A Mother's Faith: An Unshakeable Foundation

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on Mother's Day May, 11, 2025.

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. (Hebrews 11:11 NIV)

As we celebrate the incredible women who have nurtured, guided, and loved us unconditionally, it's fitting that we reflect on a virtue that lies at the heart of motherhood: faith. Not just any faith, but a deep, abiding trust in something bigger than themselves, a faith that carries them through sleepless nights, difficult decisions, and the unwavering hope for their children's well-being.

This Mother's Day, let us celebrate not only the love and dedication of mothers, but also their unwavering faith. Let us acknowledge the profound impact their faith has on their families and the world around them. And let us, in turn, be inspired by their example to deepen our own faith, trusting in the promises of God and allowing His love to guide us in all that we do.

Scripture

1 Samuel 1:9-20 NIV [9] Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. [10] In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. [11] And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” [12] As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. [13] Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk [14] and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” [15] “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. [16] Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” [17] Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” [18] She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. [19] Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. [20] So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 

Text:

Hebrews 11:11 NIV And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 

Today, as we celebrate the incredible women who have nurtured, guided, and loved us unconditionally, it's fitting that we reflect on a virtue that lies at the heart of motherhood.  That virtue is faith. 

Not just any faith, but a deep, abiding trust in something bigger than themselves, a faith that carries them through sleepless nights, difficult decisions, and the unwavering hope for their children's well-being.

What is this faith I’m talking about? 

The book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1, tells us: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." 

I know we have said this before but we're talking about a faith that is not just a belief, but a deep-seated conviction, a knowing in our hearts that even when things are uncertain, even when we cannot see the path ahead, there is a guiding hand, a loving presence that will see us through.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter remarkable examples of faith. And among these shining examples, the faith of mothers stands out as particularly powerful and inspiring. Let's look at some of these incredible women:

Consider Eve, the first mother. Though her decision in the Garden of Eden had profound consequences, we can also see in her the beginnings of faith as she looked towards God's promise of a future redemption through her offspring. Even after the Fall, she held onto the potential for hope and new beginnings.

Her initial act brought significant hardship. However, viewing her life beyond that single event reveals a woman who, despite adversity and loss, embodied the life-giving and enduring spirit often associated with the faith of mothers. She trusted in God's promise.

Here's the promise 

Genesis 3:15 NIV And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

This passage, known as the protoevangelium—the first announcement of the gospel that the offspring of the woman, ultimately Jesus, would triumph over the serpent (representing evil). 

Though Eve understood the immediate pain and hardship resulting from her choice, this divine declaration offered a future hope in which she, as the first mother, played a crucial role in the lineage of redemption

Eve experienced profound loss, including the loss of innocence, paradise, and the tragic murder of her son Abel by his brother Cain. 

Despite the immense sorrow of Abel's death, the birth of her son Seth brought a sense of renewal and she recognized God's provision, 

Genesis 4:25 NIV Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” 

This demonstrates a mother's resilience and enduring faith in the face of tragedy, clinging to hope for the future of her family.

Let's reflect on Sarah, Abraham's wife, and her journey toward motherhood. Her faith, like ours often is, was tested by the long wait and the whispers of doubt.

As Genesis 16:1-4 tells us, in her impatience, Sarah proposed an alternative plan, suggesting Abraham have a child with her servant Hagar.

Genesis 16:1-4 NIV [1] Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; [2] so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. [3] So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. [4] He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. 

This act, born out of doubt in God's timing, highlights a very human struggle when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We, too, can sometimes try to take matters into our own hands when God's promises seem delayed.

Later, in Genesis 18:10-12, when the Lord reaffirmed the promise of a son, Sarah, listening from the tent, laughed to herself, thinking, "After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?"

Genesis 18:10-12 NIV [10] Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. [11] Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. [12] So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

This laughter, stemming from disbelief, is a stark reminder that doubt doesn't necessarily signify a complete lack of faith.  It's important to understand that doubt isn't the opposite of faith; sometimes, it's a pathway to a deeper, more resilient faith. Here's how:

When doubts surface, they can motivate us to explore our beliefs more thoroughly. We might find ourselves studying scripture with renewed focus, or praying with greater intention, leading to a more profound understanding of God.

Recognizing and accepting our doubts, rather than trying to suppress them, can be the initial step toward a more profound faith journey. Honesty about our struggles allows us to seek genuine answers and experience God's presence amidst our uncertainty.

Just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, God can meet us in our moments of uncertainty. 

John 20:25-29 NIV [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [28] Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

Engaging with our doubts and seeking Him in those times can lead to powerful, personal encounters that solidify our faith.

