Transcription downloaded from https://yetanothersermon.host/_/fccgreensburg/sermons/82571/stuck/.

Disclaimer: this is an automatically generated machine transcription - there may be small errors or mistranscriptions.
Please refer to the original audio if you are in any doubt.


[0:00] Well, thanks for joining us today. My name is Pastor Steve Frenzenmeyer. I'm the care pastor here at First Christian Church.! And I'm so glad that you decided to listen today.

[0:10] And I pray that through our time together today that you hear God's Word and that God's Word encourages you today because that's kind of what this sermon today is all about is just being encouraged.

[0:24] I think a lot of us, a lot of times, just kind of get beat down. Now, this is not going to be a big sappy type of encouragement thing, but just hopefully something solid that you can grab onto today and hold onto as we go through life and that it touches you today.

[0:43] But before we get started, let's pray, okay? Father God, I thank you for today. I thank you for this time today and just ask that you would just speak to our hearts.

[0:53] that, Lord, that we know that you are the source of every good thing. And we just ask that right now, Father, that your Spirit would be amongst us right now.

[1:04] In Jesus' name, amen. I don't know if you know or not, but my wife and I, we happen to own a lawn care company. And we've had it for a long time now, for about 20 years.

[1:15] And so this past year, I had just bought, got a brand new, not a brand new mower, but a new mower to me, a big commercial one. And we were out at this brand new customer's house.

[1:29] First time we'd ever been there. So I unloaded the mower and I start off. I was on this property possibly four or five minutes and I bury the mower in the wet ground.

[1:45] I didn't realize it was wet in this one corner. Everywhere else was dry except for this one little corner and I found it right away. And within five minutes, I'm buried.

[1:56] Couldn't get out. I tried and tried to get out. Couldn't get anywhere. So after a few minutes of trying, I grabbed a chain and a toe strap, put it around the mower, backed my truck up.

[2:13] I was up on higher ground with the truck in kind of like a garden area. So it was really kind of solid there. So I hook everything up, get going.

[2:24] And within moments, I'm stuck again. My truck just sunk straight down into the ground. So working with that for several minutes, not going anywhere, I was like, man, I've got to do something.

[2:39] So what do I do? I call my good buddy, Tyler Smith, who has sweets, tow trucks. Calls him up. I call him up.

[2:50] Hey, Tyler, here's the situation. I need some help. So he says, send me your coordinates. I'll be right there. So 15, 20 minutes later, he's there.

[3:00] And of course, he pulls up, and he's laughing, of course, because not only do I have one thing stuck, but I have two things stuck. So he backs his truck up and pulls out the winch line.

[3:12] We hook it up to the truck. We pull the truck out and the mower out together at the same time. And we have a good laugh over it. And I continue on.

[3:23] He left, so I continue on mowing the property. And that's it. But you know what? I was stuck. So have you ever felt stuck?

[3:35] Have you ever felt like you were trying to do all the right things but getting nowhere? You're trying your hardest, trying to do everything right, and yet there's no results.

[3:48] You don't see any changes. You don't see any results for your hard work. Dieting and exercise, going to the gym every day and following the exercise plan, but the scales still read the same and the clothes still fit the same?

[4:07] Do you feel stuck in your job? That you're giving your job your very best effort, but your career is not advancing as you would like? Are you stuck in your marriage where your spouse doesn't respond to you the way you would like for them to?

[4:25] Or you're maybe just not growing together, and yet you're still doing and trying to do all the right things? Do you feel stuck in your relationship with God?

[4:39] Are you reading your Bible? Are you worshiping, and are you spending time in prayer, but you seem to be in the same spiritual spot that you've been in for a long time? You're doing everything that you can do, but you feel there's a barrier between you and God, and you're just not getting any closer.

[4:59] It's frustrating. And just like everything else, if we don't see the progress, if we don't see any movement, then obviously there's nothing going on, and we're stuck.

[5:15] You seem to be doing all the right things, but no results. You seem stuck. Like you're spinning your wheels and going nowhere, and you're waiting.

[5:27] Waiting is like being stuck. You're in motion, but not going anywhere. And no one likes waiting. And our dislike for waiting is just about for everything.

[5:41] We don't like waiting in line at Walmart. We hate the line at the fast food place. We don't even like waiting at traffic lights. And we don't like waiting for our computer to reboot.

