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
Praying for Restoration
Read: Daniel 6:1-28 Listen: Daniel 6
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
Daniel spends his life serving foreign kings, and now, in his eighties, he serves under King Darius. Daniel is such a trustworthy leader that he wins the king’s respect – and the jealousy of other officials. Unable to find fault in his work, they attack his faith by creating a law that bans prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel knows the law, but he continues his rhythm of praying three times a day. He prays openly toward Jerusalem, likely asking God to restore his people and God’s honor, just as Solomon instructed centuries before (1 Kings 8). Daniel keeps praying because only God can give what he truly needs.
We also long for restoration. We face brokenness around us – shattered marriages, children who have walked away from the faith, fractured friendships and our own sinful nature. We see God restore in bits and pieces now. Yet we long for when his kingdom comes in full. When Jesus returns, he will restore all things and right all wrongs. Until that day, we continue to turn our hearts to God and pray for his kingdom to come. God invites us to turn to him each day, praying for restoration now and in the future. We can trust that he will fulfill his promise to restore.
TODAY: Join Ada Bible Worship as they sing “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Use this song as a prayer of patient longing for Jesus to return and restore all things.