Interestingly, Sarah laughed again.  This time, however, her laughter was not of disbelief but of joy and amazement:

Genesis 21:6-7 NIV [6] Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” [7] And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” 

Her initial doubt was transformed into joyful wonder as she held her son Isaac.

Hebrews 11:11 NIV And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 

Sarah's story teaches us that our faith doesn't need to be completely without doubt to be genuine or powerful. It's in the wrestling, the questioning, and the ultimate reliance on God's faithfulness that our faith is truly strengthened and God's promises are realized. Sarah's  journey, marked by both doubt and joyous fulfillment, serves as an enduring testament to God's unfailing faithfulness.

Then there's Hannah, whose heartfelt prayers for a son are recorded in the book of I Samuel. Barren and deeply distressed, Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord, vowing to dedicate her child to His service. 

1 Samuel 1:10-11, 19-20 NIV [10] In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. [11] And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

[19] Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. [20] So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 

1 Samuel 1:24-28 NIV [24] After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. [25] When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, [26] and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. [27] I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. [28] So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Hannah's unwavering faith and her commitment to God are a testament to the strength of a mother's devotion.

We also remember Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her "yes" to God's extraordinary plan required immense faith.

Luke 1:34-38 NIV [34] “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” [35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. [37] For no word from God will ever fail.” [38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 

Mary's faith in the impossible, her willingness to embrace the unknown, paved the way for the salvation of humanity.

These mothers in the Bible, despite their different circumstances, shared a common thread: a profound faith in God that sustained them and empowered them to embrace the blessings He bestowed upon them.

And what about mothers today? Does their faith hold any less significance? Absolutely not! In fact, in a world filled with constant challenges and uncertainties, a mother's faith is more vital than ever.

Think about the mother who prays for her child struggling with illness, holding onto the belief that healing is possible. I saw that in my own family with my daughter and her daughter.  Consider the mother who works tirelessly to provide for her family, trusting that God will meet their needs. Reflect on the mother who guides her children in the ways of the Lord, instilling in them a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime.

The faith of a mother is often a quiet strength, an unspoken confidence that permeates the home and shapes the lives of her children. It is a faith that teaches resilience in the face of adversity, hope in the midst of despair, and love that never fails.

Just as the biblical mothers we discussed leaned on their faith, so too can mothers, (fathers and children too) today find strength and guidance in their relationship with God. When doubts creep in, when worries weigh heavy, when the path ahead seems unclear, our  faith in God and His promises reminds us that we are not alone. It connects us to a power greater than ourselves, a source of peace and strength that surpasses all understanding.

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-30 offers us this comforting invitation from Jesus: 

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV [28]  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your 

souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This invitation is especially relevant for mothers, who often carry heavy burdens – the worries for their children, the demands of their households, and the desire to nurture and guide their families.

This Mother's Day, let us celebrate not only the love and dedication of mothers, but also their unwavering faith. Let us acknowledge the profound impact their faith has on their families and the world around them. And let us, in turn, be inspired by their example to deepen our own faith, trusting in the promises of God and allowing His love to guide us in all that we do.

To all the mothers present here today, we honor you. We thank you for your love, your sacrifice, and most importantly, for the faith that serves as such a powerful foundation for your families. May God continue to bless you, strengthen you, and fill your hearts with His perfect peace.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the powerful message we have received today, reflecting on "A Mother's Faith: An Unshakeable Foundation." We praise you for the incredible gift of mothers and the steadfast faith that so often anchors their lives and the lives of their families.

We lift up all mothers, those who are with us and those we hold in our memories. Strengthen them, Lord, with the unshakeable foundation of your love and truth. Grant them wisdom, patience, and unwavering trust in your promises as they guide and nurture their children. May their faith be a beacon of hope, a source of courage, and an enduring testament to your goodness.

Help us, as children, to recognize and honor this unshakeable foundation of faith in our mothers. May we be inspired by their devotion and learn to build our own lives upon the solid rock of your love.

May the lessons of a mother's unshakeable faith continue to resonate in our hearts, empowering us to live with courage, love, and a deep reliance on you.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Finding Strength in Faith

 

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday May 4, 2025.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Life can throw many curveballs our way. We face challenges at work, struggles in our relationships, and worries about the future. In such times, where do we turn for strength? Where do we find the encouragement to keep going, to not lose heart? The answer, my friends, lies in the very foundation of our lives as believers: our faith. Faith isn't just a vague feeling or a wishful thought. It's a deep-seated conviction, a knowing in our hearts that goes beyond what our physical eyes can see.

