Unshakable Faith: Trusting God Through Life's Challenges
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of faith and community, especially in the face of life's challenges. We began by acknowledging that many of us may have received bad reports from various sources, but as people of faith, we choose to believe the report of the Lord. I shared a personal testimony about a recent health scare that served as a divine wake-up call, reminding me of the importance of physical health in fulfilling God's spiritual assignments. This experience underscored the need for both divine intervention and personal discipline.
We then transitioned into a time of communion, emphasizing the importance of unity and remembering the body of Christ. Communion is not just a ritual but a moment to reconnect with God and each other, recognizing that everything we need—healing, deliverance, wisdom—is at the table of the Lord.
The sermon focused on building unshakable faith, using Abraham as a model. Abraham's life teaches us to be prepared for God's directions and delays. He obeyed God without knowing where he was going, demonstrating that faith often requires us to step into the unknown. Abraham's story also highlights the importance of waiting on God's promises, even when they seem delayed. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with worship and trust in God's timing.
We concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to be faithful in the little things, as this faithfulness prepares us for greater responsibilities. We also emphasized the importance of going against the grain of the culture to make God proud. Finally, we invited those who felt distant from God to recommit their lives to Him, reminding them that God is always ready to make all things new.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Over Bad Reports: No matter the source of a bad report—be it health, family, or finances—our faith calls us to believe in God's report. This belief is not just a mental exercise but a deep-seated trust that God is in control and has the final say. [10:17]
2. Divine Wake-Up Calls: Sometimes, God uses personal experiences, like health scares, to wake us up to the importance of physical and spiritual discipline. These moments are not just about seeking miracles but also about adopting a disciplined lifestyle that aligns with God's will. [14:04]
3. Communion as Unity: Communion is a powerful act of remembering and reconnecting with the body of Christ. It’s a time to gather as a family, recognizing that everything we need—healing, deliverance, wisdom—is available at the Lord's table. [18:42]
4. Prepared for Directions and Delays: Like Abraham, we must be prepared to follow God's directions even when we don't know the destination. Additionally, we must be ready for delays, understanding that God's promises often require a period of waiting, which is an active time of faith and worship. [01:09:47]
5. Faithfulness in Little Things: God tests our faithfulness in small matters before entrusting us with greater responsibilities. This principle applies to all areas of life, from finances to personal relationships. Being faithful in little prepares us for the much that God has in store. [01:15:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:17] - Personal Testimony: Health Scare
[11:34] - Divine Wake-Up Call
[12:50] - God's Miracles and Discipline
[14:04] - Importance of Physical Health
[15:25] - Dependence on God and Discipline
[16:25] - Preparing for Communion
[17:40] - Remembering the Body of Christ
[18:42] - Everything We Need is at the Table
[19:35] - Family Sabbath Feast
[20:34] - Praying for Each Other
[21:14] - Effectual Fervent Prayer
[22:31] - Communion: Body and Blood of Christ
[24:53] - Psalm 116: Cup of Salvation
[25:33] - Praise and Worship
[26:31] - Dismissal of Children
[49:01] - Children's Ministry
[49:26] - Men's Fellowship
[50:16] - Project and Pancakes
[51:45] - New Sermon Series: Unshakable Faith
[52:13] - Worship Team Acknowledgment
[53:15] - Strengthening Faith
[54:10] - Hebrews Chapter 11: Abraham's Faith
[56:28] - Faith and Obedience
[01:09:47] - Prepared for Directions and Delays
[01:15:30] - Faithfulness in Little Things
[01:20:29] - Prepared for Delays
[01:25:30] - Going Against the Grain of Culture
[01:30:31] - Abraham's Faith and God's Promises
[01:37:19] - Praise While Waiting
[01:41:10] - Prepared for Directions and Delays
[01:43:26] - Ready Yourselves
[01:44:23] - Strengthening Faith
[01:45:13] - Call to Salvation
[01:47:10] - Prayer of Salvation
[01:49:33] - Worship and Praise
[01:52:28] - Unity and Friendly Competition
[01:54:47] - Missions Month and Fundraising
[01:57:20] - Commitment to Missions
[01:58:10] - Closing Remarks and Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:8-16 (ESV)
> "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. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Abraham's response when God called him to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance? (Hebrews 11:8)
2. How did Abraham and his descendants live in the land of promise, and what were they looking forward to? (Hebrews 11:9-10)
3. What did Sarah receive by faith, and how did she view God's promise? (Hebrews 11:11)
4. According to the sermon, what are some things that are available at the Lord's table during communion? [18:42]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Abraham obeyed God without knowing where he was going? How does this demonstrate unshakable faith? (Hebrews 11:8)
2. How does the concept of living as "strangers and exiles on the earth" apply to modern believers? (Hebrews 11:13)
