Faith Transforms Who We Are Series

### **INTRODUCTION: A Faith That Shapes Us Deeply**

Video Ill.: Sermon bumper 3

****Mother’s Day Moment (Briefly Acknowledged)**

Today is a special day in our country, where we pause to honor and appreciate the women in our lives—mothers, grandmothers, spiritual mothers—whose faith has shaped us in countless ways.

It is quite appropriate to remember the influence and teachings these women have had on our lives, especially as we are talking about having a transformative faith.

Many of us are who we are today because the quiet, steady, prayerful faith of our mothers, grandmothers, and other women in our lives. Their faith left an imprint on our lives.

So, as we continue our study this morning, I would encourage the moms, grandmothers, and other women in our lives to continue to be an example of the transformative faith that we as followers of Jesus have been called to have.

No matter, though, who we are or from where we come, here is heart of the truth: Faith is not just something we believe. It’s something that changes who we become.

### **Series Recap:**

Over the past two weeks, we have been exploring what it truly means to have a transformative faith—a faith that goes beyond belief and actually reshapes our lives.

In week one, we talked about how faith changes the way we respond to the world. It is easy to claim belief in God, but true faith shows up in how we treat others—how we handle frustration, conflict, and pain. We looked at how our reactions reveal the presence of Christ within us—or the absence of transformation.

Last week, we focused on how faith gives us a new purpose. We are not just here to sit in pews and attend services. God created each of us with unique gifts and a calling to serve. We learned that the church is not an event to attend; it is a mission to live.

This morning, too often, people believe in God but never let that belief transform them.

The Bible makes clear—faith is not about agreeing with ideas. It is about becoming someone new.

### **1: Faith Begins with Seeking God, Not Just Knowing About Him**

#### **Illustration: Get in the Wheelbarrow**

Based on Get In The Wheelbarrow!

By Dr. Larry Petton

SermonCentral.com

On June 30, 1859, a crowd of 25,000 gathered to witness Charles Blondin do something no one had done before—walk a tightrope stretched 1,100 feet across Niagara Falls, with no safety net beneath him. And he did it. The crowd erupted.

But Blondin was not done.

On a later attempt, he upped the stakes—pushing a wheelbarrow across the rope. The crowd watched in breathless anticipation. Before beginning, he turned and asked, “Do you believe I can do this?”

The crowd cheered, “Yes!”

He then turned to a nearby reporter and asked, “Do you believe I can cross this rope with the wheelbarrow?”

The reporter said, “Absolutely. I believe!”

Blondin looked him square in the eyes and said, “Then get in the wheelbarrow.”

Belief became a little harder at that moment.

That is the difference between believing something and having faith in someone and trusting them.

It is the difference between saying we believe in God and actively pursuing a relationship with Him that transforms our lives.

The Hebrew writer says in Hebrews 11:6:

6 …[I]t is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. (Hebrews 11, NLT)

There are two parts to faith that pleases God:

1. Believing that He exists.

That is the easy part. Many people believe in a higher power, or even that the God of Scripture is real.

2. Sincerely seeking Him.

This, on the other hand, is not so easy. But when we earnestly, sincerely, and humbly seek Him, that is where transformation begins.

It is not enough to simply say we believe.

Real faith climbs into the wheelbarrow.

Real faith says, “I trust You with everything.”

#### 🧒🏼 **Illustration: A Child and the Arms of a Parent**

Think about a small child. They do not just know their parents exist—they run to them. They cling to them. They cry out when they are scared or hurt or tired.

And in that seeking, a relationship forms. Trust is built. Dependence is learned.

It is not the knowledge that changes the child’s life—it is the pursuit of the parent.

#### **Application**

This morning, how many of us are standing on the banks, cheering for Jesus... but unwilling to get in the wheelbarrow?

Are we simply aware of God?

Do we believe He’s real but keep Him at arm’s length?

Or are we sincerely and urgently seeking Him?

Faith is not passive belief. It is active pursuit.