This Sunday, we kicked off a powerful new series, Re-imagine, with Pastor Larry leading us into a deeper look at vision, spiritual warfare, and how we navigate through it all. We’re reminded that we’re called not just to see the world as it is, but to re-imagine it as God envisions—through the lens of His truth and purpose.
Rekindling Our Vision
Sometimes, life wears down our spiritual vision, blurring what God has planted in our hearts. As Pastor Larry shared, even strong leaders like Elijah struggled with discouragement and doubt. Elijah’s story reminds us that even after major victories, we’re not immune to setbacks. He called down fire, destroyed the prophets of Baal, and even outran Ahab’s chariot. Yet, when threatened by Jezebel, Elijah felt overwhelmed and discouraged.
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” — Proverbs 24:10 NKJV
Pastor Larry reminded us to keep God’s vision fresh before us. Like Elijah, we need moments to re-imagine and refocus on what God has called us to. We have a purpose, a divine calling that won’t be fulfilled unless we hold onto the vision He’s given us.
Did you miss the Rhema South Coast Sunday service? Watch the full sermon by Pastor Larry here: Watch the sermon.
Confronting Spiritual Warfare
As believers, the Bible teaches us that we will face spiritual warfare. Elijah took down strongholds of idolatry in Israel, but this only intensified the spiritual battle. We’re in a world where “new levels bring new devils.” With each step forward in faith, we’re likely to face fresh opposition.
Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Pastor Larry encouraged us to see that it’s not what we possess but what possesses us that matters. If we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the “fire” to burn away idolatry and remove what shouldn’t be in our lives. This is why we must live with humility and let the Spirit refine us daily.
Essential Steps for Vision and Warfare
To carry out God’s vision, Pastor Larry highlighted three essentials that empowered Elijah:
- Fire of the Spirit: Like Elijah, we need God’s fire to confront strongholds in our lives. This requires honesty, humility, and the courage to address areas we need to surrender to God.
- Rain of the Spirit: Just as Elijah called down rain, we need God’s refreshing presence to restore vision and renew our strength.
- Power of the Spirit: We must flow with the Spirit, operating not in our own strength but in His. Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Moving in God’s power allows us to overcome challenges that would otherwise defeat us.
The Need for Resilience and Renewal
Elijah’s experience speaks to us about the importance of resilience. He had won a massive victory, yet it only took one threat to shake his faith. Pastor Larry pointed out that sometimes, our failures aren’t because of a lack of commitment but from trying to go forward without growth or rest.
“If you faint when under pressure, you have need of courage.” — Proverbs 24:10 TPT
Pastor Larry challenged us with the question: What are you doing here? Like Elijah, we need to regularly ask if we’re standing where God wants us or just reacting to circumstances. Are we anchored in His vision, or are we drifting? Sometimes, we must silence the noise to hear God’s still small voice guiding us back on track.
Jesus deserves all the glory! Discover more in our message series and explore the rhythms of grace. Learn more here.
Embracing God’s Vision for Our Church
In re-imagining our lives, it’s important to stay grounded in the vision God has for Rhema South Coast. Our mandate is clear: to make disciples, serve with humility, and impact our communities with God’s love. As we re-imagine what God wants to do through us, let’s stay aligned with His Word. Move forward by staying focused and faithful in our walk.
Steps to Keep Vision Alive and Battle-Ready
Pastor Larry gave us practical steps to keep our vision alive and ourselves prepared for spiritual warfare. Here’s how we can start:
- Stay in God’s Word: Daily Scripture helps us stay grounded. “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” — Psalm 119:11
- Pray without Ceasing: Prayer is our direct line to God’s strength. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” — Matthew 6:13
- Evaluate Relationships: Ask who is at your table, influencing you. Are they helping you stay aligned with God’s vision?
- Be Accountable: Having a spiritual community keeps us steady and resilient.
Standing Strong with Purpose
When we’re tempted to quit, remember Elijah. Even after running away, God was there to lift him up, renew his purpose, and send him back with renewed strength. In 1 Kings 19:12, we see that God wasn’t in the earthquake or the fire but in the still, small voice.
This voice told Elijah to return, to continue the mission. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s purpose for us doesn’t waver, even when we do.
Checklist for Re-Imagining Your Vision
- Reconnect with God’s vision regularly through prayer.
- Remove any idols or distractions that take your focus off Him.
- Renew your strength through the Spirit.
- Remember the promises He has spoken over your life.
- Resist discouragement, focusing on the goal ahead.
Walking Out the Vision
Pastor Larry closed with a powerful reminder that it’s up to us to walk in the vision God has given. We’re called to be more than conquerors, walking in the strength of the Holy Spirit, and advancing God’s kingdom.
This week, take time to reflect on what God has called you to. Ask Him to renew your vision, and then act on it. Remember, we’re not alone; we’re in this together as a church family, ready to serve, grow, and see God’s glory revealed.
Prayer: Re-imagine and Refocus
Lord, we thank You for the vision You’ve placed within each of us. As we step into this new series, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit. Help us to reimagine Your purpose for our lives and equip us for the battles ahead. Give us the strength to overcome and the courage to walk boldly in Your vision. We surrender every distraction to You, and we ask that You lead us into all You’ve prepared for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
