Sermon Reflections from God at the Movies "Young Woman and the Sea" | Alex Hardt | June 23, 2024
In our journey through life, we often encounter waves of challenges that test our faith and resolve. It's in these moments that the virtue of perseverance becomes our anchor, enabling us to navigate through the storms and emerge stronger. Life can be difficult and even brutal at times, but that does not mean that we need to drown in the challenges of the world.
Perseverance is not merely about enduring hardships; it's about actively pursuing God's promises. It's a gift from God. When we align our lives with God's will, we find the strength to overcome any obstacle. It's about holding onto the belief that our efforts will bear fruit in due season, as we trust in the divine plan laid out for us. It's about not putting our trust in the world but in God. Knowing that in his goodness and grace we can overcome any mountain, wave, obstacle, or challenge.
Life can throw us into the deep end, much like the cold and rough waters of the English Channel. However, just as swimmers push through the waves, we too must face our challenges with unwavering faith. The Apostle Paul's life exemplifies this as he faced imprisonment, persecution, and shipwrecks, yet remained steadfast in his mission to spread the gospel. Paul could continue to push forward because his faith and perseverance came from his heavenly father. He knew that his Father would never leave him or let him down. That WHO was with him was far greater than WHAT was in front of him. That God was working in him, through him, and all around him which gave him the resolve to push through all that he encountered.
To cultivate perseverance, we must engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. These practices are the strokes that keep us moving forward in faith. They provide us with the guidance, wisdom, and support needed to withstand life's trials and tribulations. The more we draw to God, the more we are able to preserver. As we discover who God is, we soon recognize that nothing in this world can overcome or outlast him.
Perseverance is more than just surviving; it's about thriving in the pursuit of God's promises. It's about overcoming obstacles with faith, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and sowing seeds that will yield a harvest of righteousness. As we face life's challenges, let us look to the example set by the Apostle Paul and the inspiring story of Trudy, (the young woman and the sea movie) the swimmer who conquered the English Channel. Let their stories remind us that with God, we can persevere through anything.
Some questions for Reflection
- How can you actively pursue God's promises in the face of adversity?
- What spiritual disciplines strengthen to build your resilience?
Blessing,
Pastor Alex
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