12.14.2025 | WAITING FOR THE PROMISE - Part 3 - Journey to the Promise - Pastor McLean Faw
JOURNEY TO THE PROMISE
Matthew 1:18-19 (NKJV) -- Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
Matthew 1:20 (NKJV) -- But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV) -- And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So, all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:24-25 (NKJV) -- The Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV) – The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Wait – wait in expectation, wait hopefully
1. LEAN INTO HIS PRESENCE
Matthew 1:19-20 (ESV) – And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
We need the Presence of the Lord in our lives as we journey toward the promise!
Exodus 33:15 (NKJV) – Then he said to Him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
We lean into His Presence through worship.
Romans 4:20 (NKJV) – He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.
We lean into His Presence through Reading the Word and Prayer.
We lean into His Presence through taking the time to Hear the Voice of God.
We lean into His Presence by choosing to be thankful.
Luke 1:46-47 (NKJV) -- And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”
2. REHEARSE HIS PROMISES
Luke 1:31 (NKJV) – And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS.
Matthew 1:21 (NKJV) – And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
Luke 2:19 (ESV) – But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Tiqvah – hope, waiting in expectation, stretch like a rope.
Genesis 17:1-2 (ESV) – When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.”
El Shaddai – God Almighty
Marilyn Hickey – El Shaddai is used when there is no hope in the natural realm.
I DECLARE EL SHADDAI OVER MY LIFE!
3. WALK WITH HIS PEOPLE
Mark 11:25 (ESV) – And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
4. SURRENDER TO HIS POWER
Luke 1:35a (NKJV) – And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV) – And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:10b (NKJV) – For when I am weak, then I am strong.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Is there a promise from God for your life or family that you have believed for, but has not yet come to pass?
2. How has the enemy tried to discourage you as you journey toward that promise?
3. How is the Holy Spirit changing you as you journey toward the promise?
4. Who are some of the people the Lord has brought across your path to help you on your journey?
5. Who are some of the people the Lord is putting on your heart to encourage on their journey?
6. What are the Scriptures the Holy Spirit has led you to stand upon as you journey toward the promise?