Trusting God on the Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the theme of "Journeying with God," inspired by Genesis 12:1-9. We explored the story of Abram, who was called by God to leave his country and family to go to an unknown land. This journey required Abram to trust and obey God without knowing all the details. The journey of faith is often filled with uncertainties and challenges, but it is also accompanied by God's promises and blessings. Abram's obedience and trust in God serve as a powerful example for us. We are reminded that while the journey may be difficult, God is with us every step of the way, providing and sustaining us.
We also discussed the importance of worship and how Abram built altars to the Lord at various points in his journey. Worship is not just a response to blessings but a declaration of trust and dependence on God, even in the presence of our enemies. The journey with God requires a greater level of obedience, trust, and worship. It is not always easy, but it is worth it because God is faithful and His promises are sure.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience to God's Call: Abram's journey began with a call from God that lacked detailed instructions. He obeyed without knowing the full plan, demonstrating that true obedience often requires us to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us along the way. This teaches us that we must be willing to follow God's lead, even when the path is unclear. [01:00:47]
2. God's Promises Amidst the Journey: The promises of God are often tied to our willingness to embark on the journey He sets before us. Abram was promised blessings, but these promises were contingent on his obedience. This reminds us that the fulfillment of God's promises often requires us to take steps of faith, trusting that He will bring His word to pass. [01:02:13]
3. Trusting God in Adversity: Abram encountered the Canaanites, representing opposition and danger, yet God reassured him of His promise. This illustrates that obedience to God does not guarantee a journey free of challenges. Instead, it is in these moments of adversity that our faith is tested and strengthened. We must trust God even when we face opposition. [01:17:26]
4. The Cost of Blessings: Blessings from God are free but not cheap; they often require sacrifice and perseverance. Abram's journey was not easy, and neither will ours be. We must be prepared to endure hardships and make sacrifices, understanding that the journey is part of God's process to prepare us for His blessings. [01:07:42]
5. Worship as a Response: Abram built altars and worshiped God at various points in his journey, even in the presence of his enemies. This teaches us the importance of worshiping God not just in times of blessing but also in times of trial. Worship is a declaration of our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of our circumstances. [01:25:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:45] - Introduction: Love-Hate Relationship with Traveling
[59:13] - The Journey of Traveling
[01:00:47] - Abram's Call and Obedience
[01:02:13] - God's Promises to Abram
[01:03:54] - The Burden of Blessings
[01:05:42] - The Old Church and the Doxology
[01:07:42] - The Cost of Blessings
[01:09:05] - Envying Others' Blessings
[01:10:29] - The Journey is Worth It
[01:12:01] - Obedience and Submission
[01:14:39] - Stamina in Obedience
[01:16:39] - Trusting God in Adversity
[01:19:10] - Trusting God in Unbelievable Situations
[01:20:22] - God's Presence in Opposition
[01:22:00] - Blessings for Future Generations
[01:25:17] - Worship in the Journey
[01:27:23] - Worship in the Presence of Enemies
[01:29:04] - Calling on the Name of the Lord
[01:31:06] - Encouragement to Keep Journeying
[01:32:44] - Invitation to Take the Next Step
[01:38:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:39:52] - Final Blessing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Genesis 12:1-9 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give to Abram in Genesis 12:1? How did Abram respond to these instructions? [01:00:47]
2. What promises did God make to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3? How are these promises connected to Abram's obedience? [01:02:13]
3. How did Abram demonstrate his trust in God when he encountered the Canaanites in the land? [01:17:26]
4. What actions did Abram take to worship God during his journey, and what significance did these actions hold? [01:25:17]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is obedience to God's call important, even when the details are unclear? How does Abram's example in Genesis 12:1-4 illustrate this principle? [01:00:47]
2. How do God's promises in Genesis 12:2-3 provide motivation for obedience and trust? What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and God's promises? [01:02:13]
3. In what ways does encountering opposition, like Abram did with the Canaanites, test and strengthen our faith? How should we respond to such challenges? [01:17:26]
4. What role does worship play in our journey with God, especially in difficult times? How did Abram's act of building altars and worshiping God reflect his faith and dependence on God? [01:25:17]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called by God to step out in faith without knowing all the details. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can Abram's example encourage you in future situations? [01:00:47]
2. Consider the promises of God that you are holding onto in your life. What steps of faith might God be asking you to take to see these promises fulfilled? How can you trust God more in this process? [01:02:13]
3. Think about a recent challenge or opposition you faced. How did you handle it? What can you learn from Abram's encounter with the Canaanites about trusting God in adversity? [01:17:26]
4. How can you incorporate regular acts of worship into your daily life, especially during difficult times? What specific actions can you take to build "altars" of worship in your journey with God? [01:25:17]
5. Reflect on the sacrifices you have made or may need to make in your journey with God. How can you find encouragement in knowing that blessings often come with a cost? [01:07:42]
6. How can you be more intentional about worshiping God in the presence of your "enemies" or during challenging circumstances? What practical steps can you take to declare your trust in God's sovereignty and goodness? [01:27:23]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to increase your obedience to God. What specific actions will you take this week to follow God's lead, even if the path is unclear? [01:12:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Out in Faith
Description: Abram's journey began with a call from God that lacked detailed instructions. He obeyed without knowing the full plan, demonstrating that true obedience often requires us to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us along the way. This teaches us that we must be willing to follow God's lead, even when the path is unclear. Abram's willingness to leave his familiar surroundings and venture into the unknown is a powerful example of faith in action. His story encourages us to trust in God's guidance, even when we don't have all the answers. [01:00:47]
Bible Passage: "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: Think of a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What is one practical step you can take today to move in that direction, trusting that God will guide you?
