Jesus is the One
Jesus is The One
Sermon Blog - Rev. Brandon Sailes (2/9/25)
In life's most challenging moments, even the strongest among us can find our faith wavering. We may find ourselves asking, "God, are you really the one? Are you truly there for me in this situation?" This question isn't new – it echoes through the ages, voiced by some of the most devoted followers of Christ.
Consider John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. This was a man who leaped in his mother's womb at the presence of the unborn Messiah. He baptized Jesus and witnessed the heavens open. John boldly proclaimed, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Yet, we find this same John, imprisoned and facing death, sending his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
This moment of doubt didn't stem from a lack of faith, but from unmet expectations. John, like many in his time, anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow oppressive regimes and establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, he found himself in chains while Jesus was performing miracles elsewhere.
How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? We believe in God's power, we've witnessed His works, yet when our personal struggles persist, we wonder, "Lord, are you really the one for my situation?"
The story of Jesus' response to John's question is enlightening. He didn't rebuke John for his doubt. Instead, He pointed to the evidence of His works: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."
This reminds us that God's work isn't always what we expect or hope for in the moment. He may not immediately break our chains, but He's always at work, often in ways we can't see or understand.
Consider the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus' word alone, or the widow of Nain whose dead son was brought back to life. These miracles were happening while John remained in prison. God's power was on full display, yet not in the way John had hoped for himself.
This paradox of faith is one we all grapple with. We rejoice in God's miracles for others while sometimes feeling overlooked in our own struggles. It's in these moments that we must remember: our circumstances don't define God's character or power.
A poignant personal story illustrates this truth. Imagine rushing to a hospital, full of faith, believing for a miracle for a young nephew on life support. You pray fervently, anointing with oil, using a prayer cloth, fully expecting God to demonstrate His power. Yet, despite your prayers and faith, the doctors deliver the devastating news: "Prepare for end of life."
In such moments, it's natural to question, "God, are you really the one? If you can raise the dead and heal the sick, why not now? Why not here?" The pain of unmet expectations can shake the foundations of our faith.
But here's the profound truth we must hold onto: God's seeming inaction in one area doesn't negate His power or His love. He remains the great "I AM" – the all-sufficient one, even when our limited understanding can't reconcile His ways with our desires.
The Bible reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Our faith isn't based on God always doing what we want, when we want it. True faith perseveres even when the answers don't come as we hope. It's about trusting in who God is, not just in what He does for us.
Remember, Jesus himself faced the ultimate "unanswered prayer" in Gethsemane. He asked for the cup of suffering to pass from Him, yet submitted to the Father's will. Through His sacrifice, we received something far greater than temporary earthly comfort – we gained eternal salvation.
So, when you find yourself questioning, "God, are you the one for my situation?" remember:
1. You're in good company. Even great faith heroes had moments of doubt.
2. God's work isn't limited to what we can see or understand.
3. Our circumstances don't define God's character or power.
4. Faith perseveres even when answers don't come as expected.
5. God's ultimate concern is our eternal salvation, not just temporal comfort.
In every situation, whether in triumph or trial, God remains the one true source of all we need. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is no other.
You don't need to look for another because He is the one. He's the one who can save your soul, cleanse you from sin, bring peace to your turmoil, and restore your joy. Even if healing doesn't come, even if circumstances don't change, He remains the great I AM – sufficient for all our needs.
Today, if you find yourself questioning, know that God is extending an invitation to you. He hears your cries, understands your frustrations, and wants to meet you right where you are. You don't have to leave the same way you came. You can walk away with the One who gives power and comfort residing within you.
Don't wait. Make your calling and election sure. Respond to His tugging on your heart. For in Him, and Him alone, we find the answer to life's deepest questions and the fulfillment of our soul's deepest longings. He is, indeed, the One.
Sermon Blog - Rev. Brandon Sailes (2/9/25)
In life's most challenging moments, even the strongest among us can find our faith wavering. We may find ourselves asking, "God, are you really the one? Are you truly there for me in this situation?" This question isn't new – it echoes through the ages, voiced by some of the most devoted followers of Christ.
Consider John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. This was a man who leaped in his mother's womb at the presence of the unborn Messiah. He baptized Jesus and witnessed the heavens open. John boldly proclaimed, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Yet, we find this same John, imprisoned and facing death, sending his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
This moment of doubt didn't stem from a lack of faith, but from unmet expectations. John, like many in his time, anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow oppressive regimes and establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, he found himself in chains while Jesus was performing miracles elsewhere.
How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? We believe in God's power, we've witnessed His works, yet when our personal struggles persist, we wonder, "Lord, are you really the one for my situation?"
The story of Jesus' response to John's question is enlightening. He didn't rebuke John for his doubt. Instead, He pointed to the evidence of His works: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."
This reminds us that God's work isn't always what we expect or hope for in the moment. He may not immediately break our chains, but He's always at work, often in ways we can't see or understand.
Consider the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus' word alone, or the widow of Nain whose dead son was brought back to life. These miracles were happening while John remained in prison. God's power was on full display, yet not in the way John had hoped for himself.
This paradox of faith is one we all grapple with. We rejoice in God's miracles for others while sometimes feeling overlooked in our own struggles. It's in these moments that we must remember: our circumstances don't define God's character or power.
A poignant personal story illustrates this truth. Imagine rushing to a hospital, full of faith, believing for a miracle for a young nephew on life support. You pray fervently, anointing with oil, using a prayer cloth, fully expecting God to demonstrate His power. Yet, despite your prayers and faith, the doctors deliver the devastating news: "Prepare for end of life."
In such moments, it's natural to question, "God, are you really the one? If you can raise the dead and heal the sick, why not now? Why not here?" The pain of unmet expectations can shake the foundations of our faith.
But here's the profound truth we must hold onto: God's seeming inaction in one area doesn't negate His power or His love. He remains the great "I AM" – the all-sufficient one, even when our limited understanding can't reconcile His ways with our desires.
The Bible reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Our faith isn't based on God always doing what we want, when we want it. True faith perseveres even when the answers don't come as we hope. It's about trusting in who God is, not just in what He does for us.
Remember, Jesus himself faced the ultimate "unanswered prayer" in Gethsemane. He asked for the cup of suffering to pass from Him, yet submitted to the Father's will. Through His sacrifice, we received something far greater than temporary earthly comfort – we gained eternal salvation.
So, when you find yourself questioning, "God, are you the one for my situation?" remember:
1. You're in good company. Even great faith heroes had moments of doubt.
2. God's work isn't limited to what we can see or understand.
3. Our circumstances don't define God's character or power.
4. Faith perseveres even when answers don't come as expected.
5. God's ultimate concern is our eternal salvation, not just temporal comfort.
In every situation, whether in triumph or trial, God remains the one true source of all we need. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is no other.
You don't need to look for another because He is the one. He's the one who can save your soul, cleanse you from sin, bring peace to your turmoil, and restore your joy. Even if healing doesn't come, even if circumstances don't change, He remains the great I AM – sufficient for all our needs.
Today, if you find yourself questioning, know that God is extending an invitation to you. He hears your cries, understands your frustrations, and wants to meet you right where you are. You don't have to leave the same way you came. You can walk away with the One who gives power and comfort residing within you.
Don't wait. Make your calling and election sure. Respond to His tugging on your heart. For in Him, and Him alone, we find the answer to life's deepest questions and the fulfillment of our soul's deepest longings. He is, indeed, the One.
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