Trusting God's Promises Amid Change and Uncertainty

Over the past twelve years, God has graciously allowed us to walk together through seasons of joy and sorrow, celebrating life, marriage, and even grieving the loss of beloved members who have gone ahead to be with the Lord. Through it all, the faithfulness of Christ and the servant-heartedness of our deacons, elders, and staff have been a constant source of strength and encouragement. Yet, as we gather today, our focus is not on any individual, but on Jesus and the unchanging truth of God’s Word, especially as we face seasons of transition and uncertainty.

Change is inevitable—whether it’s a shift in leadership, a new job, or an unknown future. The story of Joshua stepping into leadership after Moses’ death offers us a powerful blueprint for facing the unknown with hope. God’s first instruction to Joshua was to stand on His promises. Even when the Israelites faced the daunting, flooded Jordan River and the intimidating reports of giants in the land, God reminded them that His promises were sure. In the same way, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that every promise in Christ is “yes and amen.”

Secondly, we are to seek God’s presence. Just as God assured Joshua, “I will be with you,” we too are invited into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. The presence of God is not a distant theological concept, but a daily reality for those who trust in Christ. His Spirit dwells within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to face whatever lies ahead.

Third, we must stay grounded in God’s Word. God commanded Joshua to meditate on the Scriptures day and night, not turning from them to the right or left. Obedience to God’s Word is not optional or selective; it is the foundation for a life that honors Him and stands firm in times of uncertainty. We are called to let Scripture shape every area of our lives, both individually and as a church.

Finally, we are to stay committed to God’s mission. The Israelites were not just inheriting land; they were participating in God’s redemptive plan for the world. Likewise, our church’s purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission—reaching our community and the nations with the gospel. Our faithfulness to this mission, not our attachment to any one leader, is what will ensure God’s continued blessing and fruitfulness.

As we look to the future, let us commit ourselves afresh to God’s promises, presence, Word, and mission, trusting that He has great things in store for us as we seek His glory together.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Standing on God’s Promises in Uncertainty When facing the unknown, whether as individuals or as a church, we are called to anchor ourselves in the unchanging promises of God. Just as Joshua and the Israelites were challenged to trust God’s word despite daunting obstacles, we too can find peace and courage by remembering that God’s promises are always fulfilled in Christ. Our anxieties about the future are calmed when we rest in His faithfulness rather than our own abilities. [06:32]
• 2. The Transforming Power of God’s Presence God’s assurance to Joshua, “I will be with you,” is a personal promise to every believer. The presence of God is not merely a comfort but the very source of our strength and rest. Through Christ, we are both deeply flawed and deeply loved, and it is this reality that enables us to face life’s changes with confidence, knowing we are never alone. Cultivating a prayerful dependence on God’s presence is essential for spiritual vitality. [12:46]
• 3. Obedience Rooted in God’s Word Success in God’s eyes is not measured by outward achievements but by faithful obedience to His Word. We are called to meditate on Scripture, allowing it to shape our decisions, attitudes, and actions. Selective obedience or treating God’s commands as optional undermines our spiritual foundation; instead, wholehearted submission to all of God’s Word is the path to true prosperity and steadfastness. [18:10]
• 4. Commitment to God’s Mission Above All Else Our ultimate purpose is not self-preservation or comfort, but active participation in God’s redemptive mission. The church thrives when it looks outward—investing, inviting, and including others in the gospel story. Faithfulness to the Great Commission, both locally and globally, is the surest way to experience God’s blessing and to see lives transformed for His glory. [22:52]
• 5. The Church’s Identity Is Rooted in Christ, Not Its Leaders No church is built on the personality or tenure of any pastor, but on the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Our commitment must be to God’s glory, the edification of the saints, and the mission He has given us. When we keep Christ at the center and pursue His purposes together, we can trust that God will do great things in and through us, regardless of who stands in the pulpit.
  
  ** [37:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness Through the Years
• [03:05] - Honoring Servant Leaders and Deacons
• [05:00] - Facing Change: Lessons from Joshua
• [06:32] - Standing on God’s Promises
• [09:45] - Trusting God in the Unknown
• [12:46] - Seeking God’s Presence
• [15:30] - The Power of the Gospel and God’s Presence
• [18:10] - Staying Grounded in God’s Word
• [21:00] - Obedience and the Whole Counsel of Scripture
• [22:52] - Commitment to God’s Mission
• [26:00] - The Great Commission in Action
• [29:30] - The Church’s Identity and Future
• [33:00] - Responding to God’s Call
• [37:47] - Announcements and Opportunities to Serve
• [40:32] - Giving as Worship and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Joshua 1:1-9 (ESV) — 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant,
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.
5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) — For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua after Moses died? (Joshua 1:1-9)
2. According to the sermon, what were some of the challenges the Israelites faced as they prepared to enter the Promised Land? [06:32]
3. How does God describe His presence with Joshua, and what does He promise? (Joshua 1:5, 9)
4. What does God say about the importance of His Word in Joshua’s leadership? (Joshua 1:7-8)

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God repeatedly tells Joshua to be “strong and courageous”? What does this reveal about Joshua’s situation and God’s character? (Joshua 1:6-9)
2. The sermon mentions that God’s promises are “yes and amen” in Christ. How does this truth help believers face uncertainty or change? [06:32]
3. The pastor said, “Obedience to God’s Word is not optional or selective; it is the foundation for a life that honors Him.” What are some dangers of treating God’s commands as optional? [18:10]
4. The sermon emphasized that the church’s identity is rooted in Christ, not its leaders. Why is this distinction important, especially during times of transition? [37:47]

Application Questions

1. When you face changes or unknowns in your life (like a new job, school, or church transition), do you tend to focus on your own abilities or on God’s promises? What would it look like for you to “stand on God’s promises” this week? [06:32]
2. The sermon talked about seeking God’s presence daily, not just as a theological idea but as a real relationship. What is one practical way you can grow in your awareness of God’s presence this week? (For example: setting aside time for prayer, or inviting God into your daily routines.) [12:46]
3. Are there areas in your life where you have been “selective” in obeying God’s Word? What is one step you can take to let Scripture shape your decisions or attitudes more fully? [18:10]
4. The pastor challenged the church to stay committed to God’s mission, not just to comfort or tradition. Who is one person in your life you could “invest, invite, or include” in the gospel story this month? What’s a first step you could take? [22:52]
5. The sermon said, “No church is built on the personality or tenure of any pastor, but on the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.” How can you personally help keep Christ at the center of our church during this season? [37:47]
6. The Israelites had to prepare and step out in faith before seeing how God would provide. Is there an area where you sense God calling you to take a step of faith, even if you don’t see the outcome yet? What’s holding you back?
7. The pastor encouraged the church to pray together and depend on God. Would you be willing to commit to praying regularly for our church’s future? What would help you follow through on that commitment? [12:46]