Unshakeable Hope: Faith and Breakthroughs with God

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that nothing is impossible with God, even when we feel hopeless or are struggling. We were reminded of the power of faith, even as small as a mustard seed, to move mountains in our lives. This faith is not just a communal experience but a personal journey that each of us can embark on, even outside the collective efforts of the church. The testimonies shared today were a testament to the breakthroughs that God is orchestrating in our lives, from overcoming addictions to restoring relationships and finding new hope in difficult circumstances.

We also delved into the importance of where we place our hope. Just as we wouldn't drink from a contaminated water source, we must ensure that our hope is rooted in the pure and trustworthy promises of God. Romans 12:12 served as our anchor, urging us to rejoice in confident hope, be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. These three pillars guide us through times of waiting and uncertainty, reminding us that our waiting is never wasted when it is filled with prayer and trust in God's timing.

As we continue to seek breakthroughs, we are encouraged to celebrate the victories of others as our own, recognizing that we are one body in Christ. Even if our personal breakthrough hasn't yet come, we are called to remain steadfast in prayer and hope, trusting that God is still at work. The invitation to come forward for prayer is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that the family of God is here to support and uplift one another.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed: Even the smallest faith can move mountains. This faith is not limited to collective church activities but is a personal journey that can be pursued daily. Trust in God's power to do the impossible in your life. [26:31]

2. Hope from a Pure Just as we avoid drinking from a contaminated source, we must ensure our hope is rooted in God's pure promises. Trust in His goodness, love, and plan for your life, and let this be the foundation of your hope. [32:46]

3. Rejoice in Confident Hope: Romans 12:12 encourages us to rejoice in hope, even when circumstances are challenging. This confident hope is based on the unchanging truths of God's character and His promises. [34:58]

4. Patience in Trouble: Being patient in trouble is difficult, but it is essential. While waiting, count your blessings and focus on the good things God has already done. Remember, waiting is never wasted when it is filled with trust and gratitude. [37:24]

5. Keep on Praying: Persistent prayer is key to experiencing breakthroughs. When we focus on prayer rather than complaints, we open ourselves to see God's work in our lives. Keep praying and trust that God hears and responds. [40:58]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:31] - Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed
[29:21] - The Power of Personal Prayer
[31:21] - Contaminated Sources of Hope
[32:46] - Pure Hope in God
[33:55] - Romans 12:12: Our Anchor
[34:58] - Rejoice in Confident Hope
[35:49] - When God Doesn't Come Through
[36:31] - Be Patient in Trouble
[37:24] - Counting Blessings
[40:58] - Keep on Praying
[42:45] - Invitation to Prayer
[56:51] - Worship and Response
[01:03:14] - Supporting Each Other
[01:08:20] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 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.'"
- Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when he says that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains? How does this relate to the idea of nothing being impossible with God? [26:31]

2. In the sermon, what examples were given of personal breakthroughs that people experienced? How do these examples illustrate the power of faith and prayer? [29:21]

3. How does the pastor describe the importance of having hope rooted in God's promises, and what analogy does he use to explain this concept? [32:46]

4. What are the three pillars mentioned in Romans 12:12, and how do they guide us through times of waiting and uncertainty? [33:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the concept of faith as small as a mustard seed challenge or encourage someone who feels their faith is weak or insignificant? [26:31]

2. What does it mean to have hope that is "pure" and not "contaminated," and how can this affect a person's spiritual journey? [32:46]

3. How can rejoicing in hope, being patient in trouble, and keeping on praying transform a person's perspective during difficult times? [33:55]

4. In what ways can celebrating the victories of others as our own strengthen the sense of community within the church? [29:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless or struggled. How did your faith play a role in that situation, and what can you learn from it to apply in future challenges? [26:31]

2. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to place your hope in God's promises. What steps can you take to ensure your hope remains pure and uncontaminated? [32:46]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of rejoicing in hope, being patient in trouble, and keeping on praying into your daily routine? What might this look like practically? [33:55]

4. Think of someone in your life who has experienced a breakthrough. How can you celebrate their victory and support them in their journey? [29:21]

5. What is one area in your life where you need to exercise more patience? How can you remind yourself that waiting is not wasted when it is filled with trust and gratitude? [37:24]

6. How can you make prayer a more consistent and persistent part of your life, especially when seeking breakthroughs? What specific prayer habit can you start this week? [40:58]

7. Consider a personal struggle you are currently facing. How can you invite others in your church community to support you through prayer and encouragement? [42:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith's Transformative Power
Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, holds the potential to transform lives and circumstances. This faith is not confined to the walls of a church or the collective experience of a congregation; it is a deeply personal journey that each individual can embark on daily. Trusting in God's power to do the impossible in your life requires a willingness to believe beyond what is visible and tangible. The testimonies of those who have overcome addictions, restored relationships, and found hope in dire situations serve as a testament to the mountains that faith can move. [26:31]

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 area in your life where you feel hopeless? How can you begin to trust God to work in that area today, even if your faith feels small?


