Trusting Jesus: Our Unshakable Foundation in Every Season

Devotional

Day 1: Making Jesus the Priority Above All Else

To truly follow Jesus means making Him the highest priority in our lives, even above our closest relationships and the things we hold most dear. In the context of His original audience, Jesus’ call to “hate” family was not about animosity, but about radical commitment—He was preparing His disciples for the cost of discipleship, which could mean rejection, loss, or even death. The challenge is to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ, trusting that anything we give up for Him is worth it, and that He will be with us through every trial. [36:00]

Luke 14:25-27 (ESV)
Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to put something or someone before Jesus? What would it look like to intentionally put Him first in that area today?

Day 2: Jesus Pursues Us with Relentless Love

Even when we wander, doubt, or reject Him, Jesus pursues us with a love that never gives up. Like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, the woman who searches for her lost coin, or the father who runs to embrace his prodigal son, God’s heart is to seek and restore those who are far from Him. No matter how far we feel we’ve strayed, He is always reaching out, ready to welcome us home with open arms and celebration. [44:30]

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV)
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: When have you felt far from God, and how might you recognize His pursuit and love for you in that season?

Day 3: Building on the Foundation of Jesus’ Goodness

Our feelings can be powerful, but they are not always the truth—especially when life is hard. The unchanging truth is that Jesus is good, He loves us, and He wants good things for us, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. When we build our lives on this foundation, we can endure trials, knowing that God is working for our good and that anything we surrender to Him will ultimately be worth it. [46:58]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a current struggle or disappointment—how can you remind yourself today of Jesus’ goodness and trust that He is working for your good, even if you can’t see it yet?

Day 4: Returning to Jesus and Embracing His Grace

No matter how many times we have walked away, doubted, or let our feelings become our reality, Jesus is always ready to forgive, restore, and welcome us back. Like the prodigal son, we can come home to the Father, who runs to meet us with compassion and joy. His grace is greater than our failures, and He invites us to start anew, building our lives on Him once again. [52:19]

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to return to Jesus and receive His grace? What step can you take today to come back to Him?

Day 5: Living with Hope and Purpose in Christ

When Jesus is our foundation, every part of life finds strength, purpose, and lasting stability—even in seasons of uncertainty or transition. As individuals and as a church, we are called to love God and love people, trusting that Jesus is with us, empowering us by His Spirit, and leading us into a future full of hope. No matter what we face, we can say yes to Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us and that He has amazing things in store. [55:06]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Reflection: What is one way you can say “yes” to Jesus’ call in your life or in our church community this week, trusting Him for hope and purpose in the days ahead?

Sermon Summary

In every season of life, Jesus remains our unshakable foundation. Even when circumstances are difficult and our feelings seem to contradict what we know about God, Jesus is present, faithful, and good. There are moments when it feels as though He is distant or has forgotten us, but the truth is that He never leaves us nor forsakes us. Our trust in Jesus is not built on fleeting emotions, but on the unchanging reality of His character and His promises. When we choose to surrender our lives to Him, even when it costs us dearly, we discover that He is more than enough and that He brings good out of every situation for those who love Him.

The call of Jesus is radical: to make Him the priority above all else, even above family, comfort, or our own desires. In the context of His original audience, this was a shocking demand, as family was the center of identity and security. Yet, Jesus asks us to build our lives on Him, to count the cost, and to trust that what we give up for His sake will be returned in ways we cannot imagine. The stories Jesus told—the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son—reveal the relentless love of God, who pursues us even when we wander, who celebrates our return, and who restores us with joy.

Looking back, it becomes clear that Jesus is always at work, even in our darkest moments. He brings people into our lives, orchestrates circumstances, and gently calls us back to Himself. Our feelings may tell us otherwise, but the truth is that Jesus is good, He loves us, and He desires good things for us. Building our lives on this foundation gives us strength, purpose, and hope, no matter what we face. As a community, we are called to keep saying “yes” to Jesus, to love God and love people, and to trust that He will continue to do amazing things in and through us.

