I'm Here To Thrive Not Just Survive
Summary
Pastor Fua delivers a powerful sermon titled 'I'm Here to Thrive, Not Just to Survive,' based on Jeremiah 17:5-8. He contrasts those who put their trust in humans versus those who trust in the Lord, comparing them to stunted shrubs in the desert versus trees planted by water with deep roots. The message emphasizes that God doesn't promise a life without challenges, but rather stability, growth, and faithfulness even in difficult seasons when our roots are deep in Him.
The sermon outlines three key principles: put your trust in God and not the world, don't rush the reveal (trust the process God has you on), and be fruitful all the time. Pastor Fua illustrates these points with personal stories and biblical examples, emphasizing that true spiritual growth comes through embracing challenges rather than asking God to remove them.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we thank You for the reminder that we are called to thrive, not just survive. Open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us about trusting You completely. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with each other as we examine where our roots are planted. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and deepen our understanding of what it means to be fruitful in all seasons. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you were a plant, what kind would you be and why? (Consider characteristics like where it grows, how it looks, what it produces, etc.)
Key Verses
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Matthew 13:24-30
Romans 5:3-4
Philippians 2:12-16
Luke 2:52
Questions
Pastor Fua compared fake plants to real plants. What are some ways we might look good on the surface but lack deep spiritual roots?
The sermon mentioned that 'God doesn't just want to pull you out of the desert; He wants to teach you how to grow in it.' How has God used difficult circumstances to help you grow spiritually?
What does it mean to 'trust the process' that God has you on? What makes this difficult sometimes?
In the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30), Jesus teaches that both should grow together until harvest. How does this challenge our desire to have God immediately remove difficulties from our lives?
Pastor Fua said, 'We want the fruit without the fight, the growth without the grit, the clarity without the waiting.' Where do you see this impatience in your own spiritual journey?
Romans 5:3-4 describes a process: problems develop endurance, endurance develops character, and character strengthens hope. Can you share an example of this progression in your life?
What does it look like to 'be fruitful all the time,' especially during seasons of drought or difficulty?
Pastor Fua mentioned shame as something that can keep our roots shallow. How can we overcome shame to develop deeper roots in Christ?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been asking God to remove a challenge rather than seeking to grow through it. Instead of praying for removal, commit to praying daily for God's guidance, strength, and wisdom to thrive in that situation. Journal about what you're learning through the process and be prepared to share with the group next time how your perspective has shifted.
Key Takeaways
True spiritual growth comes from putting our trust completely in God rather than in people or our own strength.
God often allows challenges to remain in our lives because He wants to develop us through them rather than simply removing them.
We cannot rush God's process of growth and revelation in our lives - each step has purpose and builds upon the previous one.
A fruitful life is one that continues to produce fruit even during difficult seasons because its roots are deep in Christ.
Our lives should shine like stars in a dark world, not through performance but through consistent, Christ-centered living that stands out even in challenging circumstances.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your desire to see us thrive, not just survive. We confess that too often we've asked You to remove our challenges rather than seeking to grow through them. Help us to trust You completely and to trust the process You have us on, even when it's difficult. Deepen our roots in You so that we can be fruitful in every season of life. Give us the courage to face our challenges rather than run from them, knowing that You are with us and working in us. May our lives shine like stars, pointing others to You through both our words and actions. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.