{"id":309,"date":"2023-04-05T16:07:17","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T16:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=309"},"modified":"2025-12-15T19:58:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T19:58:53","slug":"relentless-faith","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/relentless-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"RELENTLESS FAITH"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

RELENTLESS FAITH!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THIS IS US \u2014 Message #4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Samuel 17:33-37; 40-47<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems these days \u2014 there\u2019s a great interest in living a daring life. I hear people talk quite often about wanting to do extreme activities and live their lives on the edge! It\u2019s clear that people love to experience the rush of adrenaline. And so often that comes by way of extreme sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bungee jumping in Ashville, NC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sky diving in Anderson, SC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing at Table Rock, Pickens, SC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spelunking \u2014 or Cave jumping and exploring in North Georgia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free diving in costal regions and the deep springs of South<\/strong> Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running of the bulls in Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shark diving in Cape Town, South<\/strong> Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s even Cliff diving here in South<\/strong> Carolina<\/strong> at Lake Jocassee, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, as crazy and adventurous as these activities are \u2014 nothing compares to living with a RELENTLESS FAITH<\/strong> in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living with a confident trust in God<\/strong> \u2014 and daring to follow His lead through life is as adventurous as you\u2019ll ever find. Consider the adventurous acts we find in scripture. Take for instance the call of Moses<\/strong> to face off with Pharoah<\/strong>. Or Gideon<\/strong> (the mighty<\/strong> warrior<\/strong>)\u2026going to battle with only 300<\/strong> men. Or Abraham<\/strong>, leaving his home and simply following the leading of God<\/strong>. Or the people<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong> following a cloud in the day <\/strong>and fire at night.<\/strong> Or the three<\/strong> Hebrew<\/strong> young<\/strong> men<\/strong> (Shadrach<\/strong>, Meshach<\/strong>, and Abendego<\/strong>) boldly and bravely facing imminent death in a furnace of fire \u2014 only to come out untouched by the flames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what was it that connects all of these stories together \u2014 it was their RELENTLESS FAITH<\/strong> in God. And we too are called to live with that kind of faith. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it would be much easier to be content where we are \u2014 the life of faith is one which calls us to trust deeply and risk greatly. But taking steps of faith are not just doing<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>something<\/em><\/strong> for God. It\u2019s living our lives surrendered to Him<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And to do so \u2014 it takes faith!  <\/strong>As the writer of Hebrews<\/strong> tells us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hebrews 11:6 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6<\/em><\/strong> \u2026without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.<\/em> NIV <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I bring this up \u2014 because <\/strong>at TFC, we value FAITH!<\/strong> And it\u2019s one of the defining marks of who we are. We are a people of RELENTLESS FAITH!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1 Samuel 17<\/strong> we find a story about the early days of a young boy. His path in life would eventually lead him to the throne<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong>, as he would be anointed king. <\/strong>But at this point in his life, he was just a boy<\/strong> (just a boy named David). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you\u2019ll see, he had a GIANT problem \u2014 but he faced it a RELENTLESS FAITH.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s this same relentless faith<\/strong> that I believe defines who we are<\/strong> (and who we long to be) as a church! <\/strong>A People of RELENTLESS FAITH \u2014 <\/strong>This is Us! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you have your Bible<\/strong> \u2014 turn with me to 1 Samuel chapter 17. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this story \u2014 we find David<\/strong> facing one of his earliest challenges. And it came on the battlefield in the Valley of Elah (an area west of Bethlehem). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this challenge came as the Philistine<\/strong> army taunted his nation. Sending out their greatest<\/strong> warrior<\/strong> \u2014 a giant of a man named Goliath<\/strong>, they continued to humiliate the nation<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong>. The army<\/strong> of<\/strong> Israel<\/strong> quaked with fear \u2014 and no one was willing to face the giant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, having watched this from a distance \u2014 David<\/strong> became protective of his people and defensive of His God<\/strong>. And when he had the opportunity, he spoke to the King<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in 1 Sam 17 <\/strong>we\u2019re told what he said. Listen to it as I read. Beginning in verse 32 <\/strong>it says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

32 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about this Philistine,\u201d David told Saul. \u201cI\u2019ll go fight him!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

33 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous!\u201d Saul replied. \u201cThere\u2019s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You\u2019re only a boy, and he\u2019s been a man of war since his youth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

34 <\/em><\/strong>But David persisted. \u201cI have been taking care of my father\u2019s sheep and goats,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, <\/em>35 <\/em><\/strong>I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. <\/em>36 <\/em><\/strong>I have done this to both lions and bears, and I\u2019ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! <\/em>37 <\/em><\/strong>The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saul finally consented. \u201cAll right, go ahead,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd may the Lord be with you!\u201d <\/em>(NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, skip down to verse 40<\/strong>. As the story continues\u2026we\u2019re told:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

