We were created for community! God’s design for His people is that we live, grow, and serve together. In “Life Is Better Together,” we’ll explore why biblical fellowship matters and how we find joy, strength, healing, and purpose when we choose connectedness over isolation.
Friends, have you ever found yourself feeling like you had to go it alone, that your burdens were yours and yours alone to bear? Our world often says, “Make it on your own!” But the Bible proclaims a radically different message: we need each other!
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…
Today, we’ll see that God designed us to live in community. We will look at why this matters, explore what stands in our way, and discover practical steps to build the kind of shared spiritual life that Christ intended.
I. Created for Community
From the very beginning, God’s design has been rooted in relationship. In Genesis, after creating Adam, God looked upon him and declared:
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV)
Imagine this: Adam dwelled in paradise with God, surrounded by beauty and peace. Yet, God Himself determined something was missing—relationship. Adam needed someone with whom to share the journey.
A. God’s Design God is relational. Even before creation, Father, Son, and Spirit shared eternal fellowship—perfect unity. We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 NIV), which means we’re created for meaningful connection, too.
B. Isolation was Never God’s Intention God remedies Adam’s aloneness with Eve. Out of that first couple comes the family, and from family comes community. The very foundation of life as God designed it is relationship.
C. We Reflect God Best Together Love, by definition, requires another person. You can’t demonstrate kindness, forgiveness, or grace when you’re alone. It’s in community that we learn to love sacrificially—to forgive, to encourage, to spur each other on.
Have you ever tried clapping with one hand? It just doesn’t work. But bring two hands together—and suddenly you have applause, rhythm, and music. That’s what happens when God’s people come together.
II. The Call to Spur One Another On
Let’s look again at our key passage: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…
A. Biblical Model The word “spur” is strong. It means to prod, motivate, to stir up! The Christian walk is not a spectator sport, but a group hike. We push and pull each other to keep moving forward in faith.
B. Growth Happens in Relationships Think about it. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17 NIV).
New King James Version As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
When we come alongside others, we help each other grow: – Accountability—someone to ask how we’re really doing. – Encouragement—someone to cheer us on when we falter. – Learning—wisdom is passed from one generation to another.
C. Meeting Together is Essential …not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25 NIV).
Being together isn’t optional for followers of Jesus. It’s the difference between coal staying hot in a fire or cooling when alone.
Picture a fireplace—when the logs are stacked together, they create a blazing fire. Separate them, and each one smolders out. Community keeps our faith burning bright.
III. Encouragement and Support in the Christian Journey
Let’s be honest: life isn’t always easy. …encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25 NIV).
A. Everyone Faces Struggles and Doubts From job losses to family challenges, from health scares to personal crises—none of us is immune. Even the strongest saints need a neighbor to lean on.
B. Your Presence Matters Do you know the Greek word for []“encourage” (parakaleo)? It literally means “to come alongside.” God puts us in each other’s lives for a reason. You might be the answer to someone’s prayer for hope today!
C. The Church as a Place of Strength The early church understood this. (42) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (44) All the believers were together and had everything in common… (Acts 2:42, 44 NIV).
Church should be a spiritual hospital, a training camp, and a family reunion all rolled into one.
I once heard of a family who went through a crisis. Their faith community rallied—meals delivered, prayers prayed, shoulders offered to cry on. Years later, the family testified, “We saw Jesus in our friends’ faces.”
IV. Barriers to Community – And How to Overcome Them
If community is so wonderful, why don’t we all just jump in? The truth is, many things stand in the way.
A. Busyness Let’s face it: schedules fill up fast. We start prioritizing soccer games, Netflix binges, or work projects—and gathering with others gets squeezed out.
Q: What are you prioritizing over connection with your church family?
B. Past Hurts Maybe you’ve been burned before. It’s tempting to pull away when community wounds us. But God calls us to risk again—to trust that with His help, healing is possible.
C. Cultural Pull Toward Individualism We celebrate “self-made” people. But Christian maturity isn’t developed in isolation. Paul reminds us: Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV).
D. Intentional Commitment …not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing… (Hebrews 10:25 NIV). To build relationship, we must show up—again and again. It takes intentionality.
I heard someone say, “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian!” That may be true—just like you don’t need to go home to be married. But if you stay away too long… things get cold real fast!
V. Practical Ways to Live This Out
A. Prioritize Gathering Make worship, small groups, and gatherings a regular part of your schedule. Don’t let other priorities crowd this out.
B. Encourage Each Week Look for someone to bless—send a note, make a call, pray for someone specifically this week.
C. Get Involved Serving alongside others forms deep bonds. Whether it’s ushering, teaching, cooking, or visiting—the more you serve, the more connected you become!
D. Pray for God’s Eyes Ask, “God, show me who needs encouragement, and help me to see them through your eyes.” Then take a step.
Think of community as a garden. It takes planting, watering, weeding, and patience. But the harvest is worth it.
Who has made a difference in your life?
Who might God want you to encourage this week?
Are you willing to push past comfort, busyness, or hurt, to step into the fullness of Christian community?
God’s vision for us is not just to believe, but to belong. To be His family, loving and supporting one another.
Call to Action: This week, take one tangible step—reach out to someone, commit to regular gathering. Be the answer to the “why” behind “we need each other.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us see one another as gifts. Give us courage to gather, grace to forgive, and eyes to notice the lonely and struggling among us. Knit us together into a community that shows the love of Christ to a watching world. Amen.
Have you ever tried assembling IKEA furniture without looking at the instruction manual? You look at the picture on the box, think, “I’ve got this,” and start piecing it together. But a few screws later, you realize something’s off. You step back, and the table you thought was perfect is wobbling, uneven, and just wrong. And worst of all — you have pieces left over!
Relationships often feel the same. We think we can navigate them through instinct, advice from friends, social media tips, or even past experience. But when conflict arises or things get shaky, we realize — maybe we’ve missed some critical instructions. Why? Because we weren’t designed to lead our relationships alone. God wants to lead our relationships — starting with our relationship with Jesus.
In John 15, Jesus gives us a powerful picture of what it means to depend on Him especially in the context of relationships. This passage isn’t just about staying spiritually connected — it’s about how staying connected to Jesus transforms the way we love, forgive, serve, and relate to one another.
Let’s explore three key truths from John 15:1–17 to understand how to trust God in our relationships — and how to let Him take the lead.
I. ABIDE IN CHRIST: RELATIONSHIPS FLOURISH WHEN ROOTED IN JESUS
John 15:1 NKJV
Verse 1 – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
Jesus uses a beautiful and intentional metaphor. He calls Himself the “true vine” — the source of life, nourishment, and sustenance. The branches? You and me. The vinedresser is God the Father — ever tending, pruning, and cultivating good fruit in us.
This kind of imagery is central to understanding relationships. Think of it: A branch disconnected from the vine withers. Without nourishment from the source, it becomes brittle and fruitless. The same is true of relationships that are disconnected from Christ. (Break a dried branch in front of the people)
Verse 4 – “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself… neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
We don’t just visit Jesus on Sundays. We make our home in Him. To “abide” means to remain, to dwell, to linger — not to occasionally visit.
Try forgiving someone without abiding in Jesus, and you might forgive them once, maybe twice. But abide in Jesus, and His Spirit produces fruit like patience, kindness, and long-suffering (Galatians 5:22–23).
Eph 4:32 NKJV
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Verse 5 – “Without Me you can do nothing.”
That’s a bold claim. Not “a few things,” but nothing. Zero spiritual fruit is possible apart from Jesus. Your romantic, family, or friendship connections may function apart from Christ — but they will never truly flourish. It is Christ who causes fruit to grow.