The world will try to discourage you. It will tell you that your problems are too big, that your situation is hopeless. Hold onto the confidence in what you hope for, and the assurance about what you do not yet see. For in our faith, we find a strength that surpasses our own, a hope that never fades, and an encouragement that will carry us through every storm.

Scripture Reading: 

Hebrews 11:1-16 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. [4] By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. [5] By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. [7] By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. [8] By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. [9] By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. [10] For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. [11] And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. [12] And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. [13] All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. [14] People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. [15] If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. [16] Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Sermon 

Text:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Today, I want to talk about the incredible source of encouragement we have in our faith. Life can throw many curveballs our way. We face challenges at work, in our personal ministries, struggles in our relationships, and worries about the future. At these times, where do we turn for strength? Where do we find the encouragement to keep going, to not lose heart? The answer lies in the very foundation of our lives as believers: our faith.

Our text tells us plainly, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Notice the powerful words: confidence and assurance. 

Confidence is the unwavering belief in the reality of what is hoped for and the certainty of things that are not yet seen with our physical eyes.

Assurance signifies a strong and certain conviction about the reality of our hopes, providing a foundation of confidence in what we believe.

In other words faith isn't just a vague feeling or a wishful thought. It's a deep-seated conviction, a knowing in our hearts that goes beyond what our physical eyes can see.

Think about the heroes of faith we read about in the Bible.  Many of them are in Hebrews 11.  

Abraham left his home and ventured into the unknown, trusting God's promise. 

Hebrews 11:8-9 NIV [8] By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. [9] By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

Moses, who stood before Pharaoh, led an entire nation out of slavery, relying on God's power. 

Hebrews 11:24-29 NIV[24] By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. [25] He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. [26] He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. [27] By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. [28] By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. [29] By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Sarah, who in her old age, believed God's word and conceived a child. 

Hebrews 11:11 NIV [11] And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 

Read all of Hebrews 11 and you will see names like Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses' parents, the prostitute Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel and others.

All of these people faced tremendous obstacles, situations that seemed impossible from a human perspective. Yet, they found encouragement, they found strength, because their hope was anchored in something greater than themselves. Their faith was not in their own abilities, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

This same source of encouragement is available to each and every one of us today. 

Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV [39] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, [40] since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

When we are facing a difficult diagnosis, our faith assures us that God is the ultimate healer, the Great Physician Jehovah Rapha. This name Jehovah-Rapha, highlights God as the one who heals, both physically and spiritually.

Exodus 15:26 NIV [26] He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

1 Peter 2:24-25 NIV [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jehovah-Rapha is the only one who can heal us of sin and restore our relationship with Him.  We talked about Jehovah-Rapha in Bible Study last Wednesday.

When we are navigating financial hardship, our faith reminds us that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He will provide for our needs. 

Psalms 50:10-11 NIV say [10] for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.

That’s Jehovah-Jireh the Lord who provides

Genesis 22:13-14 NIV [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

When Abraham called the place Jehovah-Jireh he did not mean God’s provision for everything,  only that He had provided the lamb for his sacrifice on Mount Moriah but today we can call on the name of Jehovah-Jireh as the provider of all our needs.  

Philippians 4:19 NIV  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Our faith in Jehovah-Jireh and Jehovah-Rapha doesn't mean that life will suddenly become easy. Faith doesn't eliminate our problems or shield us from pain. But what it does do is give us a different perspective, a divine lens through which to view our circumstances. It empowers us to see beyond the immediate challenge and to hold onto the hope that God is working, even when we can't see it.  

For example when we face difficulties, our immediate reaction might be one of fear, anger, or despair. We might ask, "Why is this happening to me?" It can feel unfair and overwhelming from our limited point of view.

Faith allows us to see trials through God's eyes. We can trust that God has a purpose in our suffering, even if we can't see it in the moment. Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

Faith helps us believe that God can use difficult times to strengthen our character, teach us dependence on Him, and ultimately work towards a greater good that we might not currently understand. We shift from seeing ourselves as victims to trusting in a God who is sovereign and loving, even when there is hardship.

When someone does us wrong, our natural inclination might be to hold onto resentment, seek revenge, or at least withdraw from the person. Our sense of justice demands punishment.

Faith reminds us of the tremendous forgiveness God has extended to us through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

Faith helps us see that holding onto bitterness harms us more than the person who offended us. Faith gives us the power to release the need for retribution and instead choose to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because God commands it. 

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV[14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

Luke 6:37-38 NIV [37]  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus was talking about judgment and forgiveness here not about money.

Forgiveness aligns us with God's heart of reconciliation. 

