Just Stay

KEY VERSES:

• Psalm 34:8 - Taste and see that the Lord is good.
• 1 Samuel 7:2-12 - Story of Israel’s return to God and the Ebenezer stone.
• Philippians 3:20 - Our citizenship is in heaven.
• John 14:2-3 - I go to prepare a place for you.
• Ephesians 1 - Personal faith journey

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Looking Back with Gratitude:
   • Reflecting on Grace Free Church's history from 1975 to now—God’s faithfulness through every challenge.
   • Personal story of Randy Ott starting as a young pastor, filled with fear but trusting God's call.
2. The Struggle to Stay:
   • Personal burnout Christmas Eve 2016—feeling like giving up, but God wasn’t done yet.
   • Sometimes the greatest act of faith is simply not quitting.
3. Biblical Example - 1 Samuel 7:2-12:
   • Israel returns to God after years of defeat and idolatry.
   • Despite fear of the Philistines, they stayed and cried out to God.
   • God responded with thunder, leading Israel to victory.
4. Ebenezer: The Stone of Help:
   • Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer to mark God's help.
   • “Thus far the Lord has helped us”—a reminder of God’s past faithfulness to inspire future trust.
5. Final Encouragement:
   • Resilience isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about just staying, trusting God even in the darkness.
   • Our ultimate home is with Jesus. Until then, walk with Him, one step at a time.

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. When have you felt like quitting something God called you to do? What helped you stay?
2. How do you handle seasons where you don’t see immediate results from your efforts or prayers?
3. What “Ebenezer stones” can you point to in your life—moments where God clearly showed up?
4. In what ways do fear and faith coexist in your life? How do you manage that tension?
5. What distractions or “false gods” might be pulling your focus away from God right now?
6. How can you remind yourself daily of God’s faithfulness, especially when facing new challenges?
7. What role does community play in helping you “just stay” during hard times?
8. How can your story of resilience encourage someone else who’s struggling to keep going?

APPLY IT:

• Trust God in Uncertainty: When facing unknowns, don’t retreat—lean into God’s promises.
• Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness: Create your own “Ebenezer” moments—reminders of how God has helped you before.
• Stay Even When It’s Hard: Don’t quit when things get tough. Often, the breakthrough comes right after the hardest battles.
• Pray Honestly: Like Samuel, cry out to God with your fears and frustrations—He listens.
• Commit Fully: If you’re following Jesus, go all in. No more half-hearted faith or spiritual distractions.
• Encourage Someone Else: Share your story of resilience to inspire someone who feels like giving up.