Come Boldly: Trusting God in the Tough Times
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Life can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and even discouraging at times. Yet, amidst the struggles and uncertainties, there's a powerful invitation from God: to approach Him boldly, just as we are. This isn’t about perfection or having it all together. Instead, it’s about trusting that He welcomes us, listens to us, and works through us—even when the journey gets tough. Today, let’s unpack what it means to come boldly before God and build with faith, no matter the opposition.
Approaching God with Boldness
In ancient times, approaching a king was a daunting task. You couldn’t simply walk into their presence uninvited. To do so could mean death. Yet, as Pastor Jeremy highlighted, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we serve a King who not only invites us into His presence but encourages us to come boldly. He’s not looking for the perfect words or flawless actions; He desires honesty and authenticity.
“Come as you are, come with your mess,” Pastor Jeremy emphasized. God already knows what we’re going through, and He wants us to bring it all to Him—our fears, our doubts, our needs. Instead of hiding, let’s boldly make our requests known and trust that He hears us. This is a beautiful reminder that our relationship with God isn’t about ceremony or formality; it’s about intimacy and trust.
Building Through Opposition
Anything worth building—whether it’s a career, a family, a ministry, or even personal growth—comes with challenges. As seen in the story of Nehemiah, rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem wasn’t met with applause but opposition. Critics mocked, doubted, and tried to discourage the builders. Yet, Nehemiah and his team didn’t let the negativity distract them from their mission. Instead, they leaned into prayer and kept on building.
Pastor Jeremy echoed this sentiment, reminding us that “whenever you’re building something, those who aren’t building anything are often the quickest to critique.” It’s easy to let outside voices or even internal doubts derail us, but our focus must remain on God’s call. Don’t waste time convincing critics or proving naysayers wrong. Instead, stay obedient to what God has placed in your heart, trusting Him to handle the rest.
Finding Peace in the Middle of the Struggle
One of the most profound truths shared was that peace isn’t always a prerequisite for obedience. We often associate God’s will with feelings of calm and clarity, but many biblical examples show the opposite. Noah didn’t feel peace when building an ark for a flood no one had seen. Jesus didn’t feel peace as He prepared to take up the cross—He sweat drops of blood in anguish. Yet, both obeyed, and their obedience changed history.
“The will of God is not always peaceful,” the speaker remarked. “Sometimes, peace comes in the middle of doing the hard thing.” What a powerful reminder that faith often requires us to act despite fear, doubt, or discomfort. Obedience isn’t about waiting for perfect circumstances; it’s about trusting God through the messy, uncertain, and challenging moments.
The Discipline of Suffering
Suffering isn’t a popular topic, but it’s an essential part of growth. Whether it’s the physical discipline of exercising or the spiritual discipline of faith, suffering builds resilience and character. Pastor Jeremy compared it to going to the gym: “It’s the suffering in the gym that brings discipline to your diet and your lifestyle.” Similarly, the struggles we face in life refine us and deepen our reliance on God.
Testing, too, plays a critical role. Jesus was tested and found obedient. His example shows us that trials aren’t meant to break us but to solidify our faith and prepare us for greater things. As believers, we must embrace the hard seasons, knowing that they’re shaping us for God’s purpose.
Keep Building, Keep Praying
Nehemiah and his team faced ridicule, fatigue, and threats, but they didn’t stop building. They combined action with prayer, posting guards while continuing their work. This is a powerful example for us. When opposition arises—whether it’s from external critics, internal doubts, or spiritual battles—we must stay rooted in prayer and steadfast in our mission.
Pastor Jeremy reminded us of an important truth: “The greatest tool of the enemy today is distraction.” Whether it’s negative comments, past wounds, or fear of failure, distractions can pull us away from what God has called us to do. Instead of engaging in battles that don’t matter, let’s focus on building His kingdom and loving others. As Pastor Jeremy passionately declared, “Keep on building the kingdom. Keep on loving your neighbor. Keep on serving people.”
A Community That Prays Together
One of the most encouraging aspects of the message was the emphasis on community. At Pioneer Church, prayer and worship are at the heart of everything. Whether it’s through campfire prayer nights or youth group gatherings, the church is committed to seeking God together and building a supportive, faith-filled community.
Pastor Jeremy shared exciting updates about the growing youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation. “They’re not looking for glitz and glam,” he said. “They’re looking for bigger brothers and sisters in the Lord to let them know that Jesus loves them.” This heartfelt commitment to mentorship and discipleship is a beautiful reflection of God’s love in action.
Conclusion: Come Boldly and Keep Building
Whether you’re facing personal struggles, opposition, or uncertainty, know this: God invites you to come boldly into His presence. Bring your fears, your doubts, and your faith. Trust that He hears you, loves you, and is working through you. And as you build—your faith, your family, your calling—don’t let distractions or discouragement stop you. Stay rooted in prayer, surround yourself with supportive community, and keep your eyes on God’s purpose.
What is God calling you to build in this season? How can you step boldly into His presence and trust Him in the process? Let’s journey together, encouraging one another as we follow His lead.
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