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater responsibilities. How does this principle apply to your personal life? [01:15:30]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of waiting on God's promises. How can believers actively wait on God during periods of delay? [01:09:47]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received a "bad report" from a doctor, family member, or another source. How did your faith influence your response to that report? [10:17]
2. The pastor shared a personal testimony about a health scare that served as a divine wake-up call. Have you ever experienced a wake-up call from God? How did it change your perspective or actions? [14:04]
3. Communion was described as a time to reconnect with God and each other. How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful and focused on unity? [18:42]
4. Abraham's story teaches us to be prepared for God's directions and delays. What steps can you take to better prepare yourself for God's guidance, even when the destination is unknown? [01:09:47]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of being faithful in little things. Identify one small area in your life where you can demonstrate greater faithfulness this week. [01:15:30]
6. Going against the grain of culture to make God proud was a key point in the sermon. Can you think of a situation where you had to stand against cultural norms to uphold your faith? How did you handle it? [01:25:30]
7. The pastor invited those who felt distant from God to recommit their lives to Him. If you feel distant from God, what steps can you take this week to draw closer to Him? [01:45:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Bad Reports
Description: In life, we often receive negative reports that can shake our faith—whether they concern our health, family, or finances. However, as people of faith, we are called to believe in God's report above all else. This belief is not merely a mental exercise but a profound trust that God is in control and has the final say. When faced with bad news, we must remember that God's promises are steadfast and His plans for us are good. This kind of faith requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and goodness. [10:17]
Isaiah 53:1 (ESV): "Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
Reflection: Think of a recent bad report you received. How can you actively choose to trust in God's report instead? What steps can you take today to reinforce your faith in His promises?
Day 2: Divine Wake-Up Calls
Description: Sometimes, God uses personal experiences, such as health scares, to wake us up to the importance of both physical and spiritual discipline. These moments are not just about seeking miraculous interventions but also about adopting a lifestyle that aligns with God's will. They serve as reminders that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that maintaining our physical health is crucial for fulfilling God's spiritual assignments. By embracing both divine intervention and personal discipline, we can better position ourselves to serve God's purposes. [14:04]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent wake-up call you experienced. How can you incorporate both divine intervention and personal discipline into your daily routine to better align with God's will?
Day 3: Communion as Unity
Description: Communion is a powerful act of remembering and reconnecting with the body of Christ. It is not just a ritual but a moment to gather as a family, recognizing that everything we need—healing, deliverance, wisdom—is available at the Lord's table. This sacred act reminds us of the unity we share as believers and the profound connection we have with Christ and each other. By participating in communion, we reaffirm our commitment to live in harmony and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [18:42]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you use the act of communion to strengthen your relationships within your faith community? What steps can you take to foster unity and support among your fellow believers?
Day 4: Prepared for Directions and Delays
Description: Like Abraham, we must be prepared to follow God's directions even when we don't know the destination. Additionally, we must be ready for delays, understanding that God's promises often require a period of waiting. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with worship and trust in God's timing. Abraham's life teaches us that faith often requires stepping into the unknown and waiting patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and hope. [01:09:47]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "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. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: Think about a time when you had to wait for God's promises. How did you spend that waiting period? What can you do today to actively worship and trust in God's timing?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Little Things
Description: God tests our faithfulness in small matters before entrusting us with greater responsibilities. This principle applies to all areas of life, from finances to personal relationships. Being faithful in little prepares us for the much that God has in store. By demonstrating reliability and integrity in the small tasks, we show God that we are ready for larger assignments. This faithfulness is a testament to our character and our commitment to living according to God's principles. [01:15:30]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: Identify a small area in your life where you can demonstrate greater faithfulness. How can you show reliability and integrity in this area today to prepare for greater responsibilities in the future?
