Intro:
Easter is rich in hope, promise, power, and redemption. Join me today as we begin a four-part series examining Easter’s whole story.
Question:
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you’ve done everything you know to do—but nothing seems to work? You’ve prayed, waited, and hoped, and still you’re stuck. You’ve hit what looks like a dead end.
- This is the place where faith is either forged or forgotten.
- From the dream to deliverance, He uses these moments to shape our trust and deepen our dependence on Him. Let’s open our hearts to the story behind Easter—the story that not only changed history but still changes lives today.
Scripture:
Mark 9:17-27
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 ” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
Question:
- What do you do when your faith meets resistance?
- Where do you turn when belief and doubt wrestle inside you?
Six Phases Of Faith
1.
Every faith journey begins with a God-given dream—a vision for your future, a calling, or a burden that stirs your heart.
Genesis 37:5–7 – Joseph’s dream was the beginning of a long and painful road, but it was God-ordained.
It was a dream that took Joseph from the pit to the prison and from the prison to the palace. God was fulfilling a dream!
Question: What dream has God placed in your heart this Easter season?
2.
Dreams require decisions.
We must choose to follow God’s plan over our comfort or convenience.
Hebrews 11:24–25 tells us of how Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt.
Question: Are your decisions aligning your faith with your dreams?
3.
God’s timeline often doesn’t match ours. Delays test our patience and trust.
Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Question: How are you handling God’s “not yet”?
4.
Faith is refined in adversity. Setbacks, struggles, and suffering build spiritual resilience.
There is no faith without opposition.
James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials… so that you may be mature and complete.”
It’s out of darkest moments that we encounter our greatest victories.
For the follower of Jesus, opposition becomes opportunity!
5.
This is the breaking point. When everything seems lost—God is setting the stage for a miracle.
Exodus 14:21–22 – At the Red Sea, Israel faced annihilation, but God made a way through the impossible.
Question: Are you standing at a dead end that only God can open?
6.
This is the God moment. When your back is against the wall, and nothing works, but God steps in.
John 11:4 – Jesus said of Lazarus, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.”
Question: Are you ready for God to turn your crucifixion moment into a resurrection?
It was on Good Friday that Satan thought he had Jesus trapped, but Easter was coming!
Conclusion:
We Must Put Our Faith in Action
Mark 11:20–23 – Jesus tells us that even mountains move when we speak in faith and do not doubt.
1. God specializes in deliverance.
2. He turns tombs into testimonies.
3. He transforms doubt into declarations of faith.
Response:
What phase of faith are you in right now?
Are you believing God for something that feels delayed or dead?
Is God stretching your faith during this season?