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
Heart
Read: 2 Chronicles 12:13-14 Listen: 2 Chronicles 12
He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:14
The kingdom was torn in two after Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders and followed the advice of his young friends. Ten tribes formed the northern kingdom, known as Israel, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam in the southern kingdom, called Judah. Ultimately, Rehoboam’s leadership failed. The author of Chronicles would later assess each king and their allegiance to God and his ways. The Chronicler’s final assessment of Rehoboam’s leadership was that “he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14). Rather than staying committed to God and his ways, Rehoboam became self-seeking and used people rather than using his power and position to serve.
Where we set our hearts matters. We can decide in advance that we will choose to live for and honor God. Rather than try to keep our options open, we can pre-determine to obey Jesus and be faithful in following his way. This could affect the sort of shows we stream, how we approach dating relationships or how we spend our time and money. In all things, we are to set our hearts on God and his way.
TODAY: One way to set your heart is to memorize Scripture. Memorize Psalm 86:11, which is a helpful prayer about setting our hearts on God and his way: “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” As you memorize these words, pray them aloud to God with a passion and commitment to have a heart set on him.
