MESSAGES

“God is Still Good”

Speaker: Rev. Kevin Williams
March 2020

“There Is Still Hope”

Speaker: Pastor Kevin Williams
March 2020

Devotionals

The Strength to Climb

Life often feels like an uphill climb — challenging, exhausting, and at times, overwhelming. We face seasons where our strength fails, our endurance wanes, and we wonder if we have what it takes to keep going. Yet, in Isaiah 40:27–31, we find a powerful promise: those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise above their struggles, run without weariness, and walk without fainting.

The Israelites, during their captivity in Babylon, struggled with doubt, discouragement, and spiritual amnesia. They questioned God’s faithfulness, they had forgotten about His mighty works, and they had lost hope in His promises. The Prophet Isaiah in chapter 40 verses 27-31 speaks directly to their situation, by reminding them of three key truths:

1. The Israelites Did Not Recognize God’s Character (v. 27-28)

The exiles believed that God had forgotten them, saying, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God.” This reflected their limited understanding of God’s character. They saw their suffering and assumed that God was (and will continue to be) absent. However, Isaiah rebuked that mindset, by declaring that God is the everlasting Creator! He’s unchanging, all- powerful, and sovereign over all. And unlike us, He never grows tired or weary, and His wisdom is beyond human comprehension.

2. The Israelites Did Not Remember Their Capability Through God’s Strength (v. 29-30)

Isaiah emphasized that God gives strength to the weary and increases power to the weak. The Israelites may have felt powerless in captivity, they may have forgotten that their strength had always come from the Lord. And lastly, they needed to remember that even the strongest individuals (represented by youths) will eventually weaken, but divine strength is unlimited.

3. The Israelites Did Not Retain Their Hope (v. 31)

Isaiah presented a promise: “They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.” The phrase “wait for the LORD” (or “wait on the LORD”; or “hope in the Lord”) implies trust, patience, and expectation. The Israelites, in exile, struggled to believe that restoration would come. Yet, Isaiah assured them that those who trust in God will be renewed — they WILL soar, run, and walk without growing weary.

What are you being encouraged to do?

1. You Better RECOGNIZE: In difficult seasons, you must remind yourself that God’s silence does not mean His absence. When you don’t see immediate answers, you need to trust His unchanging nature — He is always watching, always working, and never weary.

2. Don’t let your current situation define what you’re capable of achieving: When you rely on your own strength, you will burn out. But when you acknowledge your weakness and depend on God, He renews you. Your capabilities are not determined by your circumstances but by your
connection to God.

3. Put your hope in the Lord: Hope in God is what sustains you. When you feel stuck or exhausted, you must choose to trust that He is working in ways you cannot see. Your waiting is not wasted! Know that God is strengthening you in the process.

As long as we are waiting upon the Lord, and as long as we have His strength, then we will not grow weary and we will not faint. This passage serves as a powerful encouragement for us to trust in God’s sustaining power rather than our own strength.

Blessings & Peace!
Pastor

Lifting the Limits of Your Faith

Have you ever felt like your faith was stuck — like no matter how much you pray or believe, things just don’t seem to change? In Mark 6:1-6, we see Jesus returning to His hometown, only to be met with doubt and unbelief. The people who should have known Him best limited what He could do in their lives because of their lack of faith.

Could we be doing the same today? Are there ways we unknowingly place limits on God’s power in our lives? In this post, we’ll explore how to break free from doubt, strengthen our trust in Christ, and experience the fullness of His work in and through us.

As Mark 6:1-6 opens, we witness Jesus returning to His hometown, Nazareth, accompanied by His disciples. He began teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and the people were astonished by His wisdom and the miracles that He performed. However, their amazement quickly turned to skepticism when they recognized Jesus as the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon. Their familiarity with Jesus and His family led them to doubt His authority and divine mission. This reaction highlights a common human tendency to underestimate those we think we know well.

Jesus addressed this by stating that a prophet (a messenger of God) is honored everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house. This saying emphasizes the difficulty that prophets face in being accepted by those closest to them, who may struggle to see beyond the ordinary aspects of their lives.

Due to their lack of faith, Jesus was unable to perform many miracles in Nazareth, except for healing a few sick people. This limitation was not due to a lack of power on Jesus’ part, but rather the people’s unwillingness to believe. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. But despite this, He continued His ministry, teaching in the surrounding villages.

What should I do to lift the limit of my faith?

1. Overcome Familiarity: Just as the people of Nazareth struggled to see Jesus for who He truly was, we might
sometimes take for granted or underestimate those closest to us. It’s essential to remain open and appreciative of the unique gifts and talents of those around us.

2. Put my Faith into Action: Mark 6:1-6 highlights the importance of faith. The people’s unbelief limited what Jesus could do for them. In our lives, maintaining faith, even in difficult situations, can open doors to possibilities and miracles we might not otherwise experience.

3. Be Persistent in my Purpose: Jesus continued his work despite rejection. This teaches us to stay committed to our purpose, even when faced with doubt or criticism from others. Persistence and dedication are crucial, especially when our efforts are not immediately recognized or
appreciated.

4. Handle Rejection: Jesus’ reaction to rejection in His hometown is an example of grace under pressure. He didn’t retaliate or become discouraged. Instead, he acknowledged the reality and continued his mission. When we face rejection, it’s important to remain composed and keep
moving forward.

5. Self-Reflection: The story also prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and biases. Are there areas in our lives where
familiarity or preconceived notions prevent us from recognizing someone’s true potential or value? Being mindful of this can help us become more open-hearted and supportive.

By applying these lessons, we can navigate our own experiences with faith, persistence, and a deeper appreciation for the people in
our lives.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that lifting the limits of our faith is not about achieving perfection or earning God’s love. It’s about
growing in our relationship with God and allowing His love to transform us from the inside out.

Ultimately, what it means to lift the limits of our Christian faith is a personal journey that unfolds over time. It involves a
willingness to learn, grow, and trust in God’s guidance as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Blessings & Peace!
Pastor