Quotes
1. "How many know that God still works miracles? We believe God for miracles. There are some things that it's not, it's not you needing a miracle for, but you need more discipline in. Some things are outside of our control. That's when we can depend on God. But there are some things that are in our control and we just need to develop a more disciplined lifestyle to make sure that God can use us how he wants to use us as the old grandpama say anywhere, any high." [15:25] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What's at the table? Forgiveness is at the table. What's at the table? Healing is at the table. What's at the table? Deliverance is at the table. Your breakthrough is at the table. Wisdom for your next move is at the table. Wisdom for your next assignment is at the table. Knowledge of how to parent your children. Wisdom for your next life is at the table. Whatever it is that you need is at the table. Look at your neighbor and say, it's at the table. It's at the table, it's at the table." [18:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Making God proud always begins with love leaving your er. I feel the Holy Ghost in this place. I might as well preach all by myself. Er might be an old way of life. Er might be a relationship that you know no longer serves you, but you stay out of comfort. Er might be her. Oh, y'all ain't saying nothing to me. Er might be him. Er might be a job when you know God has placed a vision for something greater in your heart. God is calling for you to leave your er. it takes faith." [01:09:47] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is looking for the faithful. Somebody shout faithful. Come on, somebody shout faithful. See, you're wondering why you may not have what you think you ought to have right now. Check your faithfulness. You are asking God to bless you with a million dollars, but you, but what are you doing with the million pennies? Come on, come on, come on. I'm coming your way. Even my online audience. Listen, listen, listen. You're asking God for a million dollars, but what are you doing with the million pennies? The million pennies is $10,000. What are you doing with the $10,000 that you got right now?" [01:15:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You may be facing a problem today that seems like an impossible situation. And you don't see how God can keep his promise and answer your prayers. You've been praying for this for weeks. You've been praying for this for months. You've been praying for this for years. And you have not seen any change. Can I tell you something? Your delay may be in the area of your personal debt. Your delay may be in the area of marriage difficulty. Your delay may be in the area of a health problem. It might even be in the area of a job." [01:33:58] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Wait for the Lord. My soul waits. And in his word, I hope. Wait for the Lord. My soul waits. And in his word, I hope. Wait for the Lord. My soul waits. My soul is made up of my mind, my will, and my emotions. My soul waits. In my emotions, I'm waiting. Even when you got to cry sometime, you're going to wait on him. Even when it feels like rain, you still got to wait on him. Even when it looks like the storm is not going to pass, still wait on the Lord. Tell your soul to wait. Tell your mind to wait." [01:34:55] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I know it may seem like things are getting worse. Even in the midst of your praying. They're getting worse. And you're fasting. They're getting worse. And you're giving. They're getting worse. And you're serving. Wait on the Lord. And put your hope in his word. I don't care what it looks like. I don't care what it feels like. Because we can't be moved by what we see. We can't be moved by what we hear. We only need to be moved by the word of God and our faith in this word. Wait on the Lord." [01:36:15] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "While you're waiting, you might as well praise him. I said while you're waiting, the best thing you can do is give him glory. While you're waiting, the best thing you can do is worship him. While you're waiting on him, go ahead and just speak well of his name. Makes God proud. I said a faith that waits makes God proud. Come on, let's lift up those hands right here in the presence of the Lord. I want you to be unshakable. I want you to have unshakable faith." [01:37:19] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "In order to be unshakable, you got to be prepared for directions. Not only do you have to be prepared for directions, because the Holy Spirit will lead you and he will guide you into all truth. He will steer you. We used to testify in church and he'd say, he protected me from danger, seen and unseen. He kept me as I came and as I went. Not only must you be prepared for directions, but you also must be prepared. For the delays." [01:41:10] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "God's getting ready to send opportunity and blessing. Ready yourselves. For some of us, it may be a little bit of a trial or a storm, but ready yourself. Ready Because on the other side of through, I said, on the other side of through is your miracle. On the other side of through is your blessing. The Bible says, yea, though I go through the valley of the shadow of death. You might feel that you're in the valley of the shadow of death, but let me tell you something. You're just going through it. You're not intended to stay there and it's not intended to stay there." [01:44:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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