Day 2: Pure Hope in God's Promises
Just as one would avoid drinking from a contaminated water source, it is crucial to ensure that our hope is rooted in the pure and trustworthy promises of God. When we place our hope in His goodness, love, and plan for our lives, we build a foundation that can withstand the trials and uncertainties we face. This hope is not based on fleeting circumstances but on the eternal truths of God's character. By anchoring our hope in Him, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. [32:46]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: Consider the sources of hope in your life. Are there any that might be "contaminated"? How can you shift your focus to the pure promises of God today?


Day 3: Rejoicing in Hope Amidst Trials
Romans 12:12 encourages believers to rejoice in hope, even when circumstances are challenging. This confident hope is not a denial of reality but a steadfast trust in the unchanging truths of God's character and His promises. By rejoicing in hope, we acknowledge that our current struggles are not the end of the story and that God is actively working for our good. This perspective allows us to face trials with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [34:58]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: In what current trial can you choose to rejoice in hope? How can this choice impact your perspective and actions today?


Day 4: Patience in the Midst of Trouble
Being patient in trouble is a challenging but essential aspect of the Christian journey. While waiting for God's timing, it is important to count your blessings and focus on the good things He has already done. This practice of gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we have, reminding us that waiting is never wasted when it is filled with trust and gratitude. By cultivating patience, we open ourselves to the lessons and growth that God desires to bring about in our lives. [37:24]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is one blessing you can focus on today while waiting for a breakthrough? How can this focus help you cultivate patience in your current situation?


Day 5: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Persistent prayer is key to experiencing breakthroughs in our lives. When we focus on prayer rather than complaints, we open ourselves to see God's work in our circumstances. This ongoing dialogue with God not only strengthens our relationship with Him but also aligns our hearts with His will. By keeping on praying, we demonstrate our trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about change. Remember that God hears and responds to every prayer, even if the answer is not immediate or as expected. [40:58]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be more persistent in prayer? How can you commit to praying about this area consistently this week?

Quotes


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 can you please shout that at somebody next to you nothing will be impossible for you when we are when we are hopeless and struggling we need to remember that last part nothing will be impossible nothing will be impossible for you [00:20:39] (32 seconds)


My breakthroughs are just starting to unfold my marriage is back on track and improving hallelujah uh this is a twofer here number one uh I have deepened my devotion time and prayer time number two I've received confirmation I am right where I'm at job wise praise God uh it's difficult for next one it's difficult for me to step out of my comfort zone but lately I'm actually doing it a little more baby step next God spoke to me so clearly about something I've been struggling with hallelujah [00:24:40] (37 seconds)


You know, we can get in a struggle. We can go through 21 days of prayer and fasting. And, you know, you may have even believed that God's going to do exactly what I think because I have done everything I'm supposed to. And yet, you're still thirsty. I want to caution you to only get your hope and your satisfaction from things that can be trusted. [00:33:20] (30 seconds)


Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. This verse, by the time we're done, you should know. You should know it. Because we're going to say it over and over again. And I didn't write this outline. Paul did. So, if you don't like it, tough crap. Take it up with Paul. It's in the Bible. Point number one is rejoice in confidence. Rejoice in confident hope. Can you imagine? It's amazing. [00:34:16] (26 seconds)


Know what you can be confident about and rejoice in it. Sometimes you get off kilter a little. You get off balance a little when God doesn't come through the way you want him to come through, when you want him to come through. And you begin to lose your confidence. And everything. It just feels like everything is off. That's the time to get back to the things that you know you can be confident in. God is good. God loves you. [00:35:25] (32 seconds)


Make sure that you don't give up just because it didn't happen when you wanted to. All right, next. Can you imagine? Next point is, let's read the verse again. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble. Keep on praying. Number two, be patient in trouble. I don't like any part of this point. I don't like any part of this section. I'm not patient in good things. [00:36:31] (44 seconds)


good thing. I'm not waiting that long under good circumstances, even if it's nice and perfect temperature. I'm not waiting three hours, you know? Then make it uncomfortable, and you still have to wait. I don't like that. I'm out, patient, in trouble. So what are we supposed to do with the time that we have? Begin counting your blessings. You know, we sing, I'll be counting every blessing, counting every blessing. We sing those things, right? [00:37:43] (34 seconds)


waiting is never wasted because remember they're cheating with the one up there just got the one all right we're on point three now be all right keep on praying thank you romans chapter 12 verse 12 we read it we recited it i hope that it comes back to your mind when you think of complaining this week because here's the deal i want to just spoil you i want to just spoil you i want to just spoil you i want to spoil it for you all those breakthroughs we read [00:40:58] (110 seconds)


If you get busy complaining and frustrated and hopeless, you're gonna focus all your energy on that and you're gonna miss the breakthrough. The breakthrough might not come from the one you wrote on the card. frustrated, repeat steps one and two, rejoice in confident hope, be patient in trouble, and then get back to point number three, don't really have a solution, a great analogy, drinking from the hope of Jesus, this bottle will never run dry. [00:41:38] (66 seconds)


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Transcript
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