Valley View Baptist Church

Let's do a little thought exercise before you listen to this sermon. I want you to think about the most important Christian in your life. Think about the one who matters the most in the Kingdom of Heaven. Who in your life is the Christian that you want to model your faith after?

For many of you, no doubt it's your parents; a praying mom and dad who raised you in church. For others it's a grandparent. Maybe a close friend. Maybe even a spouse. Maybe it's your Pastor, or an elder in your church. Think about that person...who did you chose?

The Disciples asked Jesus the same question. Who was the most important in the Kingdom of God? And His response surprised them all...

Are you content with what you have, or do you find yourself constantly wanting for more? There are times in life when we truly need something. But, if we're honest, a lot of times it is just want and desire. Maybe it's a new car. Perhaps it's the new tech gadget that just came out. Or that outfit on sale. When it comes right down to it, a lot of the things we think we need are simply wants. If that's you, maybe you battle with being content.

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi about this very topic. Being content is a personal battle. It is a commandment from God. If not checked, it can devolve into covetousness.

Stop looking at the things others have that you do not. Learn to be content with what God has given you.

Noah and Abram were both spoken to directly by God. He asked them both to do something strange and peculiar. Build an ark to prepare for the rain? Sacrifice the son you promised to use to father a great nation? Both of these men were given strange direction. But neither of them argued or questioned God. They obeyed.

Why? What gave them the courage to be so obedient? God had given them a promise, and they took comfort in that.

God has given us a promise too; I Will Provide!

God asked His people to silently walk around the city of Jericho every day for 7 days. Why did He do that? Why didn't God just destroy the city on day 1? He could have, and yet He chose to use those walls to teach the Israelite people a lesson. Instead He used those walls to teach His children to remain faithful, and to reveal Himself to them.

Are you facing walls in your life that you just wish God would take down? Do you find yourself facing them day after day, just waiting for something to happen? Stay faithful friend! Just keep walking. God may be using those walls to teach you something.

In the end, God brought those mighty walls tumbling down. No doubt there were some who gave up along the way and stopped walking. And they missed it.

Just keep walking. Don't miss it.