December 17, 2014
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Bible Reference
Isaiah 42:24–25 and 43:1
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How not to falter
Have you ever been burned by anyone? Stood up? Someone didn’t pull through when you relied on them? We know that this generation of skiers and snowboarders has a big issue with commitment. The only thing they seem to be committed to is what they find their identity in; skiing and snowboarding. We don’t want you to falter, to give up, or quit because of this lack of commitment in the culture that we are trying to impact.
If perseverance is the remedy for the epidemic of quitting, what is the key to perseverance? For followers of Jesus, the answer is clear: I will not falter. God is watching.
If you’re walking in God’s strength by faith and embracing His promises, you’re not going to falter. Isaiah 43:1 is one of the most treasured promises to God’s children in all of His Word: “But now thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’”
But it was offered in the context of God’s judgment (Isaiah 42). His people were wayward and rebellious, and the Lord was done with their attitude. He was putting some heavy consequences on them…Knowing Israel’s desperate situation helps us recognize the value of God’s promise of redemption. And that promise can keep us from faltering.
How? Consider this: Redemption is one of the greatest doctrines in the Bible, seen in its most glorious application at the cross of Jesus Christ. He paid the price you couldn’t pay so you could be set free.
So “Fear not,” God says. You had the worst possible problem, which required the greatest imaginable sacrifice, and He took care of it. Do you think it’s all over because you have some smaller problems? The Lord redeemed you just as surely as He redeemed Israel. “I have called you by name, you are mine.” What will He not do for you now?
This message is very powerful in a culture of no commitment. The LORD is ABSOLUTELY committed to us. Day after day of trying to get lunch with the lifty that you met recently and she keeps bailing. Week after week of friend saying he’ll show up at wax night to wax skis and he never does. Or even month after month of convincing yourself that you’ll tell your best friend about Jesus, and what He’s done for you and you never do.
You don’t know what you are capable of when you’re resting in God’s strength and not your own—but He does. Reassure yourself, I’m not going under. You can keep going for another day, because God is producing staying power in you. The ability to remain in that marriage or that job—as hard as it is. The ability to stick with that difficult circumstance—no matter what. If you let God work perseverance into your life, He can truly make you what He wants you to be.
For more reading see here.
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We want YOU to PERSEVERE
After reading the text above there has to be some example of where this happened to you. What is one instance where someone let you down? What is one example of where someone let you down but with God’s help you persevered and made an impact on that person, or completely turned the situation around? How can you persevere in this culture that can continuously let you down? What are some traits that we can practice to reach out to others even when they might disappoint us?