You may not see God working in your life, but perhaps that roots are growing in your life. Maybe you're just saying God, I don't know if you exist, but if you continue to remain faithful in the ups and also the downs, realize that even when you grow downwards, it gives you strong roots so that you could grow even faster upwards and even stronger upwards.
God's promises isn't that your life is gonna be perfect. His promises is this: that you're gonna have a firm foundation. Even when the wind blows, when the rain comes, your firm foundation is gonna keep that tree alive. He's gonna keep you alive. Do you have that firm foundation? And He says, don't worry, the seed starts small.
Full Sermon: Pastor Ken Tram // Jesus on Repeat // Power of Small Beginnings https://youtube.com/live/LGshP5xRqVw
Tik Tok/IG/FB Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1252425402368093
Bible Verses:
Colossians 2:7 - "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
Psalm 1:3 - "They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
Matthew 13:31-32 - "Here is another illustration Jesus used: 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.'"
Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 - "But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."
Introduction: Encourage the group to think about how they can grow deeper roots of faith and develop a firm foundation in Christ. Share the Bible verses that talk about growing roots and having a firm foundation, and explain how even when we don't see God working in our lives, the roots of faith are still growing.
Reflection/Small Group Questions:
How do you personally define having a firm foundation in your life?
Can you recall a time when you felt like you were growing downwards in your faith or life? How did you maintain hope during that time?
How do you differentiate between God's promises and our own expectations of what we think God should do for us?
How has your perspective on God's promises changed throughout your life?
How do you think the roots of faith grow in our lives? Is it a gradual process or can it happen suddenly?
In what ways have you seen God remain faithful to you during difficult times?
How do you remain faithful to God during the ups and downs of life?
Can you share an experience where you felt like your faith was tested, but your firm foundation helped you overcome the situation?
How do you think our small group can encourage and support each other in growing stronger roots of faith?
What practical steps can we take to strengthen our foundation in Christ, especially during challenging times?
Conclusion: Encourage the group to continue to reflect on these questions throughout the week and to share any insights or experiences they have during the next small group meeting. Remind the group that just like a tree with strong roots and a firm foundation can withstand the wind and rain, so too can we withstand the storms of life when we have a strong faith in Christ.