Day 2: Embracing God's Promises
Description: The promises of God are often tied to our willingness to embark on the journey He sets before us. Abram was promised blessings, but these promises were contingent on his obedience. This reminds us that the fulfillment of God's promises often requires us to take steps of faith, trusting that He will bring His word to pass. God's promises are not just about the destination but also about the journey itself. As we walk in obedience, we experience His faithfulness and provision in ways we could never imagine. [01:02:13]
Bible Passage: "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you feel is relevant to your life. What steps of faith can you take today to align yourself with that promise, trusting that God will fulfill it in His timing?
Day 3: Trusting God in Adversity
Description: Abram encountered the Canaanites, representing opposition and danger, yet God reassured him of His promise. This illustrates that obedience to God does not guarantee a journey free of challenges. Instead, it is in these moments of adversity that our faith is tested and strengthened. We must trust God even when we face opposition. The presence of challenges does not negate God's promises; rather, it often serves to deepen our reliance on Him and refine our faith. [01:17:26]
Bible Passage: "And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him." (Genesis 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a current challenge or opposition you are facing. How can you actively trust God in this situation, believing that He is with you and will fulfill His promises despite the difficulties?
Day 4: The Cost of Blessings
Description: Blessings from God are free but not cheap; they often require sacrifice and perseverance. Abram's journey was not easy, and neither will ours be. We must be prepared to endure hardships and make sacrifices, understanding that the journey is part of God's process to prepare us for His blessings. The cost of following God may involve leaving behind comfort, facing uncertainties, and enduring trials, but the rewards of His blessings far outweigh the sacrifices. [01:07:42]
Bible Passage: "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel God is asking you to make a sacrifice. What steps can you take today to embrace this sacrifice, trusting that it is part of God's preparation for greater blessings?
Day 5: Worship in the Journey
Description: Abram built altars and worshiped God at various points in his journey, even in the presence of his enemies. This teaches us the importance of worshiping God not just in times of blessing but also in times of trial. Worship is a declaration of our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of our circumstances. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's presence and power, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. [01:25:17]
Bible Passage: "Then Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord." (Genesis 13:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you incorporate worship into your response to this situation, declaring your trust in God's sovereignty and goodness despite the difficulties?
Quotes
1. "You can try to make your own blessings, but they'll always be inferior substitute to the authentic blessings of God. This ought to help us on today, y'all, because watch this, the burden of developing and manufacturing blessings is not to be carried by you. That is God's responsibility. We must remember that we have not been called to bless ourselves, but we've been called by God who says, I will be with you always, even to the ends of the earth." [01:02:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We think we're so big and bad and we try to switch places with God, but you don't have what it takes to bless you like God blesses you. God is the blesser, don't get so caught up in the blessings of God that you forget to remember the blessing, the blesser of the blessing. We get so caught up in the new car and we get excited about what we're driving and we won't forget that God is the one who provided what we're driving." [01:03:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Blessings are free, but they're not cheap. I believe I say that again. Blessings are free, but they're not cheap. They're going to cost you something. You may have to do what you've never done. You may have to go where you've never gone. You may have to trust. Like you've never trusted. God will put you in some situations that you rather not have signed up for in your journey to your blessings. It's going to cost you." [01:07:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Pursuing the call of God on your life will propel you down some risky, some unsettling, and even some uncomfortable roads. But watch this. Journeying is worth it when you got God on your side. I said, journeying is worth it when you got God on your side. No, you're not always going to like the journey, but the journey is a place of preparation to prepare you for when you get to your place of blessing." [01:10:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You can't claim that you follow God without following God's instructions. You don't even have to like what he tells you to do, but you just ought to be obedient. Because watch this. Being obedient to God is what is going to get you to your life. To your life of promise. It don't make sense what God is calling you to. I know you're wondering, God, why am I in this place? How did I get here? When are you going to take me out? Child of God, I come to encourage you on today. Just keep on obeying God." [01:12:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Obedience is difficult because it has two things attached to it. The first thing we see is that obedience requires submission. Everybody say submission. Submission. Uh-oh, that's the bad word of the 21st century. Nobody wants to submit to nobody. I said nine o'clock, so I'll say it again. We live in a day and an age where we shouted for two years straight about a man saying, can't nobody tell me nothing." [01:14:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Not only must we submit, but we also gotta have stamina. Everybody say stamina. Stamina is obedience to God over time. God doesn't call us to just be obedient one time. God is often calling us to a life of consistent obedience. Obedience time after time after time after time. Again, we see in this passage that Abram doesn't only respond in obedience in verse four, but he keeps on being obedient to get to his life, a promise." [01:15:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Obeying God's instructions is not a guarantee of a journey absent of opposition. And too often we think that just because God is calling us to something that God is calling us to do something easy. Listen, God is not always calling us to the easy things in life. He says, I'm calling you to simply be faithful. But you can't be faithful if your faith never has to be tested." [01:17:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Journeying is worth it when you got God on your side. No, you're not always going to like the journey, but the journey is a place of preparation to prepare you for when you get to your place of blessing. And you do know if you give somebody something too soon that they're not ready for, it can be detrimental. So to them, pull that sweet potato pie out the oven too soon. You will get food poisoning." [01:10:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Quit being afraid to tell God thank you in the midst of your opposition. Quit being afraid to tell God Lord I worship you even when hell is breaking loose in your life because God is not limited to only being worshiped in good places. If you truly say God is omnipresent that means he can be worshiped anywhere. Sounds like Psalm 23 you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies and my cup runneth over surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord." [01:27:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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