Uncommon Faith – Moving Beyond the Ordinary
Introduction: The Power of Uncommon Faith
Embracing a Faith Beyond the Norm
Ladies and gentlemen, today we embark on a journey into the extraordinary. A journey where your faith transcends the ordinary and enters the realm of the miraculous. We’re going to talk about Uncommon Faith!
But what does that truly mean?
Uncommon Faith can be defined as a belief in God that goes above and beyond the average. It’s a faith that pushes boundaries and sets aside limits. Uncommon Faith is that unwavering trust in God that emboldens you to ask for the extraordinary, believe in the impossible, and expect the miraculous. Today, we will explore this incredible dimension of faith and see how it can transform your life.
Joshua’s Uncommon Faith (Joshua 10:12-14)
Let me begin by taking you to a chapter in the book of Joshua, a story that beautifully illustrates Uncommon Faith. In the midst of a fierce battle, as the sun was setting, Joshua understood that if he couldn’t defeat the enemy entirely, they would rise again to challenge his people. So, he made an audacious request of God – a request that had never been made before in the history of humanity. He asked God to stop the sun.
This was a moment of extraordinary faith. Joshua’s belief was so profound that he dared to ask for the impossible. And what was God’s response? In essence, He said, “Joshua, if you have the faith to ask for it, I have the power to do it.” You see, uncommon faith brought a smile to the face of God, and it can bring a smile to God’s face in your life too.
Uncommon Faith in Action
Joshua’s Bold Request
Let’s dive into the story of Joshua’s extraordinary request. Picture this: Joshua, a fearless leader, standing in the midst of a great battle. The sun, their only source of light and hope, was disappearing on the horizon. But Joshua knew that to secure victory, the light of the sun had to remain. So, he cried out to God with incredible faith, “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
Joshua’s Bold Request (Joshua 10:12)
The remarkable part of this story is that God responded to Joshua’s uncommon faith. The sun stood still, and the moon paused, allowing the victory to be won. This wasn’t an ordinary faith; it was extraordinary, and it produced extraordinary results.
Biblical Examples of Uncommon Faith
The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who exhibited Uncommon Faith. Take Abraham, for instance. He believed in God’s promise of a son when he and Sarah were well beyond childbearing age. His faith went beyond what was considered normal and, as a result, he became the father of many nations.
Abraham’s Uncommon Faith (Romans 4:18-21)
Or consider Moses, a shepherd called to lead an entire nation out of slavery. With faith, he parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites to freedom. It was an extraordinary faith that led to extraordinary miracles.
Moses’ Uncommon Faith (Exodus 14:16-22)
Even a young shepherd named David displayed uncommon faith when he faced the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and a stone. His trust in God’s power led to a victory that defied all odds.
David’s Uncommon Faith (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
We can also find modern examples of individuals who’ve displayed extraordinary faith. Stories of people who overcame impossible circumstances and achieved the miraculous, all because they dared to believe beyond the ordinary.
The Characteristics of Uncommon Faith
Boldness and Confidence
What sets Uncommon Faith apart from the average? It’s the boldness, the audacity to ask for the extraordinary, to seek God’s intervention when others might consider it impossible. Uncommon Faith emboldens you to step out of your comfort zone, to go beyond the ordinary and trust that God can and will do what seems unattainable.
Do you remember the story of the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve long years? She had heard of Jesus and believed that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed. She pushed through the crowd and, in an act of extraordinary faith, touched Jesus’ garment. And in that moment, her faith made her whole.
Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
Believing for the Extraordinary
Uncommon Faith is also about believing for the extraordinary. It’s about having the audacity to believe not just for survival but for prosperity in the midst of adversity. Ordinary faith might pray, “God, help me make it through this recession.” But Uncommon Faith declares, “God, I believe You will prosper me in the midst of this recession.”
It’s the faith that says, “I’m not just coming out of this problem, I’m coming out better than I was before.” It’s the kind of faith that understands that we are children of the Most High God, and as His children, we are destined for abundance.
The Smile of God: Pleasing God with Uncommon Faith
God’s Response to Uncommon Faith
When you operate in Uncommon Faith, it brings a smile to God’s face. Your extraordinary trust in Him pleases Him because it reflects the utmost confidence in His ability to do the impossible. God desires His children to believe in His extraordinary power, to ask for the miraculous, and to trust that He can and will make it happen.
Pleasing God with Uncommon Faith
You see, it pleases God when you place your faith in Him, when you dare to believe beyond the ordinary. When you have the audacity to ask for the sun to stand still in your life, it pleases Him because it demonstrates your unwavering trust in His limitless power.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the smile of God and how our Uncommon Faith can bring joy to His heart.
Embracing Uncommon Faith in Your Life
The Call to Action
Today, I challenge you to embrace Uncommon Faith in your daily life. It’s time to let go of the limitations and doubts and to step out boldly in faith. Are you facing a giant in your life, a challenge that seems insurmountable? Instead of shrinking back in fear, embrace Uncommon Faith and face it head-on.
Being a Child of the Most High God
Remember, you are a child of the Most High God. As His child, you are destined for greatness, abundance, and the extraordinary. Your faith in Him should reflect that truth. In the midst of any storm, trust that God will not only see you through it but will elevate you to a level beyond your wildest dreams.
Conclusion: The Uncommon Faith Lifestyle
Living a Life Beyond the Ordinary
In conclusion, Uncommon Faith is not just an idea; it’s a way of life. It’s a lifestyle where you expect the extraordinary, where you embrace the miraculous, and where you walk in the confidence that God can and will do the impossible.
As we wrap up today, I want you to remember that Uncommon Faith is within your reach. It’s not reserved for a select few; it’s available to anyone willing to believe beyond the ordinary. So, go forth and live a life of Uncommon Faith, a life filled with the extraordinary, and watch how God smiles upon you.
Closing Prayer: Walking in Uncommon Faith
Seeking God’s Guidance and Blessings
Let’s bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Uncommon Faith. We thank You for the stories in Your Word that inspire us to go beyond the ordinary and reach for the extraordinary. We ask for Your guidance as we walk in Uncommon Faith, believing for the miraculous in our lives. Bless each person here with the confidence to believe beyond the ordinary, and may our faith bring a smile to Your face. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
And as we close today, may your journey of Uncommon Faith lead you to a life filled with the extraordinary. Amen!
Have a great week!
This sermon is a testament to the power of Uncommon Faith, a faith that goes beyond the ordinary, and it encourages the congregation to step into a realm of extraordinary possibilities. It draws from the story of Joshua, as well as other biblical examples, to illustrate the characteristics of Uncommon Faith. The message emphasizes that Uncommon Faith pleases God and challenges the audience to adopt this extraordinary faith in their daily lives.