on May 11, 2025
Mother's Day I 2025
Summary
Today’s reflections center on the power of contending faith, the legacy of spiritual perseverance, and the irreplaceable role of the church as God’s living body. Through stories of personal struggle and miraculous breakthrough, we see how surrendering our pain—like Hannah, Ruth, and so many faithful women before us—opens the door to God’s purpose and goodness. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. The testimony of Benny, who defies every medical expectation, reminds us that God’s promises are not limited by human reports. Our lives become living testimonies when we choose to declare God’s goodness in every season, trusting Him through both winter and harvest.
Contending is not just about fighting for ourselves, but standing in the gap for others. The example of Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi, the persistent prayers of Hannah, and the gritty intercession of women like Monica and the Hebrides sisters show us that history is changed by those who refuse to give up. Contending is a courageous, persistent fight—one that often happens in the unseen places of prayer, faithfulness, and community. It is not glamorous, but it is powerful. God calls us to be a people who contend for our families, our friends, and our city, refusing to be pacified by a culture of comfort and distraction.
The church is not just a building or a weekly event; it is the living, breathing body of Christ. It is where we are planted, nourished, and formed. The legacy of faith is built not on convenience, but on consistent, sacrificial investment—like a gardener tending a date palm, patiently cultivating deep roots that can withstand any storm. Spiritual mothers, fathers, and mentors shape generations by planting seeds of faith, creating rhythms of worship, and modeling a life anchored in God’s presence. Even when fruit is not immediately visible, the roots are growing deep.
In a world that prizes performance and instant gratification, the church offers a place of authenticity, transformation, and belonging. It is where the weary find rest, the broken are healed, and the prodigal is welcomed home. Whether you are carrying the weight of uncertainty or have grown complacent, God invites you to rise up, to encourage, to contend, and to plant yourself deeply in His house. This is how we become a people who change history—together, rooted in Christ, alive with hope, and unshakable in faith.
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Key Takeaways
- Contending Faith Transforms Impossible Circumstances
True contending is not passive; it is a persistent, courageous fight that refuses to accept defeat. Like Hannah, Ruth, and the persistent widow, those who contend in prayer and faith often see God move in ways that defy human logic. Even when the world says “impossible,” God’s promises stand, and our willingness to keep showing up in faith can turn the tide for ourselves and others. [13:53]
- Legacy is Built Through Consistent, Sacrificial Planting
Spiritual legacy is not the result of convenience, but of intentional, repeated investment—like a gardener tending a date palm. The roots of faith grow deep through rhythms of worship, prayer, and community, even when fruit is not immediately visible. The sacrifices made by spiritual mothers, fathers, and mentors create stability and strength that can withstand life’s fiercest storms. [38:22]
- The Church is God’s Living, Transforming Community
The church is not merely a place to attend, but a body to be planted in—a living temple where God’s Spirit dwells. Here, we are nourished, healed, and formed into Christ’s likeness. In a world of isolation and performance, the church offers authenticity, belonging, and a place to grow deep roots that sustain us through every season. [33:00]
- Contending for Others Changes History and Shapes Destiny
History is marked by those who contend not just for themselves, but for others—standing in the gap through prayer, encouragement, and sacrificial love. The stories of Ruth, Monica, and the Hebrides sisters show that breakthrough often comes when we refuse to give up on those God has placed in our lives. Our willingness to fight for others can open doors to blessing, restoration, and even generational transformation. [19:41]
- God Honors Gritty, Persistent Faithfulness—Even in Weakness
God does not require perfection, but faithfulness. Even when we feel weak, weary, or inadequate, our consistent showing up—bringing ourselves and our loved ones into God’s presence—matters deeply. Heaven notices the quiet strength it takes to keep going, and God meets us in our mess, using our persistence to bring hope, healing, and legacy. [45:40]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:08] - Benny’s Miracle: God’s Goodness in Impossible Circumstances
[15:03] - The Power of Contending: Lessons from Team Sports and the Haka
[17:20] - Ruth’s Covenant Faithfulness and the Call to Contend
[18:55] - Contending Women Who Changed History
[19:41] - The Hebrides Revival: Prayer that Shaped a Nation
[21:19] - The Challenge of Contending in a Comfortable Culture
[22:18] - Persistent Prayer: Hannah, the Widow, and Never Giving Up
[24:24] - Monica’s Tears: The Power of a Mother’s Intercession
[25:41] - Contending in Community: Stories from the Promise Center
[27:41] - The Impact of Contending Together
[28:24] - Unique Callings: Who Are You Contending For?
[30:04] - Motherhood, Messiness, and the Grace of God
[32:23] - The Church: God’s Living Temple and Our Spiritual Home
[34:19] - The Legacy of Spiritual Planting
[38:22] - Deep Roots: The Power of Consistent Faith
[41:10] - The Call to Mature Believers: Rise Up and Speak Life
[42:16] - Choosing God’s Presence Over Preference
[43:24] - Sherami the Pigeon: Training to Run Home
[45:08] - Encouragement for the Weary and the Complacent
[46:48] - The Church Alive: Hope, Healing, and Transformation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Contending Faith, Spiritual Legacy, and the Living Church
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### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
([13:53])
2. Ruth 1:16-18
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’ When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.”