[5:55] You know, hospitals and doctor's offices, well, they have a specific place to wait. Yeah, the waiting room. Patience is that virtue that develops in us as we wait while we're stuck.

[6:09] And patience is the ability to endure delays, troubles, and suffering without becoming angry or upset.

[6:21] And although patience is important, and it's one of the fruits of the Spirit, we're going to spend our time today talking about what do we do while we are waiting.

[6:34] When we're in the midst of waiting, and when we're in the midst of being stuck, what do we do? So today, right now, wherever you're feeling stuck, no matter what aspect of your life you feel stuck in, I hope and pray that you are encouraged today.

[6:58] So the first thing is, is don't stop doing what is right. Galatians 6, 9 tells us, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

[7:18] You know, sometimes it gets hard doing the right things for the right reasons. And if we don't see the results that we're wanting, or the results that we're waiting for, sometimes we quit.

[7:32] Even though we're working for something good, and maybe even something godly. If we have to wait too long, we quit, or sometimes just give in.

[7:46] I know at times it may seem that doing the right thing all the time, with no apparent results, seems futile and meaningless. So instead of giving up, we just simply give in.

[8:01] What's the use? Maybe it's time to just do what everyone else is doing. And that would be the easy thing to do. That would be the easy way out, right?

[8:13] Just to give in. But do you hear the words of Paul speaking to us? He's saying, I know it's tough when you do the right thing. And I know that when results don't always come right away, there's going to be a sacrifice.

[8:28] You know, a time, an energy. But it's worth it. James tells us in chapter 1, verse 2, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

[8:50] The second thing out there is, is there is power in our waiting. Isaiah 40, 31 tells us, But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

[9:04] In some translations, the word hope is also interchangeable with the word wait, and even the word rest. Our waiting can be a time of rest for us.

[9:20] During times of waiting, our bodies can be refreshed, our hearts can be renewed, and our minds can be rejuvenated. Sometimes being stuck is the best thing that could really ever happen to us.

[9:36] You remember the movie, Fireproof? It came out a few years ago. They had a song called, While I'm Waiting. And the lyrics really struck me, and I hope they strike you as well.

[9:48] I'm waiting. I'm waiting on you, Lord, and I am hopeful. I'm waiting on you, Lord, though it is painful, but I will patiently wait.

[10:01] And I will move ahead, bold and confident, taking every step in obedience. And I'll be running the race, even while I wait.

[10:12] I'm waiting. I'm waiting on you, Lord. And I'm peaceful. I'm waiting on you, Lord. Though it's not easy, but faithfully, I will wait.

[10:25] Yes, I will wait. And I will move forward, bold and confident, taking every step in obedience. And while I'm waiting, I will serve you.

[10:39] While I'm waiting, I will worship you. While I'm waiting, I will not faint. The next thing is, waiting can keep our focus on Jesus.

[10:55] Now, this is kind of a decision time. Do we continue to walk with Christ in our waiting, or do we allow our gaze and our attention to wander into a whole different direction?

[11:07] But for today's argument, for today's topic, today, let's just say that we are deciding to continue our walk with Christ in the midst of our waiting.

[11:22] The reason why I choose this one is because I believe it's the best way to go. All right? John 15, 4 tells us, Now, these are the words of Jesus.

[11:49] And he's telling us that no matter what we go through, we need to stay attached to him. When life is great, we need Jesus. When life is in the lowest of pits, we need Jesus.

[12:05] And when we're waiting, we need Jesus. March 4, 1993. Jim Valvano was presented with the Arthur Ashe Award at the annual ESPY Awards.

[12:22] And this award was given and presented to a sports figure that had been shown great courage. So riddled with cancer throughout his body, Jim Valvano addressed that packed house with a speech that is still being recited today.

[12:42] Jim knew that he was dying. And in fact, he was just waiting for that day to happen. But in the midst of his cancer struggle, Jim's faith kept him going, realizing his days were truly numbered, and he decided that he would make each day worthwhile while he was waiting to die.

[13:04] He created the Jimmy V Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research. And Jim's waiting came to an end just six weeks after his memorable speech at the ESPYs.

[13:17] And his final remarks that night, the final remarks of his speech was, don't give up. Don't ever give up.

[13:31] Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2 says, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, for the joy set before him, he endured the cross, the scorning shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[13:50] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Everything that Christ endured for us, he did it so that we would not grow weary and lose heart.

