Beyond Sunday - Crazy Faith Week 2
Beyond Sunday, Week of September 22, 2024
“Crazy Faith” Part 2
Thoughts: Moving forward despite our fears and self-doubts, despite the unknown details
and risks, when it seems to make no sense, sometimes requires crazy faith.
Looking back, my solo hike of Longs Peak seems crazy now. At one point I nearly turned
back because my guidebook had not prepared me for the stretch of trail immediately
ahead. After coming through the Keyhole at 13,150 feet, I was greeted by this nearly
vertical wall of rock that continued straight down until it reached Glacier Basin nearly
2,000 feet below. To move forward to the relative safety of the next part of the trail, I had
to navigate “the traverse” by inching my way across with my toes jammed into one small
crack running across the rugged face, while holding on to another at about chest height
with my fingertips. Oh, and did I mention that I am terrified of heights? I’m so glad I kept
moving forward on that journey, because conquering those fears increased my
confidence, and gave me amazing memories that I cherish still today.
Transitions can be exciting and scary. The one confronting me on Longs Peak was symbolic of another before me in September 1989. Three weeks later, I was to be married for the second time, bringing three daughters into the marriage.
So, this was more than a solo hike. This was the start of a spiritual journey that continues today. Terri and I will celebrate thirty-five years of marriage in October. We’ve had our share of big transitions, often challenging us to move forward in very uncertain times, despite our shaky faith, trusting God with the outcome. Moving forward according to God’s will, according to His calling and commands, has tested and strengthened our faith. On this
amazing journey, God has molded and refined us, collectively and individually as He writes His story (our testimony) in and through us. We wait eagerly and expectantly to see what God holds in store for us in this next chapter.
Read: Esther 4:15-5:3, Mark 12:41-44
• Esther was a Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia. Learning of a murderous plot to annihilate all the Jewish people, she approached the king for help, even though under Persian law she could be put to death for coming into his presence without being summoned. Moving forward despite her fear resulted in Esther rescuing her people from
certain death.
o Esther’s Uncle Mordecai challenged Esther and encouraged her to step out in faith. Who challenges and encourages you? If you don’t have those kinds of relationships, what can/will you do to develop them?
o What do you notice about how Esther prepared to take this risky step of faith? How might similar preparations help you take a step of faith?
o Esther was motivated not only by self-preservation, but by her love for all her people. What has motivated (or would motivate) you to faithfully move forward despite your fears, the risks, the uncertainties of the situation?
o Contrary to appearances, God was in control of that whole situation, and worked through human agents to save His chosen people and to accomplish His purposes. What does that reveal to you about God?
• Jesus had more praise for the widow’s miniscule donation than for the large dollar amounts others gave. From a purely worldly perspective, that seems upside down.
o What made the widow’s offering so remarkable, and what did it reveal about her?
o In a very general sense, what is that passage from Mark teaching us? Just as important, what is it not saying?
o What motivates your faith—fear of the future; a desire to be a better person in a better world; something else?
Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Psalm 50:1-15, Matthew 6:19-21, 25-33
• Why does prosperity lead some people to forget about God? How can a person guard against that?
• In Psalm 62:10 we are admonished, “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
o How do people’s lives reveal that they have “set their heart” on money and possessions?
o What does your life, specifically your attitude toward your finances, reveal about where your heart is?
• Troy made the point that “God doesn’t need your money, but He wants your heart.”
o How would you answer this question? “If God doesn’t need my money, then why does He tell me to tithe to my church, to help the poor, etc.?”
Pray: Continue (or begin) to pray over that “Crazy Faith” card you received on Sunday, praying, “What is my (our) part to play in making room, what do you, God, want me (us) to commit to?” Thank God for His provision for your needs. If you are “in want” (See Philippians 4:12), ask God to meet your needs, and to help you find contentment.