Key Takeaways

1. Trusting Jesus Beyond Our Feelings Our emotions can be powerful, especially in times of hardship, but they are not always reliable indicators of truth. When feelings of abandonment or doubt arise, it is essential to anchor ourselves in the character and promises of Jesus, who is always present and working for our good, even when we cannot see it. Choosing to trust Jesus over our feelings is a daily act of faith that shapes our journey with Him. [32:55]
2. The Cost and Priority of Discipleship Jesus calls us to make Him the highest priority in our lives, even above the most cherished relationships and comforts. This radical call to discipleship may require difficult choices and sacrifices, but it is rooted in the assurance that Jesus is worth more than anything we might give up. True commitment to Christ means building our lives on Him, trusting that He will sustain and reward us beyond what we can imagine. [36:40]
3. God’s Relentless Pursuit and Grace The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son illustrate God’s relentless love and pursuit of those who wander. Even when we reject or distance ourselves from Him, God actively seeks us out, orchestrating people and events to draw us back. His grace is extravagant, welcoming us home with open arms and restoring us to relationship and purpose. [44:30]
4. Redefining Reality Through the Truth of Jesus It is easy to let our circumstances and emotions define our reality, but Jesus invites us to interpret our experiences through the lens of His truth. He is good, He loves us, and He desires good things for us—even when life is hard. By prioritizing His truth over our perceptions, we find hope, resilience, and the courage to persevere. [46:58]
5. The Power of Community and Ongoing Surrender The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. God often uses the community of believers to encourage, support, and point us back to Jesus when we struggle. Continually saying “yes” to Jesus, both individually and as a church, creates a foundation of strength and purpose that can withstand any storm and bring transformation to our lives and our community.

** [52:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:37] - Opening Prayer and Surrender
[32:55] - Wrestling with Trust in Jesus
[33:58] - The Role of Feelings vs. Truth
[36:40] - Counting the Cost: Luke 14 Explained
[39:10] - Family, Identity, and Jesus’ Radical Call
[41:25] - The Disciples’ Sacrifice and Our Response
[42:59] - Parables of Relentless Love
[44:30] - God’s Pursuit in Our Wandering
[45:41] - The Foundation of Jesus’ Goodness
[46:58] - Interpreting Life Through Christ’s Truth
[48:30] - Building on the Unshakable Foundation
[50:10] - The Church’s Mission and Potential
[52:19] - Invitation to Say Yes to Jesus
[55:06] - Communion and Celebration
[81:45] - Benediction and Blessing
[84:36] - Closing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 14:25-33 (ESV) — 25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV) – Parable of the Lost Sheep — 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Observation Questions

In Luke 14:25-33, what does Jesus say about the cost of following Him? What examples does He use to explain this?
According to the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:1-7, what does the shepherd do when one sheep is lost?
In the sermon, what were some of the feelings the pastor described when he was going through a hard time? ([32:55])
What promise does Romans 8:28 give to those who love God?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus used such strong language about “hating” family and even one’s own life in Luke 14? What point was He making to His original audience?
The pastor shared about a time when his feelings didn’t match what he knew about Jesus. Why is it important to recognize the difference between feelings and truth in our faith journey? ([33:58])
In the parable of the lost sheep, what does the shepherd’s pursuit of the lost sheep tell us about God’s character and His attitude toward those who wander away?
How does the promise in Romans 8:28 shape the way we view difficult or painful circumstances in our lives?

Application Questions

The sermon talked about trusting Jesus even when our feelings tell us otherwise. Can you think of a recent time when your emotions made it hard to trust God? What helped you (or could help you) anchor yourself in Jesus’ promises instead? ([32:55])
Jesus calls us to make Him the highest priority, even above family or comfort. Is there something in your life right now that competes with Jesus for first place? What would it look like to “count the cost” and put Him first this week? ([36:40])
The pastor shared how God used people in his life to point him back to Jesus during a hard season. Who has God used in your life to encourage you or help you return to Him? How can you be that person for someone else? ([44:30])
The parables in Luke 15 show God’s relentless pursuit and joy when someone returns to Him. Is there someone you know who is far from God? What is one practical step you can take to reach out to them or pray for them this week?
The sermon mentioned that building our lives on Jesus gives us strength, purpose, and hope. What is one area of your life right now that feels shaky or uncertain? How can you intentionally build on the foundation of Jesus in that area? ([46:58])
As a church community, we are called to keep saying “yes” to Jesus. What is one way you can say “yes” to Jesus this week—either in a personal decision, a relationship, or serving others? ([52:19])
The pastor talked about the power of community in helping us stay strong in faith. How can your small group support each other in trusting Jesus and living out His call, especially when life gets hard? ([52:19])