[14:09] He did everything so that we would have no reason to give up. And do you hear Jesus' words today? And Jesus is truly saying, don't give up.

[14:25] Actually, I think Jesus is saying this more emphatically and passionately to us. He's saying, don't give up. Don't you dare consider throwing in the towel. Don't you ever give up.

[14:37] And stay with me. Keep your focus on me. And we'll get through this together. But whatever you do, just don't give up.

[14:54] Don't give up. I don't know what you're waiting on right now. But I pray that you're still doing the right things. Whether it be your relationship with your spouse.

[15:07] Continue to do the right things in that relationship. If it's in your work, continue to work as if you're working for the Lord. And if you feel stuck in your relationship with God, don't give up.

[15:24] Allow Him to still work in you. Remember, just because you don't see results doesn't mean that God isn't working. Okay? Maybe He's trying to teach you something right now.

[15:38] And the only way that He can teach you is if you are in a holding pattern. If you're waiting. If you're stuck. Allow God to speak to you right now.

[15:54] But whatever you do, don't give up. Let's pray. Father God, I thank You for Your Word. And I thank You for Your encouragement, Lord, that we would not give up doing the right things.

[16:10] Even though we don't see You working, even though we can't see progress in our lives, Lord, You are still faithful and You are still working. And Lord, please allow us to never, ever give up.

[16:26] Because Lord, You are faithful to us. And when we give up on You, Lord, You never give up on us. So I pray that right now that what we're going through keep us faithful.

[16:41] Keep us from giving up. But Lord, in the meantime, give us Your strength. Give us Your peace as we try to get unstuck.

[16:56] God, thank You. And we pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Thanks for joining me today. And I do pray that today has encouraged you.

[17:09] Wherever you're at in your life, I pray that you're encouraged to keep going and not to give up. Keep doing the righteous things. Keep doing the right things.

[17:21] Because the promise is if we keep on doing it, at some point, there's going to be a harvest. And I can't wait for that day for you. If you're looking for a church home, please consider us here at First Christian Church here in Greensburg.

[17:36] Or if you need to talk with one of the pastors here, please give us a call. 812-663-8488. Or you can find us on the web at FCCGreensburg.com.

[17:48] Thanks to you again so much for joining us, for joining me. And I pray that you're encouraged today and know that you are loved by Heavenly Father.

[18:00] Thanks again. Bye. Hey everybody, Pastor Tyler here. I just want to say thank you for being with us. And also a thank you to Pastor Steve for being here and for preaching this encouraging sermon.

[18:12] That even when you feel stuck, there are some things that you need to keep doing that will continue to draw you closer to Christ. I also want to introduce you to Rob Courtney, who is from Morning Glory Christian Academy, which is a mission that we support here at FCC.

[18:27] And he's got a quick video for you. If you're listening on the radio, don't worry, his audio will come through as well. And you can hear more about Morning Glory and his role there.

[18:38] I want to introduce you now to Rob Courtney. So I'm standing out here outside of one of the buildings that is Morning Glory Christian Academy, again in San Armando, Guatemala. And I am here as the Director of International Relations.

[18:51] And I'll get to that in just a second, but I want to make sure that everybody knows what Morning Glory is. Morning Glory Christian Academy was founded in 2001 by a wonderful woman of God named Ori Nish. She saw the need for education in Guatemala and the need to help transform the culture and break the cycle of poverty.

[19:07] And she knew that education was the key to that. So she started a school in a kind of, for lack of a better term, small podunk area to help the student, the children there who were especially notorious for working in a firework factory.

[19:21] So children were making fireworks, which is extremely dangerous and extremely low income. And so she started the school to help minister to those students first. But since then, Morning Glory has grown tremendously.

[19:32] So Morning Glory right now educates over 600 students from pre-K, which is four years old, all the way up to those that are getting ready to go into college at 18 years old. At the oldest age group, there's a different program where they are starting to choose some specialties to study.

[19:47] And they can use those, the knowledge and the experience they've got to either start an entry level like beginning job or going to the university.

[19:59] So we have the blessing of working with students all the way from little bitties to young adults who are getting ready to see what God has for their life. So our education focuses on giving the students the knowledge that they need, as much experience as we can, but more than that, the most important part is teaching them biblical integrity, teaching them who God is, who they were created to be, and how God is going to transform their life and use them to serve the kingdom.