(v8) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
God delights when your relationships bear fruit — not just success or happiness — but love, service, patience, joy, and peace. That fruit displays His character to the world.
Application:
– Is Christ the foundation of your relationships?
– Are you spending consistent, abiding time with Him?
– Before you reach for your phone to text, swipe, or respond — have you reached for Jesus lately?
Abiding isn’t passive — it’s proximity. That daily connection with Jesus isn’t just for spiritual growth; it’s the power center for relational health.
II. WALK IN OBEDIENCE: LET GOD’S LOVE DIRECT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
John 15:9 NKJV
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.”
Jesus invites us deeper. Don’t just abide in Him — abide in His love. The same eternal love that the Father has for the Son is now offered to us. This is unchanging, secure, divine love.
But how do we abide in that love?
(v10) “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…”
Obedience is not a burden — it’s the posture of those who trust God. Obedience keeps us aligned with His love. Think of a parent giving safety instructions to their child — Obedience is not restriction, it’s protection.
(v12) “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Jesus raises the standard. “Love one another,” yes — but not just any way. “As I have loved you.”
How did Jesus love?
– He sacrificed.
– He forgave.
– He got low and washed feet.
– He called out truth — in love.
This kind of love isn’t mood-based. It’s obedience-based.
(v13) “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Jesus showed us the highest expression of love — sacrificial love. And what’s remarkable is that He modeled this love before we deserved it (Romans 5:8).
Romans 5:8 NKJV
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
A couple once came to counseling, bitter and ready to break up. “I just don’t love her anymore,” the husband said. The counselor said, “Then love her.” He was confused, and replied, “But I don’t feel anything!” The counselor said, “Who said love was a feeling? It’s a command. Start serving her, praying for her, communicating with her. Obey Jesus — and let the feelings follow.”
Weeks later, their marriage began to heal — not because of emotion, but because of obedience.
Application:
– Who are you struggling to love right now?
– Who are you waiting to change before you act in love?
– Are you obeying Jesus’ commandment or living off convenience?
Obedience leads to freedom. Why? Because God’s commands aren’t chains — they’re train tracks. They get you moving in the right direction.
III. FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS: THE RELATIONAL MODEL FOR ALL OTHERS
John 15:15 NKJV
“No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends.”
Stop and let that sink in. The God of heaven — the Holy One, Ruler, Creator — calls you friend. Not simply followers. Not just disciples. Friends. This is relationship, access, intimacy, and delight.
This transforms how we approach relationships:
– We don’t need to chase approval when we are already accepted by Jesus.
– We aren’t starved for validation when we are loved as friends of Christ.
– We aren’t slaves to past rejection when we are called friends by the One who never fails.
(v16) “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”
Even more — we were chosen. His love was not reactive; it was sovereign — initiated by Him. That’s the love you can build your friendships and marriage on.
Friendship with Jesus re-centers how we approach others. We no longer relate from a place of scarcity — but security.
(v17) “These things I command you, that you love one another.”
He circles back again. Love. Always love. Because when He leads, this becomes our lifestyle.
Joke: One little boy said to his friend, “I love you just like Jesus said.” His buddy replied, “Thanks! Wait — does that mean you’re gonna die for me?” He said, “No, but I’ll let you have my last slice of pizza!” Real friendships cost something, but they’re worth it.
Application:
– Trust God’s friendship as your anchor.
– Let Jesus’ love quiet your fear of rejection.
– Let your identity as His friend shape every other relationship you have.
Let’s revisit verse 11 again.
(V11) “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Joy. That’s the outcome of abiding, obeying, and trusting in His love.
We don’t need to lead our relationships blindly, painfully, or selfishly. We have a God who gives us instruction, walks with us, and shapes us into people who live — and love — like Jesus.
Recap/Call To Action:
Abide in Christ — because He is the source of all fruitfulness. Abide – Don’t try to love others without Jesus. Start your day abiding in Him, listening to His Word, surrendering your strengths and struggles.
Walk in obedience — because love isn’t a feeling, it’s a command. Make the hard choice to love even when it’s inconvenient or undeserved. Sacrifice your comfort to love someone for the sake of Christ.
Embrace friendship with Jesus — because He sets the standard for all other relationships. When you live from the acceptance of Jesus’ friendship, you can love from victory instead of for validation.
God wants to lead your relationships — not just repair them, but rewire them. Let the true Vine be your first and forever connection.
Kindly bow your heads and close your eyes.
Maybe you have never asked Jesus in your heart as Lord and Savior. He is the best relationship you could ever have. If that is you and you want Him as a friend, raise your hand. We need Him in our lives. There is no one like Him. He can be your best friend if you ask Him to be.
Closing Prayer:
Repeat after me: Lord Jesus, I ask you to come into my life. Be Lord of my life. Please be my best friend. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for being my Savior.
Father, thank You for being the Vinedresser who never gives up on us. Jesus, help us abide in You — moment by moment. Teach us to obey You, even when it hurts. Thank You for calling us Your friends. May our relationships bear much fruit and bring You honor. In Your name we pray, amen.
Have you ever faced a season so challenging, so hot with pressure, so overwhelming that it felt like you were walking through fire?
Let me start with a story. Several years ago, wildfires ravaged vast areas in California. One elderly couple, returning to the charred remains of what was once their home, walked through the ash and debris with heavy hearts. But amid the total devastation, they found something remarkable—an old, fire-baked ceramic plaque still sitting on the fireplace. It read, “God is faithful.”
And He is.
You see, the fires of life—those spiritual, emotional, financial, or physical trials—threaten to consume us. But they also reveal to us something invaluable: God is not absent in the fire. In fact, God is there like He has always promised.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV)
Notice it doesn’t say IF you pass through deep waters—it says WHEN. Every believer must walk through difficulty. But here’s the promise: you won’t walk through it alone.
Let’s explore four truths about trusting God through the trials we face.
I. God’s Promise: He Is With Us in Trials
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV)
“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NKJV)
Let’s be real—when you’re in the middle of hardship, you may feel like God’s a million miles away. But that feeling is not the fact.
According to Isaiah and Psalms, God is not distant in our trials—He is near. In fact, He’s often more evident during our suffering than in our smooth sailing.
Think about your own life. When did you feel you grew closest to God? It wasn’t when everything was easy. It was when everything seemed to fall apart—and you found He was holding everything together.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego comes to mind. Thrown into the fiery furnace because they wouldn’t bow to an idol, they should have perished. But what did King Nebuchadnezzar see?
He said, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Daniel 3:24–25 NKJV)
In the fire, they met Jesus.
Think about that. The fire that was meant to destroy them became the place where they encountered the very presence of God.
Let that sink in. The place designed to burn you down might just be the place where God shows up and walks with you.
II. God Shapes Our Faith in the Fire
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2–3 NKJV)
Let me make a confession—my first reaction in trials is rarely joy. I doubt I’m alone. But James says we are to count it all joy when we fall into trials?
Why? Because God is not just protecting us—He’s perfecting us.
“…that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory…” (1 Peter 1:7 NKJV)
Think about gold. It’s purified through fire. Gold doesn’t fear the fire—it needs it. The fire doesn’t change the gold—it reveals it.
Your faith is the same. Trials don’t create your faith; they show the quality of your faith. And in fire, impurities rise to the surface—fear, doubt, pride—and God refines us.
A quote from A.W. Tozer puts it this way:
“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”
That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But what Tozer is getting at is the truth that deeply tested faith becomes deeply rooted trust.
Sometimes we pray, “Lord, make me more like You.” But then we freak out when fiery trials come. Scripture assures us: the fire is doing just that—it’s shaping us.