([17:37])
3. Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
([25:25])
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### Observation Questions
1. In Isaiah 43:2, what promises does God make to His people about facing difficult circumstances? ([13:53])
2. What does Ruth’s response to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-18 reveal about her character and her relationship with both Naomi and God? ([17:37])
3. According to Galatians 6:9, what is the result of not giving up in doing good? ([25:25])
4. The sermon shared stories of women like Hannah, Ruth, Monica, and the Hebrides sisters. What common trait did these women display in their faith journey? ([18:55])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasizes His presence with us “when” (not “if”) we go through waters and fire in Isaiah 43:2? What does this say about the reality of hardship in the Christian life? ([13:53])
2. Ruth’s determination to stay with Naomi was described as “contending.” How does this kind of loyalty and faithfulness impact the people around us, especially in times of loss or uncertainty? ([17:37])
3. The sermon described contending as a “persistent, courageous fight” that often happens in unseen places. Why do you think God values this kind of faithfulness, even when it’s not public or glamorous? ([18:40])
4. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good. What are some reasons people might become weary or want to give up, and how does the promise of a harvest encourage perseverance? ([25:25])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon shared the story of Benny, whose life is a testimony to God’s goodness despite impossible circumstances. Is there a situation in your life right now that feels impossible? How can you begin to declare God’s faithfulness over it, even before you see a breakthrough? ([13:53])
2. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi changed both of their destinies. Who in your life might God be calling you to “contend” for right now—through prayer, encouragement, or practical support? What is one step you can take this week? ([17:37])
3. The Hebrides sisters prayed persistently for revival in their community. Is there a person, family, or situation you have grown weary of praying for? What would it look like to “keep showing up” in prayer for them? ([19:41])
4. The sermon described the church as a place to be “planted” and to grow deep roots, not just a place to attend. How would your relationship with the church change if you saw it as your spiritual home and family? What is one way you can invest more deeply in your church community this month? ([33:00])
5. The legacy of faith is built through consistent, sacrificial investment—like a gardener tending a date palm. Who has invested in your spiritual life? How can you honor or thank them this week? ([38:22])
6. The message challenged those who feel weary or complacent to rise up and encourage others. Is there someone in your church or small group who needs encouragement right now? How can you speak life or offer support to them this week? ([45:40])
7. The sermon mentioned that God honors “gritty, persistent faithfulness—even in weakness.” When you feel weak or inadequate, what helps you keep showing up for God and others? How can your group support each other in those moments? ([45:40])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, specifically for the people and situations God has placed on their hearts to contend for. Ask God for renewed strength, deep roots, and a fresh sense of belonging in His church.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Presence in the Storms of Life
No matter what trials or hardships we face, God promises to be with us, sustaining us through the deepest waters and fiercest fires. Even when circumstances seem impossible or when others declare defeat over our lives, God’s presence brings hope, comfort, and the assurance that we will not be overcome. His faithfulness is not dependent on our situation but on His unchanging character, and He walks with us through every season—winter or fruit-bearing, joy or pain. When we anchor ourselves in His goodness, we find the strength to keep declaring His faithfulness, trusting that He is working miracles even when we cannot see them. [13:53]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV):
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed or defeated? How can you invite God’s presence into that situation today and trust Him to walk with you through it?
Day 2: The Power of Persistent, Contending Prayer
Contending in prayer means refusing to give up, even when answers seem delayed or circumstances appear unchanged. Like Hannah, Ruth, and the persistent widow, we are called to keep coming back to God, pouring out our hearts honestly and persistently. This kind of gritty, unwavering prayer is not about quick results but about aligning ourselves with God’s heart and trusting Him to move in His timing. Through persistent prayer, we partner with God in His work, interceding for others, and refusing to settle for less than what a faithful God can do. Our prayers can change lives, restore families, and even shift the course of history when we refuse to lose heart. [23:41]
Luke 18:4-8 (ESV):
“For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that God is calling you to contend for in prayer this week? What specific step can you take to pray persistently for them?
Day 3: Flourishing Through Being Planted in God’s House
True spiritual growth and resilience come from being intentionally planted in the house of God, not just attending but becoming part of the living body of Christ. Like the date palm, which thrives in desert places because it is deeply rooted and carefully cultivated, our faith flourishes when we are consistently nurtured in community, worship, and the presence of God. Even when storms come or fruit seems slow to appear, deep roots in God’s house provide stability, strength, and the ability to bear fruit in every season. The church is not perfect, but it is God’s chosen place for healing, transformation, and legacy-building for generations to come. [38:05]
Psalm 92:12-14 (ESV):
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”
Reflection: Are you planted or just attending? What is one intentional way you can invest in your church community this week to deepen your roots and help others flourish?
Day 4: Choosing Legacy Over Convenience
Building a legacy of faith requires consistent, sometimes inconvenient choices to prioritize God’s presence and the spiritual formation of those we love. Like mothers and spiritual parents throughout Scripture—Hannah, Mary, Jochebed, Naomi, Eunice, and Lois—legacy is shaped by daily sacrifices, rhythms of worship, and a willingness to choose the narrow road over what is easy or popular. These choices may not always be appreciated in the moment, but they plant seeds and establish roots that will sustain future generations through every storm. Our commitment to God’s house and His ways creates a pattern for our children and community to follow, ensuring that faith outlives us. [36:09]
Luke 9:23 (ESV):
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
Reflection: What is one area where you have been choosing convenience over commitment to God or your family’s spiritual growth? What step can you take today to choose legacy instead?
Day 5: The Church as a Place of Refuge, Restoration, and Mission
The church is not just a building or a weekly event—it is the living temple of God, a place where the broken find healing, the weary find hope, and every person is called to belong and serve. When we show up, encourage one another, and speak life, we become the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. Our presence and prayers make a difference, not just for ourselves but for the next generation and for those who have yet to encounter Christ. God calls us to rise up, bind up wounds, and remind every soul that this is home—a place where prodigals return, freedom is found, and a city can encounter Jesus. [46:48]
Ephesians 2:21-22 (ESV):
“In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Reflection: Who in your church or community needs encouragement or a reminder that they belong? How can you intentionally reach out and be the church to them this week?