Faith and Change: Embracing Transformation Through Surrender
From Pastors' Podcast #092, Faith and Change, Part 2, broadcast on December 5, 2024.
Presented by Pastor Wayne Weaver and John Yoder.
Watch it on YouTube.
Hear the audio via Podbean.
INTRODUCTION
In a world constantly shifting, how do we, as people of faith, navigate the changes around us? In this episode, we delve into the profound relationship between faith and change, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation and surrender to God’s will. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed, structured to help you understand and apply these lessons in your life.
WHAT KIND OF FAITH IS NEEDED TO HANDLE CHANGE?
Understanding 2 Corinthians 3:18 (click to read)
2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being transformed from glory to glory into the image of Christ. This transformation is not just about external changes but a deep, internal restructuring that aligns us with God’s will. The sermon highlighted that the faith required to handle change is one that allows God to work within us, tearing down old structures and building new ones.
The Inner Structure of Faith
Faith is not merely about miraculous events but about the intrinsic value and structure within our hearts. This inner structure is built through obedience and suffering, much like Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). It’s about allowing God to mold us, often through challenging circumstances, to prepare us for greater things.
WHY DO WE NEED TO SURRENDER?
The Role of Surrender in Faith
Surrender is a continuous process of giving up our own desires and allowing God to take control. It’s about losing our reputation, enduring misunderstandings, and even facing deliberate lies, as illustrated by the story of a man who raised a child that wasn’t his, simply to honor God. This level of surrender is what allows us to go deeper in our faith and experience true transformation.
The Cost of True Faith
True faith comes with a cost. It requires us to let go of our need for approval and comfort. The sermon emphasized that many people desire the blessings and power of a life of faith but are unwilling to pay the price of surrender and suffering. This is why some people never experience the deeper aspects of faith.
HOW DO WE BUILD AN INNER STRUCTURE OF FAITH?
Learning Through Suffering
Just as Jesus learned obedience through suffering, we too must embrace the trials that come our way. These trials are not meant to break us but to refine us, much like gold tried in the fire. The sermon encouraged us to ask God what He is teaching us through our difficulties and to allow these experiences to build a stronger inner structure of faith.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith
1. Continuous Surrender: Keep surrendering every part of your life to God, even when it feels like there’s nothing left to surrender.
2. Embrace Suffering: Understand that suffering is a part of the journey and a tool that God uses to shape us.
3. Seek God’s Permission: Recognize that going deeper with God requires His permission, which is granted based on our willingness to surrender and be transformed.
LIFE APPLICATION
Applying the Lessons of Faith and Change
This week, challenge yourself to embrace the process of surrender and transformation. Reflect on the areas of your life where you need to let go and allow God to work. Here are a few questions to guide your reflection:
1. What areas of my life am I holding onto that I need to surrender to God?
2. How can I embrace the trials I’m facing as opportunities for growth and transformation?
3. Am I willing to let go of my reputation and comfort to go deeper in my faith?
CONCLUSION
Faith and change are deeply intertwined. To navigate the changes in our world and our lives, we must build a strong inner structure of faith through continuous surrender and embracing the trials that come our way. As you reflect on these lessons, may you find the strength and courage to surrender fully to God and allow Him to transform you from glory to glory.
May God bless you as you walk this path of faith and transformation.