What if we stopped seeing fire as punishment and started seeing it as preparation?
III. God Has Purpose in Every Trial
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
I know it’s hard to hear when you’re in pain, but it’s true: God has a purpose for your trial.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things—yes, even the bad ones—are ingredients in God’s mixing bowl to bring about good.
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NKJV)
Not all things are good. Cancer isn’t good. Divorce isn’t good. Abuse isn’t good. But our God is a Redeemer. He can take broken pieces and create something beautiful.
Job understood this at a gut level. After losing his children, his health, his wealth, and even the support of his wife and friends, Job declared—
“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 NKJV)
Imagine watching someone make a cake. Would you want to taste a raw egg by itself? Probably not. What about a spoonful of flour? Gross, right? But when the ingredients are mixed together and placed in the oven—they become something sweet.
Your life is the same. God is mixing the good, the bad, the ugly—and yes, the heat is necessary—to produce something that will nourish others and glorify Him. We have to realize life isn’t always about us. Our lives can minister to others.
He is not a careless chef. He is the Master Baker. Trust the hands you’re in.
IV. Responding to Trials with Trust
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)
So… how do we respond when life gets hard? Do we panic, try to fix everything, control people, stay up all night, overthink? Or do we lean in to trust?
Trusting is hard when we don’t understand. But Scripture tells us—we’re not meant to understand; we’re meant to believe.
It doesn’t say, “Understand all His ways.” It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)
Did you know that the first thing swimmers are told when drowning is to stop flailing? The struggle makes them sink faster. But the moment they stop fighting and learn to float—it saves them.
Maybe that’s a word for someone today. Stop flailing. Be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)
Stillness doesn’t mean pretending it doesn’t hurt. Stillness means we choose surrender. We say, “God, even when I don’t see a way—I know You are the Way.”
Let your trials draw you closer, not harden your heart. Trust the God who walks beside you.
Faith That Endures the Fire
Let’s return to where we started:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers shall not overflow you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV)
No matter what fire you’ve walked through—or are walking through now—you are not walking alone. He is with you.
Not only that, but you are being shaped, refined, and renewed.
And if you wonder whether God really sees you, listen to what He says just one verse earlier:
“But now, thus says the LORD… ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.’” (Isaiah 43:1 NKJV)
You are His. That’s your identity. That’s your security. And that’s where your faith can stand—even through the fire.
Call to Action
If you’re in a fire today—don’t walk through it alone.
Let the fire forge faith. Let it refine your hope. Let it bring you deeper into the presence of the One who never leaves your side.
Closing Prayer
Father,
Thank You that fires don’t intimidate You. In fact, You move right into the center of them with us. For every broken heart, every wounded soul, every uncertain step—we ask for Your comfort, Your presence, and Your refining work. Teach us to trust You. Let our faith deepen as we walk through the fire—knowing You walk right beside us. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
I. Introduction: The Challenge of Delay
If you’ve ever had to stand in a long DMV line, wait for a table when you’re starving, or sat in traffic with your gas light on, then I can tell—you already know the agony of waiting.
Let’s be real. Waiting is not something we’re naturally good at. We live in a culture of Amazon Prime, microwave meals, and Wi-Fi that better not buffer for more than one second.
We want things now.
We want our healing now.
Our breakthrough now.
Our spouse now.
Our promotion now.
But here’s the truth: God’s timeline is not our timeline, and His ways are not our ways.
Have you ever prayed for something only to wait…and wait…and wait some more?
We find ourselves asking, “God, why are You taking so long?” Or maybe, “God, have You forgotten about me?” But I want to encourage you today with this truth: Waiting is not wasting. When we wait in faith, we grow in strength. God often does His deepest work in us during the delay.
Let’s let Isaiah 40:31 serve as our foundation for this message: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)
There is promise in the pause. There is purpose in the delay. God does some of His deepest work in the waiting. But there is also a right way to wait—waiting well.
II. Waiting Is Not Passive – It’s Active Faith
Waiting on God doesn’t mean sitting back in despair or folding our arms in bitterness. Waiting, in a biblical sense, is about moving forward with trust and expectation that God is doing something—even when we can’t see it.
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
David, the man after God’s own heart, reminds us that waiting is an act of courage. It doesn’t look passive—it looks brave. So what does active waiting actually look like?
A. Active Waiting Involves:
I. Prayerful Expectation
We don’t wait in silence; we wait in prayer. Not just pleading, but listening. Not just asking for outcomes, but inviting God’s perspective.
Colossians 4:2 NKJV
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
Prayer changes us. It realigns our hearts with God’s heart. In prayer, we move from “God change my situation” to “God change me.”
2. Obedience in the Present
Waiting well means staying faithful to what God has last told you. Maybe God called you to serve, to stay, or to give—and you haven’t seen fruit yet. Obedience is the plow that tills the soil of blessing. Sometimes the next step comes after continued obedience in the current one.
3. Cultivating Trust Over Time
Trust isn’t built in seconds; it’s forged over long seasons. To wait well means you let go of control and surrender the timeline to God.
Let me ask you: Are you waiting with frustration or with faith? Because waiting with faith is what activates strength in the spirit.
III. God’s Timing Is Perfect
God’s clock operates on a sovereign schedule. Sometimes we feel late. Other times we feel like God is late. But hear me: God may be slow by human standards, but He is never late by heavenly design.
God observes from a divine aerial view, while we only see what’s ten feet ahead.
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
There’s a blessing in the waiting, not because we love the delay, but because we learn to trust the One who holds time in His hands.
A. God’s Delays Are Often for Our Development
I. To Refine Our Character
Have you ever noticed that some of the strongest people you know have also gone through some of the longest waits?
James 1:3 NKJV
“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
Waiting reveals what’s in us. It reveals our idols, our impulses, and our priorities. But it also builds spiritual muscle—patience, humility, perseverance.
2. To Prepare Circumstances
God isn’t just working in you; He’s working around you. That delay may mean He’s preparing a person, a place, or a purpose behind the scenes. What you call a “setback” may actually be a set up.
Think of a symphony. Every instrument must come in at just the right moment. If any section starts too early, it ruins the beauty. God is composing a masterpiece in your life, and He will cue your moment at the perfect time.
B. Delay Is Never Denial
Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come…”
God has not said “no”—He has said “not yet.” And if God gave you the dream, you better believe He’ll bring it to fulfillment.
IV. Promise of Strength and Renewal in the Wait
There’s a beautiful truth tucked inside Isaiah 40:31. The word “renew” doesn’t just mean restore. In Hebrew, it implies exchange. When we wait, we exchange our weakness for His strength.
Let that sink in.
When we’re exhausted, anxious, and tired of waiting, God doesn’t just pat us on the back—He gives us His strength.
A. Levels of Strength in Isaiah 40:31:
I. “Mount up with wings like eagles” – Supernatural breakthroughs
This is the moment when God moves suddenly and you soar. These are the divine accelerations.
2. “Run and not be weary” – Sustained momentum
We don’t always get the mountaintop, but God gives us grace to endure the race.
3. “Walk and not faint” – Daily faithfulness in the mundane
Sometimes the miracle is just making it through another Monday with your peace intact. Faithfulness isn’t always flashy—it’s consistent.
And all three aspects of strength come not before the wait, but through the wait.
V. How to Wait Well
So what can we do right now to make sure we’re waiting well?
A. Be Anchored in Word and Worship
Get in your Bible. Find Scriptures that speak to God’s promises and speak them over your circumstances. Did you know that our Worship shifts atmospheres. Even in silence, your song becomes a weapon.
B. Build Community Support
Waiting can feel isolating. The enemy loves to whisper lies when you’re alone. Surround yourself with people who remind you of God’s faithfulness. Find a Life Group. Stay connected. That’s why coming to church is so important.
C. Watch for God’s Hand in the Small Things
Sometimes we miss God because we’re expecting Him to shout, but often times He comes in a whisper. It’s in the text from a friend, the song on the radio, or the sunrise you didn’t deserve to see.
Elijah waited for a dramatic display—and God didn’t come in fire, wind, or earthquake. He came in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). Sometimes the whisper is the wonder.
VI. Conclusion: The Reward of Those Who Wait
Let’s land the plane right where we started:
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”
Waiting doesn’t have to deplete you—it can deepen you. Waiting doesn’t mean punishment—it points to preparation. And waiting doesn’t mean you’re forgotten—it means you’re being formed.
What if the waiting is where the blessing begins? May we be a church that doesn’t just wait… but waits well.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
There is beauty in divine timing. I encourage you to lean into the wait with faith. It’s not wasted time; it’s a sacred space where God molds your heart, sharpens your purpose, and strengthens your spirit. The door will open in His perfect timing. Let us choose to wait well.
Have you ever driven through heavy fog? The kind of fog where turning on your high beams only makes it harder to see? You grip the steering wheel a little tighter, slow down, maybe even lean forward as if that will somehow help you keep your eyes on the road. In those moments, your headlights don’t show you five miles ahead—but they’re enough to show you what’s immediately in front of you. Each foot forward reveals the next.
Life can feel a lot like that—foggy, uncertain, hard to navigate. And in those seasons, you don’t need the full five-mile view. You need the assurance that the next step is lit. God doesn’t promise to show us the whole journey, but He promises His presence in every step. As we open the Word today, God wants to remind us that when the way isn’t clear—His Word is.
I. God’s Word Brings Clarity in Confusion
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)
This verse doesn’t say God’s word is a sun to my whole journey. It says it’s a lamp to my feet. A lamp doesn’t flood the entire forest with light—it only helps you see enough not to trip over what’s immediately in front of you.
God’s Word won’t always spell out the five-year plan or tell you where every turn is going, but it will anchor your next step. Like a lantern on a dark trail, Scripture helps guide us—one obedient moment at a time.
Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? They didn’t receive a GPS with a predefined route from Egypt to Canaan. What they got was just enough direction for each day.
“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” (Exodus 13:21 NKJV)
God gave daily direction—not the itinerary. And He does the same with us. So when confusion rattles your heart and the road ahead looks dim—don’t panic. Don’t demand the five-year plan. Trust His light for the next faithful step.
We will never know the joy of true freedom until we understand we cannot take a single step without His help.
What is the one “next step” God has clearly shown you—even if you don’t yet see why?
II. Fear and Faith Cannot Share the Same Space
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
Faith does not require full sight—it requires steady trust. But uncertainty can be a breeding ground for fear. Fear says, “What if God doesn’t show up?” Faith says, “God already has, and He will again.”
You can’t simultaneously give your heart to fear and to faith. One has to quiet the other. When we trust God in the unknowns, we’re not denying reality—we’re leaning into a greater one.
Trust doesn’t eliminate questions, but it tells us who holds the answers.
Peter walked on water toward Jesus. As long as his gaze stayed fixed on Christ, the waves didn’t matter. But as soon as his focus shifted to fear, he began to sink (Matthew 14:30). The storm didn’t change—only his focus did.
Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
What voices are louder in your life right now—fear’s whispers or faith’s promises?
Speak God’s Word into what you fear. Don’t let fear have the final word.
III. Remember What God Has Done
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2 NKJV)
When you’re unsure of the present, recall the past.
God has a track record in your life—and it’s good. But trouble has a way of giving us spiritual amnesia. That’s why Scripture repeatedly reminds us: don’t forget.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to build altars of remembrance—markers of moments when God intervened, provided, protected, or delivered.
Imagine flipping through a photo album of moments when God was faithful to you. Maybe it was the job He provided, the healing you experienced, the unexpected peace during grief. When you remember those moments, it changes your outlook. Even if you can’t see the next step, you know who’s led every previous one.
Start a spiritual journal. Write down answered prayers, moments of provision, hard seasons where God sustained you. These become landmarks of faith when you feel lost in the fog.
IV. Seek God, Not Just Answers
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)
Can we be honest? Most of our prayers in uncertainty sound like, “Lord, tell me what to DO.” But God is often saying, “Come close and know who I AM.” God is more interested in us knowing Him than in us knowing the plan!
Sometimes, God’s direction isn’t about the answer—it’s about intimacy. He doesn’t just want to give instructions; He wants to be with you in the questions.
When Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, and Martha was busy working, Jesus said Mary had chosen the good part (Luke 10:42). Mary wasn’t seeking solutions. She was seeking proximity, closeness, and getting to know Jesus, And that was the better choice.
Set aside time not just for seeking answers but for worship, prayer, fasting, and listening. Your most powerful prayer during an unclear season might simply be: “Lord, align my heart with Yours.”
Ask yourself, “Am I more concerned with what God wants me to do—or who He is shaping me to become?”
V. Obedience Today Prepares the Way for Tomorrow
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 NKJV)
Sometimes the clearest path into an unclear future is simple obedience today.
If you’re waiting to know what comes next, ask: What has God already asked of me that I haven’t yet done?
Obedience doesn’t require full clarity. It requires full surrender.
-Noah didn’t know when the rain was coming. He just knew he had to build the ark (Genesis 6:22).
-Abraham didn’t know where he was going—he just knew God said “Go” (Hebrews 11:8).
Scripture is filled with people who embraced a foggy future because they trusted the One sending them.
Think of how a GPS works. It doesn’t give you every instruction at once. It waits—sometimes until the very last second—to give the next command. Why? Because if it told you too early, you might forget. It gives you what you need exactly when you need it.
God’s guidance is often the same. He isn’t withholding; He’s timing.
What step of obedience have I delayed because I’m waiting for more clarity?
Conclusion: The Light for the Next Step
The still, quiet voice of God speaks best in the unknown.
When the path is unclear, choose the lamp. When the answers are hidden, trust the Guide. God may not show you the full map, but He promises never to leave your side.
Our job is not to guess the distance, but to walk obediently, step by step, one step at a time, in the light He provides. His word is a lamp. His Spirit is a comforter. His history is trustworthy.
So, when the way isn’t clear—hold onto what is:
– God is with you.
– God is for you.
– God’s Word is enough for your next step.
Be the kind of person who says: “I don’t see the whole road, but I trust the One holding the lamp.”
Prayer
“Lord, when I cannot see the full path, help me to trust the light You’ve given me. Let Your Word continue to guide my next step, and may I follow You with faithful obedience even in the uncertainty. May I choose faith over fear, Your presence over answers, and obedience over delay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Let me start with a little confession—I am not a big fan of roller coasters. One time, on a youth group trip, I got talked into riding one of those sky-high looping monsters. As we were slowly climbing to the top—click, click, click—I could feel fear creeping in. My stomach was in knots. My mind raced. And despite being surrounded by friends, I felt utterly ALONE in that moment. Ever been there?
Now, roller coasters are one thing—but life has its own terrifying heights: job loss, doctor reports, broken relationships, financial uncertainty, or global crises. Fear, in all its forms, is one of the most universal human experiences. And yet, over and over again, Scripture tells us, “Do not be afraid.” In fact, it’s one of the most repeated commands in the Bible. One theologian said, “Fear not” appears in the Bible 365 times—one for every day of the year.
But here’s the tension: How do we “fear not” when we live in a world filled with things that seem fear-worthy?
Today, we’re going to walk word by word through Isaiah 41:10 and discover how to move from fear to faith—how to live grounded, even in uncertain times. If you have your Bibles or Bible apps, would you turn with me to Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)?
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) —
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
I. God’s Command: “Don’t Be Afraid”
Isaiah 41:10a – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you…”
I want you to notice something powerful: “Don’t be afraid” is not a soft suggestion—it’s a direct command from the Almighty God. This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a command wrapped in a promise.
Why does God command us not to fear? Because He knows how easily our hearts drift into fear, especially when we feel alone, uncertain, or overwhelmed.
Fear feeds on isolation. It tells us lies like “You’re by yourself in this,” or “No one understands,” or “You’re in too deep.” And this is where God counters that lie:
“Don’t be afraid, FOR I AM WITH YOU.”
The presence of God is the antidote to the power of fear.
King David knew this well. In Psalm 23:4 (NLT), he writes:
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Not if I walk through the valley—but when.
Fear is not about circumstances—it’s about focus. []Are we focused on the darkness of the valley, or the presence of the Shepherd?
God never promised we wouldn’t have valleys—He promised we wouldn’t walk through them alone.
Let’s pause and reflect: What valley are you walking through right now? Does fear have a grip on your heart? Have you forgotten who is walking with you?
II. God’s Identity: “I Am Your God”
Isaiah 41:10b – “Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God…” Some translations state “Dismayed.”
Discouragement is the natural next step after fear has taken root. When we fear long enough, we start to lose hope. We become emotionally drained. Spiritually depleted.
But God inserts a personal declaration right here:
“I am YOUR God.”
He is not just a God. He is not just the God of Abraham or Moses or the prophets. He says to YOU: “I AM YOUR GOD.”
This personal belonging reminds us that our identity is not rooted in our problems—it’s rooted in God’s promises.
Jeremiah 32:27 (NLT) reminds us who is speaking here.
“I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”
Let that sink in. The Creator of the cosmos—the One who spoke galaxies into existence—says, “I am your God.” And then He asks, “Is anything too hard for me?”
Let me tell you about a woman named Maria who was diagnosed with cancer. At first, fear rushed in like a flood. But one of the things she clung to was this truth: “I am your God.” She said, “If this God carried Daniel through the lion’s den, and carried Paul through prison, He can carry me through chemo.” Her faith can remind all of us that our God is not distant and impersonal—He is close and relentlessly personal.
So let’s ask ourselves honestly: Who or what have we allowed to become our god in difficulty? Anxiety? Control? Our own efforts?
God is saying, “Put your trust in Me—I am YOUR God.”
III. God’s Provision: Strength, Help, and Support
Isaiah 41:10c – “I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
This verse moves from command to identity to provision. It’s not just “Don’t be afraid” and “I’m God”—but it’s this: “I am WITH you and I’m WORKING for you.”
Let’s break down these three divine assurances.
a. “I will strengthen you”
This isn’t just physical strength—it’s emotional resilience, spiritual energy, courage to take another step.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), Jesus tells Paul:
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
So Paul responds, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b NLT)
God gives you boldness in the moments you feel most broken.
b. “I will help you”
This promise is active. God is not passive. He doesn’t sit on the sidelines of your life.
Psalm 46:1 (NLT) says:
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Always ready. Not sometimes. Not maybe. Not if you earn it. Always.
c. “I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”
This is not just about surviving the storm—it’s about overcoming it with His strength.
Romans 8:37 (NLT) declares:
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”
God is not offering you just a hand-up—He’s offering His victorious right hand. The same hand that raised Jesus from death is the hand holding you.
Conclusion: Will We Trust…?
Fear is real. We’ve all felt its icy grip.
But here’s the hope: God is greater than our fears.
• His presence extinguishes fear.
– His identity strengthens courage.
– His provision guarantees victory.
So here’s the question:
Will we choose fear, or will we trust the One who commands us, “Fear not”?
Let me finish with a beautiful call from Isaiah 43:1 (NLT):
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’”
You are not abandoned. You are ransomed. You are named. You are His.
• Invitation to Trust
Right now, I want you to take a moment in God’s presence. With open hands and bowed heads, identify where fear has taken root in your life.
Is it your health? Your future? Your marriage? A dream that feels dead?
Then hear God’s whisper to your heart today:
Isaiah 41:10 –
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will hold you up.”
Let’s respond to that promise. Let’s lean into His presence instead of our panic.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for reminding us that You are greater than fear. For every heart that’s burdened today, would You lift it? For every weary soul—would You strengthen? For every discouraged person—would You hold them up with Your victorious right hand? We choose to trust You… not our fears. You are our God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
People need hope. I believe we will walk into those low places with people who need Jesus, offering them the entrance to the door of hope whose name is Jesus Christ. As a Christian, we have the answer to all the world’s problems and we should be sharing it to all we meet.
Joel 3:14
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”
There will be multitudes who need hope. They will make a decision to come to Christ and live passionately for Him. There will be people who are haunted by their past, cannot cope with the present, and have no hope for their future.
Today, people have put their hope in so many things and all of them have failed them. They are looking for the real deal. They want to see genuine people expressing living hope. They are attracted to that.
What Jesus did on the cross is everything. He died so that we might live. But He didn’t stay in the grave, No, He is risen. He is alive! It gives us hope for tomorrow.
Hope is the sustainer of life. It’s the motivator to action. It’s the promise of tomorrow. What each one of us needs more of is hope. What our country and world needs is hope.
What is hope? Often we use the word hope as a form of wish. “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” “I hope the Seahawks or Bulldogs win their next game.” However, hope in the Bible, has quite a different meaning.
Hope in the Bible is a “confident expectation of a divinely provided future.”
Biblical hope is a confidence and expectation that God has provided for a good future for you. This morning God wants to fill every person here with hope that God has a great future planned for you.
The opposite of hope is despair or hopelessness. We see examples of despair and hopelessness all around us.
”Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
I would like to add to this quote;
“Despair cannot drive out despair: only HOPE can do that.”
Pastor Kris Belfils
How many times do we try to drive out our own despair with more despair? This will never bring encouragement.
The word despair means: “A state in which all hope is lost or absent, The feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well, abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart. Other terms: Discouragement, disheartenment, dismay, hopelessness, pessimism, resignation, surrender.”
This happens to many people everyday. When a tragedy occurs or our expectations have not been met, we can fall into despair easily. We can fall into despair just by thinking wrong thoughts about our self and others.
There are really only two things you can have in life:
1. Despair
2. Hope
Hope in the dictionary means: “A general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled, grounds for feeling hopeful about the future, Someone, or something on which expectations are centered.”
Having hope is so essential to surviving in life. If we lose hope, we have lost the race.
Despair and hopelessness drives people to harm themselves or others in many ways. Hopelessness leads people to try to escape life’s despair through different kinds of addictions. Despair about your future saps the joy from life when it comes to our future.
This is what the world is experiencing today. They have no hope. Some tried to put their hope in the Government or financial institutes, some in their education, some in what they buy or wear. All these things will leave you hopeless.
Psalms 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
This verse is telling us to put our hope in God and to praise Him for saving us from our trouble.
What are you thinking? Are you thinking despairing thoughts? Then you will be filled with despair! Despair and discouragement are dead end roads. They lead to no where!They don’t get anything done.
Discouragement leads to despair, despair leads to feelings of anxiety and hopelessness, hopelessness leads to depression and suicidal thoughts, and suicidal thoughts leads down a path of total darkness.
If you are feeling despair, don’t jump to Satan’s illusions. Remind yourself that you are valuable and God has a plan for your life. Tell yourself that your current condition is not permanent. It will pass. Tell yourself you can stand in the midst of all the bad. Also distinguish the difference of something that is truth about you or your situation, or just a lie or illusion the enemy is trying to sabotage you with.
In the natural, darkness always makes us scared, but sunshine and light make us feel safe and happy. The doom and gloom go away instantly when light is put on the subject.
Light is the only thing that can drive out darkness. We sometimes wallow in self-pity or focus on the negative, thinking you will feel better, and the dark cloud will lift. This will never happen. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, and despair cannot drive out despair.
We have to guard against darkness in our hearts and minds. The best way is to focus on, and bring in the light.
Psalm 36:9 (NKJV)
“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”
John 12:46 (NKJV)
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.”
1 Thess 5:5 (NKJV)
“You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.”
John 1:5 (NKJV)
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
We have to set our minds on new things, and what God is capable of doing. We have to turn our thoughts from the bad and purposely set our thoughts on the good.
Jesus said this about our light:
Matthew 5:14 – 16 (NKJV)
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Now let us take a look at Psalm 146 and see what the LORD is doing in our lives, which brings us much hope:
Psalm 146 (NKJV)
“PRAISE the LORD! (Hallelujah) Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not put your trust (hope) in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirt departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever – Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
To overcome Hopelessness we need to remind ourself
who the LORD is in our life:
(Based on Psalm 146)
Praise the LORD! (Ps. 146:1 – 2)
Do not put your hope in princes or in man as they will perish (146:3 – 4)
Put your hope in the LORD – it will make you happy (Ps. 146:5)
The LORD made the heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is in them (Ps. 146:6)
The LORD is the keeper of truth forever (Ps. 146:6)
The LORD executes justice for the oppressed (146:7)
The LORD gives food to the hungry (146:7)
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners (146:7)
The LORD watches over the strangers (146:8)
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind (146:8)
The LORD raises those who are bowed down (146:8)
The LORD loves the righteous (146:8)
The LORD watches over the strangers (146:9)
The LORD relieves the fatherless and widow (146:9)
The LORD turns the way of the wicked upside down (146:9)
The LORD shall reign forever, to all generations (146:10)
Psalm 27:14 (God’s Word)
“Wait with hope for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
Yes, wait with hope for the LORD.”
We have to wait with hope for God. We have to be courageous and strong in our waiting. The word; “wait” was a bad four letter word to me. I hated waiting. Waiting made me feel I did something wrong. It made me feel I wasn’t ready. But, this is not why we have to wait at times. Waiting helps us to mature in Christ. Waiting burns out the impatience in us. Waiting is better then rushing into something without God’s wisdom and direction.
Human nature gives up easily when we pray and don’t see our prayers answered. We pray once, and no answer, so we give up, or think it is not God’s will. We have to be persistent in our prayers and in faith. God is looking for people who have their hope in Him and don’t give up when they don’t see an answer to their prayer.
A great example of praying and not giving up is Elijah. I am sure Elijah waited with hope as he prayed to God for rain to come.
Elijah could have given up after the first time praying for rain and then sending his servant to go up mount Carmel to see if any clouds were forming. Elijah’s hope was in God and he believed God would come through. Again and again Elijah prayed without any answer to his prayer. He pressed in and continued to pray.
Elijah persevered and kept praying and believing God would come through. He was relentless! He didn’t stop praying until God gave him a sign. It was in a form of a cloud the size of a man’s hand. It was all he needed to move on in his life. God gives little clouds to spark hope in our hearts that He is working and bringing the answer.
We can learn from this great man of God. We too need to keep praying without giving up. We too need to believe God will answer in spite of our circumstances or what we see or don’t see happening.
The hope is knowing God is faithful! What He did before He will do again. He used men and women in the Bible to bring about His agenda and His Kingdom. He wants to use us too.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith in action requires a time of waiting. The word “Hope” is interchanged with the word wait in the Bible. HOPE: Is the place between praying and answered prayer!
It can seem like God didn’t hear us or holds his answer from us.
Where can we get the hope that we need in life? …….Our hope comes from Jesus.
Matthew 12:21 (NIV)
“In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Some people put their hope in wrong things and they are disappointed. But everyone who puts their hope in Jesus will never be disappointed.
Hope for the multitudes to give them a door of hope in trying times!
Hope is the only thing that stands against fear. Having hope propels you to keep trying in the middle of your fears. This is the action or active part of hope. Hope helps us to stay focused. If we don’t have hope, we will fall into our fears and doubts and give up.
Let Hope arise in you today! The Hope of Jesus Christ is powerful. No one can take that away from you. Hope sustains you. Hope keeps you.
You might be living in a hard situation right now. It might seem hopeless, but remind yourself Who is living inside of you! Jesus, the conqueror of death! Jesus, the giver of new life and new beginnings!
Door of Hope
Hosea 2:15
“I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.”
This verse is for all who are facing trouble right now, be it financial trouble, family trouble, physical trouble. I don’t care what trouble you have, maybe emotional trouble? God will give you hope in the middle of your troubles.
“Her” is basically Israel, but can refer to all of us as God’s people today. “I will give her…” we are the bride of Christ! We are so blessed. We can be called “him” and “her;” the bride of Christ.
“I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.”
What a wonderful prophecy. Now, see the words, “door of hope?” In Hebrew; Pethach tiqvah. There is a Jewish Anthem entitled; “The Hope.” HATIKVAH it is sung to remember that as long as deep in the heart a Jewish soul yearns and looks to Zion our hope will not be lost.
Hope doesn’t mean; “I hope things will happen.” No, hope means it will happen. What you dream and believe in God will happen. God will meet the desires of your heart. God says, “Have hope!” Man says, “Don’t raise your hope.” God says, “Raise your hopes as high as the throne of God, hallelujah! Amen!” You have a God. Those other people who say, “Don’t raise your hope.” They don’t have a god. You have a God of grace, of goodness, of mercy!
Do you know where He puts this door of hope? Do you know where to find the door of hope? God says there’s no temptation, no testings, no trials that has come on you that God will not give you the strength, and will find the way of escape. There is a door in every test! There is a door. Where do you find this door of hope? In the Valley of Achor! What is the Valley of Achor? Listen this is a word for all of you!
The word Achor means: trouble in Hebrew (Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary).
It means trouble! Wow, in your valley of trouble. When you are in trouble you don’t feel like you are on the mountain, no, you are in the valley. You may say, “Pastor Kris I have all these bills looming. I feel crushed.” God says, “In your valley of trouble I will open to you a door of hope!” “Pastor Kris, you don’t understand. The Doctors have given me some bad news.” You are going through a valley now and God is going to put the door of hope before you. And every time you open this door you step into life more abundantly (John 10:10). You will find pasture. God puts a door there.
Listen, don’t open other doors that man tries to put there. The Door is Jesus. When you open the Door you will find life, and life more abundantly!
So what trouble are you going through right now? God is putting right now, in your valley, a Door of hope. His name is Jesus, and what do you do with a door? Open it. Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” Once He comes in your sickness goes out! Once He comes in your lack goes out! Once He comes in, peace in the house. And by the way people forget that Jesus says, “I knock at the door” in Revelation 3:20. It is not written for sinners. It is written for the church. Okay, but He invites you to open the door. He will not break down the door. The door of grace has only one knob and it is not out side, the knob is inside. Jesus can only knock, you have to open the door and say, “Lord Jesus, come into my trouble, come into my mess. Lord, I don’t know what to do, my hands are off.” Then Jesus will say, “Come you will find pasture and life more abundant has come.”
Zacheous opened his door and said, “Come in,” and Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house!” Hallelujah! Amen! Let’s do that right now!
God promises you and I many things, and unlike people who promise and renege (go back on a promise), God never will. He always fulfills what He promises.
God’s promises are seeds of faith, hope, and love. They are not given as options to enhance our lives occasionally, but as means that God can use to change our lives permanently. They are bridges that take us from the bondage of our old life to the freedom of our new life in Christ. They transport us from despair to hope.
2 Peter 1:3 – 4 NLT
As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living and godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. []He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.
When we fill our mind with the promises of God, God fills our lives with what we need. The promises empower us to overcome the doubts that erode our confidence. They open our eyes to the power and possibilities in Christ. They show us a new way to respond to life’s challenges and heartaches. They are God’s guides to our spiritual growth and vitality. As you study these promises, here are four specific ways that they will encourage and strengthen you.
4 Ways God’s Promises encourage and strengthen you
1. God’s promises remind you of God’s love for you.
One of our greatest hindrances in times of trouble is our doubt that God is interested in our situation. Deep down, most of us assume that God doesn’t really care about our “little” problems because he is preoccupied with “bigger” things. But Jesus teaches us quite the opposite.
Luke 12:6 – 7 NLT
What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid’ you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
2. Let God’s promises enlarge your vision of what God can do.
When we take our eyes off of God, everything else is magnified. When we magnify God, everything else assumes its proper proportion. God’s promises are like corrective lenses, bringing our circumstances back into proper focus. They help us see life from an eternal perspective.
Romans 8:35, 38 – 39 NLT
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? … I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The Angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. When ever we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If we live our lives claiming God’s promises, nothing that life throws our way can come between us and God. Nothing can get in God’s way. Difficult circumstances are often when God reveals his infinite love and care for us most powerfully.
Psalm 138:8 The Passion Translation
“You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me!
Since Your love for me is so constant and endless,
I ask You, Lord, to finish every good thing
that You’ve begun in me!”
3. Let God’s promises overcome the power of discouragement and pessimism.
God’s promises break the spell that holds us in bondage to the lies, distortions, and deceptions of the devil. Many of us have a tendency to expect the worst. We assume that bad things will happen and brace ourselves for disaster.
We lose perspective because we look at our situation in the light (or the dimness) of human limitations and obstacles. But when the power of one of God’s promises breaks in, it’s like someone has turned on a bright light. We snap out of it and realize we have forgotten the most important factor in any situation: the God factor. As Paul says…
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
4. Let God’s promises show you new ways to respond in faith.
When we are stressed, we tend to lose our sight of the many possible responses to our situation. God’s promises expand our repertoire by reminding us that we can respond differently because of who we are and what we have in Christ. When we hear Paul say from prison,
Philippians 4:13 NLT
I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
We realize that our joy is based on our trust in God’s power, not our outward circumstances. God’s promises remind us that God works in ways we cannot imagine. We read in …
Leviticus 26:8 NLT
Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
A similar promise is found…
Joshua 23:10 NLT
Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.
The Israelites watched God destroy the armies of Pharaoh without their having to lift a finger.
God used David to overcome Goliath with a single smooth stone. God enabled Gideon’s three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and the Lord used one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts.
The power of God working through his promises enables us to attempt the unthinkable, to endure the unbearable, and even to forgive the unforgivable.
The power of the promises is rooted in the character of God and the power of his word. When we plant the seeds of the promises in our heart, they will bear fruit that will nourish us through life’s toughest time. As the Lord promises in …
Isaiah 55:10 – 11 NLT
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my words. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Trust God’s Promises
Let’s look at some promises on trusting God. This really is the beginning or foundation of standing on God’s promises. If we don’t trust God, we won’t believe His promises. If we don’t trust God, His Word will mean nothing to us.
2 Samuel 22:31 – 33 Amplified Bible
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to me because I trust and take refuge in Him. For who is God but the Lord? And who is a Rock except our God? God is my strong Fortress; He guides the blameless in His way and sets me free!
God’s ways are perfect. His Word has been tried and is true. He is a Shield to us and we can trust Him, take refuge in Him, and depend on Him. There is no one, nothing like our God. He is immovable and a place to hide in times of trouble. We are blameless because of His Son, and we are set free from sin, depression, distress, and so much more all because we trust in the Lord and stand on His promises.
Psalm 2:2 Amplified Bible
I am blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) because I seek refuge and put my trust in the Lord.
We are blessed when we trust the Lord. It brings us peace and assurance that we don’t have to try and figure things out, but that we can rely on the Lord to help us in any situation.
Psalm 18:2 – 3 Amplified Bible
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. I call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.
There is always a result for our trusting in God and His word. In this case, God promises to be Lord, a Rock, a Fortress, A Deliverer, Strength, Refuge, Shield, Horn (projection) of salvation, a High and strong tower where the righteous can run to and are safe. We shall be saved from our enemies when we trust in the Lord for protection. All of these are promises for trusting in God.
Psalm 20:7 Amplified Bible
Some trust in Chariots, and some in horses’ but I remember (trust) the name of the Lord my God.
People have false security in so many things; Jobs, money, relationships, cars, their home, their education, how thing think, their own abilities, and so much more. If we replaced the words Chariots and horses, with some of the things I just mentioned, it would read like this:
“Some trust in jobs or money, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” “Some trust in education and their own abilities, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
What this verse is saying is that anything earthly that you trust in can and will fail, but the name of the Lord will never fail us. Relationships will fade, homes can get burned up, education doesn’t promise you a job or income, cars, or our own abilities will fail us, but God will never fail. He is trustworthy.
Psalm 31:14 – 15 Amplified Bible
I trust in, rely on, and am confident in You, O Lord; I say, You are my God. My times are in Your hands.
God is the one who created us. He knows our beginning and our end on this earth. Our times are truly in His hands. We can be confident that He has our best interest at heart. Who else to trust in then our Creator and sustainer. It is a win – win situation. God wants us to trust and rely on Him, and in turn He takes care of us.
Psalm 56:3 – 4 Amplified Bible
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
There is something more important then life on earth; Eternal life in Heaven. Because of this, if man steals from us, tortures us, belittles us, ignores us, it doesn’t matter, they can NEVER take God away from us, no matter how hard they try or threat. People can take our cars, our homes, and even our friendships on earth, but they can NEVER take our relationship with God from us. That is why Christians have been targeted all over the world. We have something that no one can take away. We have a promise from the ultimate Promise Giver that brings life and freedom in the face of turmoil. It is something the world doesn’t understand until they make the same decision we have; Accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and live for Him on this earth. Giving God control brings FREEDOM!
Proverbs 3:5 – 8 Amplified Bible
I lean on, trust in, and am, confident in the Lord with all my heart and mind and I do not rely on my own insight or understanding. In all my ways I know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He directs and makes straight and plain my paths. I am not wise in my own eyes; I reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to my nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to my bones.
These are my favorite verses in the Bible. I have lived by them all my Christian life. Don’t lean on and rely on anything or anyone else but the Lord. Put your whole heart, mind, and passions into it. Trust God’s wisdom. Don’t rely on your own understanding or insight. Whatever we do, wherever we go, God is with you, so keep Him first and foremost in your thoughts and life. Don’t get haughty and think you know everything, because you don’t. Fear and worship the Lord and turn away from anything evil. Turn away from anything that doesn’t please the Lord, anything that goes contrary to His Word.
Proverbs 29:25 Amplified Bible
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.
Amen, Amen, Amen! Don’t fall in the trap of being afraid of people. Don’t get snared in trying to win their approval. Who is man that we want them to approve of us anyway? God is the only one we should desire for His approval. Put your confidence in God and He will set you on high. He will lift you up. He will even prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23). That is the God we love and serve. Man will let you down. People will disprove of you. It is okay, because you have God’s approval. Nothing else matters.
Nahum 1:7 Amplified Bible
The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.
The Lord is good! He is strong and Who we can cling to in trouble. He knows everything about us, and understands us even when others don’t. We can take refuge and trust in Him always.
Hebrews 2:13 Amplified Bible
My trust and assured reliance and confident hope is fixed in Him.
Fix your hope, your confidence on the Lord. He is the best foundation to stand on. All other ground is sinking sand. God will never put you to shame for trusting in Him… Never! His name is at stake.
Psalm 25:3 NLT
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced (put to shame), but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Psalm 25:3 GNT
Defeat does not come to those who trust in you, but to those who are quick to rebel against you.
There is no better life than a life following God. It is so fulfilling, so joyful, so reassuring, and everlasting. The promises of God have so much power in them.
We need to search God’s word and allow the rich and wonderful promises water our faith, refresh our soul, and lead us into the life Christ made possible for each one of us today.
When you and I were children, there was a saying we’d often hear. I’m going to say the first half of the saying and let’s see if you know the 2nd half:
“Cross my heart and (hope to die)”
What was that child saying?
They were saying they’d made a promise, and if they were to break that promise they would expect something bad to happen.
Actually, the original phrase is a little longer:
“Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye.”
The only thing kids could think of that was worse than dying was sticking needles in their eyes – and I would tend to agree. Kids understand the importance of promises. In fact parents have learned that they need to be very careful what promises they make to their kids.
When I really want someone to promise me something I put up my pinky and say, “I Pinky Promise?” If the other person wants to make the promise, they will put up one of their pinky fingers and connect it with my pinky finger and shake on it and say, “I pinky promise.” If they “pinky promised,” in my mind, they would keep their promise. But often they didn’t.
As my girls were growing up I learned that if I told them that…
• I was going to do something for them
• I was going to take them someplace
• I was going to get something for them.
and then (for whatever reason) I didn’t do that, you know what they’d say to me?
BUT YOU PROMISED!
As children we learned that promises are important and need to be kept. God understands that and so He has repeatedly told us throughout the Bible that if He makes a promise He’ll keep it. And in the Bible one of the most significant kind of promises God made were called “Covenants”.
God has made many promises or covenants with us. But, unlike people in our life, he keeps his promises. God has “Pinky Promised” all of us many promises and He is true to His promises!
1 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
A promise is a declaration of some benefit to be granted.
The Webster’s Dictionary gives us this: One’s pledge to another to do or not to do something specified, narrowly, a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
Ground for hope, expectation or the assurance, often specified of eventual success.
That which is promised—To engage to do, give, make, obtain: to make to another a promise of; also, to give one’s promise to assure as “He will go, I promise you.” To show or suggest beforehand.
The word “promise” is used more than 100 times in the Bible, there are other terms implying the same thought. The Old Testament is a record of God’s promises to patriarchs, kings, prophets, Israel, lowly saints, and to the world at large. The Hebrew noun, []dither, is generally rendered “word,” but “promise is found in…
1 Kings 8:56
According to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise.
Nehemiah 5:12 – 13
That they should do according to the promise.
Another Hebrew word for “promise” is omer, meaning “saying.” This is the term used in “Doth his promise fail for evermore?” (Psalms 77:8) Also, Psalm 68:11 “The Lord gave the word.”
Psalm 105:42 RV
He remembered his holy word. (Holy saying)
This reminds us that God’s Holy Word is always a Holy promise (a pinky promise). From cover to cover of the Bible it is filled with God’s promises for us. One could say it is God’s promise book for all people.
2 Timothy 3:16a NKJV
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…
It’s divine promises must be God-breathed, and therefore impossible of not being fulfilled. Knowing this information makes me say farewell to any doubt and trust my God fully and completely.
Furthermore, His promises are backed by His faithfulness which runs like a golden thread through His Word. All writers of the Bible magnify God for His unfailing faithfulness to all generations. That’s a pinky promise if I ever saw one!
Deut. 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which kept covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandment to a thousand generations.
Hebrews 10:23
He is faithful that promised.
1 Thess. 5:24 “Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.
God’s faithfulness, then, is our special ground of encouragement as we apply His promises.
Lamentations 3:23
Great is Thy faithfulness.
Looking just at the names of God, each one designates a promise:
-El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty
-El Elyon – The Most High God
-Adonai – Lord, Master
-Yahweh – Lord, Jehovah
-Jehovah Nissi – The Lord My Banner
-Jehovah-Raah – The Lord is my Shepherd
-Jehovah Rapha – The Lord that heals
-Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there
-Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord our righteousness
-Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The Lord who sanctifies you
-El Olam – The everlasting God
-Elohim – God
-Qanna – Jealous
-Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide
-Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is peace
-Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts
Let me pick one of those names, Jehovah Jireh, and share a promise:
Philippiains 4:19
My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Let’s look at one of God’s promises and dissect it today:
Psalm 34:17 NKJV
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears…
One of the biggest advantages of being righteous is the privilege of crying out to God or calling out His name with the assurance that He will deliver us. It is a privilege to call upon God; a privilege of prayer. There is no blessing superior.
Can you imagine what a world this would be if we couldn’t cry out to God for help? How sad, how helpless, how wretched if there were no God for the guilty, the helpless, the broken, the suffering, or the sinner to call to.
More scripture on calling out to God.
Isaiah 65:24
It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Psalm 91:15
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm 145:18 – 19
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
…And delivers them out of all their troubles.
He often delivers them from trouble in this life.
He will deliver them literally from all trouble in the life to come.
The promise is not that they shall be delivered from all trouble on earth, but the idea is that God is able to rescue them from trouble here; that he often does it through prayer; and that there will be, in the case of every righteous person, a sure and complete deliverance from all trouble here after.
There are a few verses that go along with Psalm 34:17.
Psalm 34:6
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
The word “poor” here does not mean “poor” in the sense of a want of wealth, but “poor” in the sense of being afflicted, crushed, forsaken, desolate. The word “miserable” would better express the idea than the word “poor.”
…And the Lord heard him – That is, heard in the sense of “answered.” He regarded his cry, and saved him.
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
This is not to say the righteous have more afflictions then the unrighteous. But the righteous do have suffering and trials. The good news is that God sustains us in our trials. He supports us and makes beauty from ashes. He turns trials into triumphs!
As a Christian, we are never alone in the middle of any trial. God is always with us. Even when we go through deep waters, we are not alone.
Isaiah 43:2 NLT
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Isn’t it amazing to realize all these verses are actually promises from God to help us in our everyday life? I love it! God tenderly holds us with these verses to reassure us that we have help in all situations. They are “Pinky Promises” from God that He never ever stops fulfilling!
I am excited for this new series we are embarking on. I need to get the promises of God in my heart and I believe you do too. We will grow and learn as we look as some powerful promises together.
Let me leave you with a quote from Dwight L. Moody:
“Take the promises of God. Let a man feed for a month on the promises of God, and he will not talk about how poor he is. You hear people say, ‘Oh, my leanness! how lean I am!” It is not their leanness, it is their laziness. If you would only read from Genesis to Revelation and see all the promises made by God to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to the Jews and to the Gentiles, and to all His people everywhere — If you would spend a month feeding on the precious promises of God — you wouldn’t be going about complaining how poor you are. You would lift up your head and proclaim the riches of His Grace, because you couldn’t help doing it!”
Dwight L. Moody
God promises you and I many things, and unlike people who promise and renege (go back on a promise), God never will. He always fulfills what He promises.
When you and I were children, there was a saying we’d often hear. I’m going to say the first half of the saying and let’s see if you know the 2nd half:
Pastor Kris Belfils 