40 <\/em><\/strong>He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd\u2019s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd\u2019s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

41 <\/em><\/strong>Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, <\/em>42 <\/em><\/strong>sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. <\/em>43 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cAm I a dog,\u201d he roared at David, \u201cthat you come at me with a stick?\u201d And he cursed David by the names of his gods. <\/em>44 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cCome over here, and I\u2019ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!\u201d Goliath yelled.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

45 <\/em><\/strong>David replied to the Philistine, \u201cYou come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven\u2019s Armies\u2014the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. <\/em>46 <\/em><\/strong>Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! <\/em>47 <\/em><\/strong>And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord\u2019s battle, and he will give you to us!\u201d\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>(NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

48 <\/em><\/strong>As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. <\/em>49 <\/em><\/strong>Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. <\/em>50 <\/em><\/strong>So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, I\u2019ve always loved this story. And one of the reasons is because it reminds me that a RELENTLESS FAITH<\/strong> in God will lead us to become overcomes \u2014 as we triumph over the obstacles and the enemy of our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I want to be clear about something…there\u2019s a danger in reading a story like this \u2014 it that, we may be tempted to believe that every battle will be victorious and the that we enemy will fall so easy. And that\u2019s just not the case,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But FAITH<\/strong> isn\u2019t really about the end result…it\u2019s about the process. It\u2019s not about what happens to others \u2014 it about what happens in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, this morning…I want to give you a few characteristics of a RELENTLESS<\/strong> FAITH<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, a RELENTLESS<\/strong> FAITH<\/strong> will lead you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. RESPOND WITH OPTIMISM! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just consider again, the circumstances that David<\/strong> faced. He had an army of warriors taunting his nation. And yet his nation quaked with fear. With no experience and no one backing him up, David<\/strong> doesn\u2019t hesitate to optimistically declare his confidence in the moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than rehearse the problem \u2014 David<\/strong> responded with faith and hope<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a big deal. Because, faith sees far beyond the problem! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faith resonates with an optimistic<\/strong> tone<\/strong>\u2026and sees a hopeful<\/strong> future<\/strong>. Listen again to David\u2019s<\/strong> response<\/strong> to Israels<\/strong> problem<\/strong>. In verse 32 <\/strong>he says<\/p>\n\n\n\n

32 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about this Philistine,\u201d David told Saul. \u201cI\u2019ll go fight him!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A faith that rests itself in the character and faithfulness of God will always lean towards optimism. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you always see the problem before you \u2014 and you struggle with a negative view of life, then discipline yourself to trust in God. Remind yourself of the promises He\u2019s made to you. Remember His faithfulness. And lean upon His Word. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible is full of God’s promises and reminders that He is faithful. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah 40:29<\/strong> He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremiah 29:11<\/strong> <\/em>‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD, \u201cplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 23:4<\/strong> Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Corinthians 9:8<\/strong> And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let these verses \u2014 and the totality of God\u2019s Word <\/strong>provoke you to live with a positive disposition. And let you FAITH<\/strong> lead you to RESPOND WITH OPTIMISM! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, a RELENTLESS<\/strong> FAITH<\/strong> will lead you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Recall PREVIOUS victories! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people live their lives only seeing what\u2019s right before them. Because of this, they are easily tripped up by their circumstances and troubles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But people of FAITH<\/strong> live with an awareness of the past \u2014 and they are inspired to TRUST<\/strong> GOD<\/strong> in the present because of His faithfulness in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That was the case for David<\/strong>. In verse 34<\/strong> \u2014 when Saul<\/strong> doubted<\/strong> David\u2019s<\/strong> readiness<\/strong> to face the giant, David<\/strong> recalled previous victories<\/strong>\u2026those times when God<\/strong> had empowered him to overcome other challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, he told the King<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

