08]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to immerse yourself more deeply in God's Word and strengthen your faith?
Day 4: The Power of Little Faith
Even a small amount of faith, when backed by understanding, can move mountains. Jesus taught that "little faith" is not about the quantity but the quality and understanding behind it. Panic and fear can hinder our faith, but by seeking the kingdom of God and understanding His principles, we can overcome challenges. By nurturing even the smallest seed of faith, we can witness God's power in our lives and the world around us. [01:21:12]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: What is one small step of faith you can take today, trusting that God will use it to accomplish something significant?
Day 5: Navigating Panic with Faith
In moments of panic, we are encouraged to take specific actions to strengthen our faith and trust in God's promises. Speaking in tongues, declaring God's Word, playing faith-filled music, connecting with our faith community, using the name of Jesus, taking action, and expecting miracles are all steps that can help us navigate difficult situations. By actively engaging in these practices, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that God is with us and working on our behalf. [01:38:09]
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: When faced with panic or fear, which of the suggested steps can you implement today to strengthen your faith and trust in God's promises?
Quotes
Father, we thank you because you are the only one we can trust. Lord, we tried to trust human beings, they stabbed us in the back, they hated on us, they sidelined us, backbited us and then we learned that Lord, you are the one that we can trust and you won't hurt us. You are the one that we can trust and you will shield us. We know that we can trust you. We know that you can work it out for us. Difficult times and challenging times, even when it feels like our faith is running out, we know we can still trust you. [00:56:32] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Sometimes God gives some instructions, and we wonder why he does that. But many times we find out later, because the Bible says that wisdom is justified by our children. Sometimes God uses us as examples to show how his favor works. You know, you don't end favor. Do you understand? You don't end it. Favor is not end. It comes... You see, I don't know. Has God ever blessed someone here in an extraordinary way that you know that it was not your prayer? [00:58:41] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
No matter how difficult and challenging life may be, if we trust him, he will work it out. Hallelujah. [01:00:08] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Every believer has the measure of faith. It's called the starting out faith. It's called the deposit of faith. Every believer. For the Bible says that with the heart man believes unto righteousness, but with the mouth, confession is made unto what? Unto salvation. So, when you come into Christ, you have the starting out faith. But that starting out faith is not enough to carry you through life as a believer. That faith has to increase. [01:08:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When you understand the word, then you can apply faith. The reason why some of us struggle to apply faith in life is because we lack understanding. May the Lord grant you understanding. In the precious name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. [01:16:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You see, the challenge is that people with little faith, they will panic in the face of major challenges. And I'll show you with some other examples. Just some few things, you know, that I put down here. You see, in learning to use our faith, we must learn to not panic when faced with adversity or with fear. Someone has defined fear as false evidence appearing wrong. Real. False evidence appearing real. F-E-A-R. [01:22:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So when next you see yourself threatened, ask yourself, is this false evidence appearing real? And then refuse to fear. Amen. Amen. Jesus gave these guys understanding to seek the kingdom. If you can seek the kingdom, all these things will be added to you. Hallelujah. [01:22:54] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Little faith is quick to switch to unbelief when it is faced with adversity or stubborn situations. Little faith, although unreliable at times, can still speak to mountains if backed up by understanding. If you have understanding, even though you are operating little faith, it can still speak to mountains. The only thing you must avoid is what? It's panic. [01:28:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Listen, persons of little faith are prone to panic. They are prone to panic attacks, because little faith can quickly switch to unbelief. So, the apostle Paul said, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, and in all wisdom. If you don't want to walk in that territory, continue to listen to the word, and pray for understanding, so you understand the principles of the word, and apply it, and you will not find yourself in those kind of situations. Amen? [01:31:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
What to do in panic situations. There's a sister in this church, that she gave a testimony, how her son just got up and walked out of the house. A little boy. A little boy. And what will you do? If you're a mother, and you just realize that your little one has walked out of the house, and you come outside, you can't see any trace of the child. What do you do? It happened in this church. Then she said, Pastor, the moment I realized what had happened, I began to pray in the spirit. That is it. [01:32:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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