[20:24] And that's what the Morning Glory story is all about. We have the phrase the Morning Glory story to describe the idea that God takes small, seemingly insignificant, sometimes seemingly unworthy things and turns them through refining, turns them into things that are finer than gold, wonderful, created beings who are complete and full and know how to serve Him and seek out abundant life.

[20:51] And so our whole mission is to help these children who may not have access to the best of everything, give them a very affordable education, high-quality education, teach them about who God is and what their role in His kingdom is and watch them become something more incredible than we ever imagined, help them discover their gifts and abilities.

[21:08] So we have regular classroom classes, math and reading and all of those core curriculum classes, but we also like to focus in on giving their students other opportunities like being in the band or dance or art and find out what their abilities and the gifting is and help them achieve absolute fullness and greatness and excellence in those categories.

[21:29] So I got the Morning Glory in 2011 and I was originally slated to do a year trial run and when I completed that I didn't know any Spanish when I got here and so I spent a lot of time learning Spanish but also learning the culture and Lori took a lot of time to really mentor me and inform me and teach me how to do the best things that I could do and she found me spots where I was able to really grow and kind of find my niche and so a lot of my mission work goes on right here in this office behind me.

[21:57] This is my office and it's where I do most of what I do which is relating internationally, right? So that covers working with groups, working with volunteers, working with child sponsorship which is a really big opportunity for us.

[22:11] I also have my hand supervising our social media because it's outreach, our newsletters, things like that. So to be fair, a lot of us that are in leadership here wear several hats and so while I do all those things internationally there's also a couple other things that I get to view that I really love being a part of.

[22:27] One of them is the administrator to the band and so I get to kind of help supervise the band and push them in a great vision we have of growth and some really cool stuff, right?

[22:37] But at the same time I think probably one of my most important jobs is supervising Bible class and up until this year I taught Bible class every year and this year I took just a little bit of a step back as some of my job descriptions grew and we found a young lady who's really, really well, well, could they do the Bible class?

[22:55] And so I still am a part of that I still help out with that when groups come I translate and I just love being part of that but it's the spiritual side of the education. I think one thing I'm really, really proud of is the fact that I'm on a leadership team. Now when Lori passed away in 2019 there were five of us that took over as what we call the junta or like the leadership team at the school and so I get to sit in with some really great people with some really great minds and learn from them but also be able to help steer the direction to school and help pursue the vision so I get a vote in everything that we do and I get a chance to help provide what I see as improvements and also learn from them and where I can improve as well.

[23:32] And so it's a really, really cool system where we have 55 teachers five of the leadership team and I get to be a part of this wonderful group of local people who are ministering and teaching the community.

[23:46] So thank you very much for what you do. Obviously for Morning Glory as we look to educate, equip, and encourage the community and help them transform their lives and break the cycle of poverty by finding out who God is and how they can respond to Him.

[23:58] But at the same time I thank you for what you're doing in the kingdom locally and worldwide. It means so much to us and those of us on the ministry field, the missions field to know that we have a body of believers back home morally supporting us, economically supporting us, prayerfully supporting us.

[24:14] Another great opportunity that we have for you to be stateside and support is through child sponsorship because that puts you in a relationship directly with one of our students who can see God's love through their loving, kind, and active sponsor who helps provide for their needs but also just shows them that they're really, really important.

[24:33] And then we invite you to be following us and continue relating through ways like this, like the video, but so that you guys can keep up to date with what's going on in the morning morning and the things that are coming up.

[24:43] We're getting ready to launch a new building project coming up again this year and we'd love to have your prayerful support on that as well. My name is Rob Courtney and I'm part of the story. Hey, thank you so much Rob for telling us a little bit more about that ministry.

[24:57] It's so good to just get to hear a little bit more about what we're supporting, what is happening in San Ramundo. Just so you also know, we're taking a mission trip sometime in February of 2026, this upcoming year, and so we'll get to see that firsthand.

[25:13] I look forward to being able to sort of report back to you what we see when we're there as well. Anyway, I just want to say thank you for joining us today. As Steve mentioned a little earlier on in this recording, you can find us on FCCGreensburg.com.

[25:29] You can find us on FCC Greensburg on our Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube. You can also download the Church Center app and watch all of these sermons back after the fact.

[25:41]  I just want to say thank you also for just taking time to spend with us and letting us pour a little bit of Jesus into your lives. Thanks. Have a great week.