34 \u2026When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice how God<\/strong> kept preparing<\/strong> David<\/strong> (through his challenges) to become stronger \u2014 enabling him to face greater and greater enemies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was the lion and the bear that prepared him to face the giant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I\u2019ll just tell you \u2014 this giant prepared him to face greater armies in his future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each battle became the proving ground of David\u2019s<\/strong> faith<\/strong>. They acted as the foundation<\/strong> upon which God would continue to build up David\u2019s<\/strong> RELENTLESS FAITH!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, with each new challenge, David<\/strong> didn\u2019t give up \u2014 instead he looked back. He recalled previous victories!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t let God’s blessings and victories in your life be lost!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark them down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make mental notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a journal of God\u2019s goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remembering what God has done for us in the past gives up hope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Isaiah 43:1-3<\/strong>, God says, \u201cDo not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pas through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going to remember something in life \u2014 remember God\u2019s faithfulness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recall past victories! And let your history with God<\/strong> give you the foundation for your RELENTLESS FAITH!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A relentless faith will lead you to:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RESPOND<\/strong> WITH OPTIMISM!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AND <\/strong>RECALL<\/strong> PREVIOUS VICTORIES!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And thirdly, a RELENTLESS<\/strong> FAITH<\/strong> will lead us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. RELY ON GOD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

David knew <\/strong>his battle wasn\u2019t going to be won with power and might<\/strong>. It was going to be won with the power of God. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen again to verse 45<\/strong>, David<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

45 <\/strong>“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you <\/em>in the name of the LORD Almighty,<\/em> the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. <\/em>NIV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

David<\/strong> knew there was more at stake<\/strong> than just the possessions and people of Israel<\/strong>. He knew God\u2019s reputation <\/strong>was on the line! And David<\/strong> knew God<\/strong> wasn\u2019t going to be shamed by some pagan giant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this \u2014 he knew this battle wasn\u2019t going to be won with conventional means.<\/strong> So, rather than swords and speaks \u2014 it was going to be won by the power of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God<\/strong> would use a small smooth stone to level the philistine warrior.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think David<\/strong> (even as a young boy) understood that he wasn\u2019t the answer \u2014 but God<\/strong> was! And so, in a way \u2014 that took the pressure off of him. But I wonder, if too often the reason our lives are so full of anxiety and stress is because we think we are the answer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, deep down \u2014 we know we\u2019re not enough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen, a RELENTLESS FAITH<\/strong> in God<\/strong> recognizes that we aren\u2019t the answer. It sees the battles around us and acknowledges that we must rely upon God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells of the outcome when we rely upon God. He says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 \u201cBut blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;<\/em> <\/em>its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are side effects from relying upon God…you find confidence and courage \u2014 and the circumstances of life don\u2019t control you. Moreover, God gives victory where it looks like total defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your good and His glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when you have a problem before you \u2014 ask God<\/strong> to help you learn to rely upon Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remind yourself that you don\u2019t have all the answers \u2014 but God does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So take courage and remember what Paul<\/strong> says in Romans 8:37-39<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, trust in Him!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A relentless faith will lead you to:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respond<\/strong> WITH OPTIMISM!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recall<\/strong> PREVIOUS victories! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And <\/strong>Rely<\/strong> on God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand \u2014 these things were not just once and done practices in David\u2019s<\/strong> life \u2014 they were the habits of a RELENTLESS FAITH! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And we see them surface within him again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I think this is one of the reasons God would say of David, \u201cHe was a man after my own heart.\u201d Meaning, David was someone who lived his life with an awareness of God and an on-going trust in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you \u2014 does the kind of life describe yours? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you living the moments of your life with an awareness that God is with you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does that fact lead you to believe for the best, take great risks to accomplish great dreams? Does it lead you to reject discouragement when difficulties come? And through it all to rely upon God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If so \u2014 then stay the course! And keep the faith! My challenge to you would be to dream bigger and dare to do more. Don\u2019t look back, don\u2019t let up, don\u2019t slow down, don\u2019t back away, or give up. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend your life giving your all for Jesus. And live with a RELENTLESS FAITH!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you\u2019re not living the moments of you life with the kind of faith that I\u2019ve described this morning \u2014 then it\u2019s time to make a change. It\u2019s time to believe in the promise of God to always be with you, and to never stop working in your life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Paul<\/strong> declares in Philippians 1:6,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6<\/em><\/strong> \u2026he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. <\/em>NIV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, God<\/strong> hasn\u2019t given up on you \u2014 so don\u2019t give up on Him. KEEP BELIEVING! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, God has not set you up for defeat! <\/strong>He has set you up for victory<\/strong>! And another season of Growth<\/strong>. Another level of development<\/strong> so that He can complete that good work in you which He began! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, just believe. Have faith \u2014 because THIS IS US! <\/strong>It <\/strong>defines who we are<\/strong> (and who we long to be) as a church! <\/strong>A People of RELENTLESS FAITH<\/strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

RELENTLESS FAITH! THIS IS US \u2014 Message #4 1 Samuel 17:33-37; 40-47 Introduction:  It seems these days \u2014 there\u2019s a great interest in living a …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-309","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=309"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2635,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/309\/revisions\/2635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}