2 Corinthians 5:16-19 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 

This shift in perspective, from retribution to forgiveness, moves us from a place of anger and hurt to a place of obedience and potential healing.  Obedience is key in our faith in calling on Jehovah-Rapha and Jehovah-Jireh but that's another sermon for another day. 

So, how do we cultivate this kind of power generating, encouraging faith?

First, immerse yourselves in God's Word. The Bible is filled with stories of God's faithfulness, His love, and His power. As we read and meditate on scripture, our faith is strengthened, and our hearts are encouraged. 

Many of the Psalms speak of trusting in the Lord, of finding refuge in Him. 

Psalms 37:3-6 NIV [3] Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: [6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Psalms 91:1-4 NIV [1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [3] Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

All of Psalm 91 is a powerful declaration of trust in God as a refuge in times of trouble.

Scripture is full of these reminders of God's unwavering presence and the hope we have in Him.

Psalms 46:1-3 NIV says [1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

First, in order to cultivate this power generating and encouraging faith immerse yourselves in God's Word. Second, connect with fellow believers. The church is meant to be a community of encouragement. When we gather together, we can share our burdens, pray for one another, and remind each other of God's promises. There is immense strength in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles, and that others are standing with us in faith.

Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

While streaming services and online platforms offer valuable accessibility for many, particularly those facing geographical limitations, health concerns, or time constraints, they often fall short of replicating the rich experience of being physically present with one another. The encouragement we receive in person is much more impactful. A hand placed on a shoulder during a prayer, a shared tear during a testimony, or the energy of voices joined in song create a powerful sense of solidarity and mutual support. While online engagement can supplement our faith journey, it does not and can not not replace the value of face-to-face interaction and shared experiences.

So first, in order to cultivate this power generating and encouraging faith immerse yourselves in God's Word. Second, connect with fellow believers. Third, practice gratitude, practice thanksgiving . Even in the midst of hardship, there are always blessings to be found. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, our hearts are filled with thankfulness, and our faith is bolstered. Taking time to thank God for His love, His grace, His mercy, and His many gifts can be a powerful source of encouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This scripture gives us instruction on how to live in response to God's grace and mercy. 

To "Rejoice always" (Verse 16) isn't about ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it points to a deep, abiding joy that is rooted in our relationship with Christ and the hope we have in Him. Even in tough times, we can find reasons to rejoice because of our salvation, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. It's about cultivating an attitude of joy that permeates our lives.

"To Pray continually" (Verse 17) doesn't mean we are expected to be verbally praying every single moment of the day. Rather, it suggests a consistent attitude of prayerfulness and dependence on God. It means having an ongoing conversation with God throughout our day – bringing our thoughts, worries, joys, and needs to Him regularly. It implies a lifestyle of seeking God's guidance, listening for His voice, and acknowledging His presence in all aspects of our lives.

To "Give thanks in all circumstances" is perhaps the most challenging of the three commands. It doesn't mean we give thanks for all bad things that happen, but in all circumstances. This acknowledges that even in difficult times, we can still find things to be thankful for. We can be thankful for God's unwavering love, His promises, the lessons we learn, and the strength He provides. Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given and helps us to trust God's sovereignty even when things are hard.

The final phrase; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus, is crucial. It tells us that these three actions – rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances – are not just good suggestions, but they are God's specific will for those who are in Christ Jesus. This means that living with joy, a prayerful heart, and an attitude of thankfulness is central to our lives and reflects God's desire for us.

We are called to live lives that are characterized by an unwavering joy found in Christ, a constant reliance on God through prayer, and a deep sense of gratitude regardless of the situation. 

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. When we pour out our hearts to Him, sharing our fears, our anxieties, and our hopes, we invite His presence and His peace into our lives. Even when we don't see immediate answers, the act of praying strengthens our trust in God and brings a sense of encouragement.

The world will try to discourage you. It will tell you that your problems are too big, that your situation is hopeless. But I encourage you today, don't listen to those voices. Instead, turn to the encouragement found in your faith. Remember the words of Hebrews 11:1. Hold onto the confidence in what you hope for, and the assurance about what you do not yet see. For in our faith, we find a strength that surpasses our own, a hope that never fades, and an encouragement that will carry us through every storm.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith. We thank you that through faith, we can find strength and encouragement in a world that often feels overwhelming. Help us to deepen our faith through your Word, through fellowship with other believers, through practicing gratitude, and through persistent prayer. When we face trials, remind us of your faithfulness and your promises. Fill our hearts with a confidence that comes from knowing you are in control and that you work all things together for our good. We pray all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.