Sermon Clips

When we look at this text within the context of who Jesus was talking to we get something a little deeper than this a little different than maybe what we might think at first glance because we have to remember that this was almost 2,000 years ago to a particular group of people and then Luke who recorded the teachings and the miracles of Jesus in the gospel of Luke then wrote and recorded them for a specific group of people so all together to say we can't just read it through our eyes at first glance and think that's exactly what he meant. [00:36:30] (35 seconds) #ContextShapesUnderstanding

So this whole time while I was thinking Jesus had abandoned me and I rejected him and didn't want to have anything to do with that I started to do things that I normally wouldn't and say things I normally wouldn't and I thought for sure he was nowhere near these feelings were now my reality however they were not the truth but thankfully we have a god who cares and who is full of grace and mercy the whole time thinking Jesus was so far in hindsight when I look back at each and every situation that I was through during that time I see that he was right there beside me the whole time. [00:41:29] (51 seconds) #GraceInTheMidst

When I start to recount all the different people that he brought into my life by what I thought was chance when really it was him chasing after me I think of all those people the Jasons the Verns the Tracys the Camerons all of them showing me incredible love in the midst of my anger showing me what Jesus truly was in the middle of me making my feelings my reality they were pointing me towards a greater truth that Jesus loved me so much that he would do whatever it takes. [00:42:20] (38 seconds) #DivineConnections

See, while I rejected Jesus, while I said, no, I don't want to build my life on that foundation, I found that he chased after me. He sent these people in my life. He worked on my heart, and I am so grateful because I said, you know what? I'm sorry, Jesus. And I started to realize that my feelings that I had made them truths were not truth. They were feelings. That's what I was going through. That's how I was experiencing things. But instead of prioritizing my feelings and what I wanted, I should have been prioritizing the truth of Jesus, which Jesus is good. Jesus is good. Jesus is good, and he loves us. Jesus is good, and he loves us, and he wants good things for us. That's Jesus. That's our foundation. That's what we can build on. [00:44:39] (62 seconds) #TruthOverFeelings

Well Jesus you you kind of maybe you don't care no the truth is that he cares more than I ever could and that he wants good things for my life so what does that mean well that means he's going to help me through this that means that he didn't orchestrate these bad events to happen but he said he would take me through them and that he would work all things out for the good of those who love him and I can then say yeah it is worth building on that because Jesus is good because Jesus is good and loves us because Jesus is good and loves us and wants good things for us and no matter what I have to give up no matter what I go through I know that it's going to be okay and I know something good is going to come out of it and I know anything I give up is going to be worth it and anything I go through will be okay because I'm building my life on Jesus. [00:47:42] (77 seconds) #JesusTransformsLives

No matter what I have to give up, no matter what I go through, I know that it's going to be okay and I know something good is going to come out of it and I know anything I give up is going to be worth it and anything I go through will be okay because I'm building my life on Jesus. [00:48:35] (25 seconds) #WorthTheSacrifice

I am so excited about this church I am excited about this season I see a whole group of amazing people people who have been through a lot both good and bad I see a group of people a church that has been around for over 50 years that has been through a lot you have collectively been through a lot personally and as a church and yet you still stop and say no I am going to build upon Jesus I'm going to carry out that mission that we talk about day after day love God and love people no matter what I go through no matter what you go through you still focus on Jesus you still look at Jesus there is so much potential. [00:49:53] (52 seconds) #BuildingOnJesus

I see a group of people in the midst of a transition and yet are saying yes to Jesus every step of the way saying yes Jesus I know you have amazing things that you have done are doing and will do thank you thank you so much Jesus for being with us I see a church that wants to see their community's lives transformed and changed by the power of Jesus Christ and through the work of the Holy Spirit. [00:50:45] (34 seconds) #JesusLeadsTheWay

I see a church that wants to see their community's lives transformed and changed by the power of Jesus Christ and through the work of the Holy Spirit. [00:51:03] (15 seconds) #CommunityChangedBySpirit

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