Beyond the Weekend: EPIC
Stories of Trust, Failure and Faith That Point to Jesus
What does it look like to believe God, not just believe in God? This fall, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered stories of biblical heroes who wrestled with doubt, took dangerous detours, and discovered that trusting God means following him even when you can't see the outcome. Their epic journeys of trust, failure and faith all point to the ultimate hero—Jesus.
Key Messaging Points:
- There's a difference between believing in God and believing God
- God speaks in life's detours and disruptions
- Wrestling with God transforms us
- Trusting God means obeying before you see the outcome
- Every story of human struggle points to Jesus
A Fully Devoted Heart
Read: 1 Samuel 17:8-26 Listen: 1 Samuel 17
“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26
God rejects Saul as king. Saul is no longer a man fully devoted to the Lord. So, God sends Samuel to anoint David as the next king. Near David’s home, the Philistines gather opposite the Israelite army. Sent to gather news from his elder brothers at war, David hears of the Philistines’ taunts. Daily, a mocking shout rings across battle lines. Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, dares anyone to face him. The nerve of the Israelite army breaks. David knew the severity of Goliath’s taunts. Goliath dares “defy the armies of the living God”. Filled with zeal for the Lord, David offers his life to defend the reputation of his God. He knew that the God he served was worthy of his whole heart.
Our hearts often look more like the cowering Israelites than that of David. We will give God parts of our heart, but we’re unwilling to offer everything to him. David was fully convinced that God was worthy of everything. God really has kept all his promises. He sacrificed his son for us. And he will fulfill his promise of everlasting life for his children. This is a God worthy of our total devotion.
TODAY: Are you living a life that proclaims God is worthy of your whole heart? Offer every part of your heart to God with this prayer: “God, I don’t often live my life in full surrender to you. Help me love you with all of my heart, all of my soul and all of my strength. Amen” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