Next Steps:
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. And it is the best way to find those encouraging relationships mentioned above. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
“Crazy Faith” Part 2
Thoughts: Moving forward despite our fears and self-doubts, despite the unknown details
and risks, when it seems to make no sense, sometimes requires crazy faith.
Looking back, my solo hike of Longs Peak seems crazy now. At one point I nearly turned
back because my guidebook had not prepared me for the stretch of trail immediately
ahead. After coming through the Keyhole at 13,150 feet, I was greeted by this nearly
vertical wall of rock that continued straight down until it reached Glacier Basin nearly
2,000 feet below. To move forward to the relative safety of the next part of the trail, I had
to navigate “the traverse” by inching my way across with my toes jammed into one small
crack running across the rugged face, while holding on to another at about chest height
with my fingertips. Oh, and did I mention that I am terrified of heights? I’m so glad I kept
moving forward on that journey, because conquering those fears increased my
confidence, and gave me amazing memories that I cherish still today.
Transitions can be exciting and scary. The one confronting me on Longs Peak was symbolic of another before me in September 1989. Three weeks later, I was to be married for the second time, bringing three daughters into the marriage.
So, this was more than a solo hike. This was the start of a spiritual journey that continues today. Terri and I will celebrate thirty-five years of marriage in October. We’ve had our share of big transitions, often challenging us to move forward in very uncertain times, despite our shaky faith, trusting God with the outcome. Moving forward according to God’s will, according to His calling and commands, has tested and strengthened our faith. On this
amazing journey, God has molded and refined us, collectively and individually as He writes His story (our testimony) in and through us. We wait eagerly and expectantly to see what God holds in store for us in this next chapter.
Read: Esther 4:15-5:3, Mark 12:41-44
• Esther was a Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia. Learning of a murderous plot to annihilate all the Jewish people, she approached the king for help, even though under Persian law she could be put to death for coming into his presence without being summoned. Moving forward despite her fear resulted in Esther rescuing her people from
certain death.
o Esther’s Uncle Mordecai challenged Esther and encouraged her to step out in faith. Who challenges and encourages you? If you don’t have those kinds of relationships, what can/will you do to develop them?
o What do you notice about how Esther prepared to take this risky step of faith? How might similar preparations help you take a step of faith?
o Esther was motivated not only by self-preservation, but by her love for all her people. What has motivated (or would motivate) you to faithfully move forward despite your fears, the risks, the uncertainties of the situation?
o Contrary to appearances, God was in control of that whole situation, and worked through human agents to save His chosen people and to accomplish His purposes. What does that reveal to you about God?
• Jesus had more praise for the widow’s miniscule donation than for the large dollar amounts others gave. From a purely worldly perspective, that seems upside down.
o What made the widow’s offering so remarkable, and what did it reveal about her?
o In a very general sense, what is that passage from Mark teaching us? Just as important, what is it not saying?
o What motivates your faith—fear of the future; a desire to be a better person in a better world; something else?
Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Psalm 50:1-15, Matthew 6:19-21, 25-33
• Why does prosperity lead some people to forget about God? How can a person guard against that?
• In Psalm 62:10 we are admonished, “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
o How do people’s lives reveal that they have “set their heart” on money and possessions?
o What does your life, specifically your attitude toward your finances, reveal about where your heart is?
• Troy made the point that “God doesn’t need your money, but He wants your heart.”
o How would you answer this question? “If God doesn’t need my money, then why does He tell me to tithe to my church, to help the poor, etc.?”
Pray: Continue (or begin) to pray over that “Crazy Faith” card you received on Sunday, praying, “What is my (our) part to play in making room, what do you, God, want me (us) to commit to?” Thank God for His provision for your needs. If you are “in want” (See Philippians 4:12), ask God to meet your needs, and to help you find contentment.
Next Steps:
• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. And it is the best way to find those encouraging relationships mentioned above. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
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1 Comment
Thank you for sharing! Transitions are scary, especially when you’re really high up like that! ?