Anchored in a faithful God
by Pastor James Tan
14 December 2025
Sermon Recap – “Anchored in a faithful God”
Key Text: Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 7:9–15; Lamentations 3:22–23; John 15:13–14; Hebrews 3:2–6
Theme: God remains faithful in every season—through suffering, waiting, obedience, sacrifice, and uncertainty. As believers prepare to enter a new year, the call is not merely to seek new blessings, but to realign hearts, trust God’s faithfulness, and walk obediently into the next season with gratitude, surrender, and perseverance.
1. God’s Faithfulness in Seasons of Weakness
Physical limitation, suffering, and enforced rest often become moments when God speaks most clearly. In stillness, God realigns perspective and renews strength. Seasons that appear unproductive may actually be deeply formative.
God does not abandon His servants in weakness. Instead, He uses these moments to remind His people of His sustaining grace and unfailing presence.
Application: When strength is limited, listen closely. God often speaks direction and purpose during seasons of forced stillness.
2. Remembering God’s Faithfulness Before Asking for More
Believers often rush toward new prayers and new desires while forgetting to thank God for past faithfulness. Gratitude anchors faith and keeps the heart aligned with God’s goodness.
Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks. Gratitude is not optional—it is a spiritual posture that honours God and positions believers for continued blessing.
Application: Pause to give thanks for what God has already done before asking Him to do something new.
3. God Is Realigning the Future of His People
God calls His people to spiritual vigilance, like the wise virgins who kept their lamps filled. As seasons change, preparation matters. God promises provision in new ways, revealing Himself again as Jehovah Jireh—the faithful provider.
Faithfulness is required not only in moments of breakthrough, but in seasons of preparation, stewardship, and obedience.
Application: Stay spiritually alert. Prepare for what God is about to do by remaining faithful in what He has already entrusted to you.
4. Faithfulness Through Trial: Lessons from Hymns and History
The stories behind well-known hymns reveal lives marked by suffering, disappointment, and perseverance:
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” was written by a servant of God who faced illness, financial difficulty, and forced withdrawal from ministry—yet trusted God unwaveringly.
- “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was born out of deep personal loss, heartbreak, and sacrifice.
These hymns testify that God’s faithfulness is often most deeply known in pain, not prosperity.
Application: Let past testimonies strengthen present faith. God remains faithful regardless of circumstance.
5. Covenant Faithfulness: God Keeps His Promises
From Abraham’s calling at age 75 to the fulfillment of God’s promise 25 years later, Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s timing is perfect. Delay does not mean denial. God’s covenant purposes unfold according to His wisdom, not human expectation.
God’s faithfulness is not dependent on human perfection, but on His unchanging character.
Application: Trust God’s timing. Continue walking in obedience even when fulfillment seems delayed.
6. Faithfulness Requires Obedience and Partnership
God’s covenant promises are accompanied by a call to obedience. Deuteronomy teaches that faithfulness includes listening, obeying, and honouring God with substance, service, and surrender.
God invites His people to partner with Him—using gifts, resources, and opportunities to advance His Kingdom.
Application: Use what God has already placed in your hands. Faithfulness activates fruitfulness.
7. Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Faithfulness
Jesus remained faithful to the Father’s will from beginning to end. He surrendered His own will, endured suffering, completed redemption, and continued to minister even after His resurrection.
His faithfulness secured forgiveness, reconciliation, eternal life, and a new covenant for all who believe.
Application: Follow Christ’s example of obedience and surrender. Faithfulness to God’s will leads to eternal impact.
8. Faithfulness in Disappointment and Direction
The disciples on the road to Emmaus and the fishermen returning to their old profession reveal how disappointment can distort direction and focus. Yet Jesus faithfully meets His people in confusion, opens the Scriptures, breaks bread, and restores purpose.
When Christ is invited into daily life—through Scripture, fellowship, and communion—spiritual vision is restored.
Application: Re-centre focus on Christ. Invite Him into daily routines, decisions, and discouragements.
9. Faithfulness Under Persecution and Cost
Early Christians endured unimaginable persecution—torture, martyrdom, rejection—yet remained faithful. Their witness spread the Gospel across nations and generations.
Faithfulness is not proven when it is easy, but when it is costly.
Application: Stand firm in faith regardless of pressure. Faithfulness leaves a legacy beyond one lifetime.
Reflection Questions for Life Group
- How have you experienced God’s faithfulness this past year?
- What season of waiting, pain, or preparation are you currently in?
- How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help you trust Him for the future?
- What does faithfulness look like in your daily life—work, family, ministry, finances?
- As you prepare for the new year, what area is God asking you to realign or surrender?
Closing Call
God is faithful—yesterday, today, and forever. As one season ends and another begins, the invitation is clear: let go of past disappointments, reconcile where needed, honour God with gratitude, and step forward in obedience. The faithful God who carried His people through trials will also guide them into the future He has prepared. Trust Him fully and walk confidently into the new season.
