JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE CALL TO ENDURE
We live in a world that celebrates ease, promotes convenience, and avoids anything uncomfortable. But following Jesus means embracing a life that is often counter-cultural. While the world tells you to chase what feels good, Jesus calls you to carry your cross. Soldiers don’t enlist to be pampered—they enlist to endure for a purpose greater than themselves.
Too many believers miss their assignment because they mistake discomfort for disobedience. But discomfort doesn’t mean God has abandoned you—it often means God is refining you. Pressure doesn’t always signal a detour; sometimes it marks the exact place where growth is taking root. You may be tired, discouraged, or tempted to quit—but remember, the call of God doesn’t bend to your feelings. It stands on His faithfulness. The cross wasn’t comfortable. But it was powerful.
Comfort isn’t always wrong—but it becomes dangerous when it becomes your goal. Comfort says, “Protect yourself.” Calling says, “Lay yourself down.” If your decisions are always shaped by what’s easiest, you’ll miss what’s eternal. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in your life will come after the breaking. Some of the clearest revelations will come after the wrestling. And some of the deepest peace will come after the perseverance.
The life God has called you to isn’t always soft or safe—but it’s sacred. Endurance is not just surviving hard things—it’s standing in the middle of them with your heart still surrendered. A soldier doesn’t retreat when the battle intensifies. He digs in. He plants his feet. He remembers why he’s there. And he fights.
So today, choose calling over comfort. Stay in the fight, not because it’s easy, but because He is worthy.
Application:
Choose obedience, even when it’s hard.
Say “yes” to the calling, even when it stretches you.
Push through the discomfort—God is shaping something stronger in you.
Stay present. Stay faithful. Stay surrendered.
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to choose calling over comfort. Help me to endure instead of escape. Teach me to recognize that hardship doesn’t mean You’re distant—it often means You’re drawing me deeper. Train me to think like a soldier, to fight like a warrior, and to obey like a servant. Strengthen me for the battle and keep me faithful in the assignment You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Challenge: Do one thing today that stretches your faith and obedience. Say “yes” to what God is asking—especially if it costs you your comfort. Victory lives on the other side of surrender.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Doug Stephen’s Family – Sondra and Juniors Son – Went To Live With Jesus And His Parents
Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith
John Parillo
Sadie Almand
Linda Mays – 3 Stents
Ann Stanley – Home
Kim McClain’s Mother
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke
Mary Williams – Rehab
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher