Formation: Trusting God Over a Lifetime
Vision Series // Teaching: Christian Martinsen
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Big Idea

Spiritual formation is not built in moments of intensity, but over a lifetime of trusting God.

Psalm 71 shows us a faith that has been formed slowly — through dependence, memory, testing, and hope — and calls us to become a people rooted deeply enough to endure changing seasons.

Opening Question (5–10 min)

When you think about your faith journey so far, what season has shaped you the most — and why?

Optional Scripture Reading

Psalm 71:5–6, 17–18
“For you, O Lord, are my hope… Upon you I have leaned from before my birth…
O God, from my youth you have taught me… So even to old age and gray hairs… do not forsake me.”

Optional prompt:
What do you notice about how long this relationship with God has been forming?

Teaching Summary

This message emphasized that formation is not rushed and not accidental.

Psalm 71 gives us a picture of a life shaped by:

  • Long obedience, not quick fixes

  • Memory, remembering God’s faithfulness across seasons

  • Dependence, learning to lean on God again and again

  • Generational vision, passing on faith to those who come next

Formation happens as we stay with God through change, loss, transition, and growth — not by reinventing ourselves every season, but by deepening trust.

This is especially important as we enter a new chapter as a church.
New spaces and new opportunities require old roots.

Discussion Questions (15–25 min)

• What stands out to you about the length of the relationship described in Psalm 71?
• Where have you seen God’s faithfulness most clearly when you look back over your life?
• Why do you think we’re often tempted to rush formation or skip seasons of waiting?
• Psalm 71 connects personal faith with future generations. How does that challenge the way we think about discipleship?
• What kind of person do you hope God is forming you into over the long haul?

Practices for the Week

Choose one practice to keep this grounded and doable.

Practice 1: Remembering Faithfulness
Set aside 10–15 minutes this week to write down moments where God has been faithful to you over time.
Bring one memory to mind each day and thank God for it.

Practice 2: One Place of Leaning
Ask: Where am I being invited to lean on God instead of proving myself?
Name one area and pray honestly about it this week.

Practice 3: Generational Prayer (Daily)
Pray once a day:
“God, form me into someone whose life tells Your story —
for those around me now and for those who come after me.”

Prayer (15–20 min)

Begin with a moment of quiet.

Prayer prompts:
• Where do I feel tired, uncertain, or in need of endurance right now?
• Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply over time?
• Who might God be shaping through my faithfulness?

Optional Prayer:
“God, You have been our hope from the beginning.
Root us deeply.
Form us patiently.
Make our lives a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.”

Leader Note: Navigating Sensitive Conversations (Optional)

During Sunday’s gathering, we briefly acknowledged current events and public conversations, including:

  • Ongoing tensions related to immigration and ICE

  • Questions raised by recent prophetic voices and public ministry controversies

Some groups may want to process these topics. Others may not. Both responses are faithful.

If Your Group Chooses to Engage

Keep the aim pastoral and formative, not reactive or speculative.

Helpful boundaries:

  • This is not a debate or a news analysis

  • Avoid naming individuals or assigning motives

  • Do not amplify fear, outrage, or certainty where Scripture calls for humility

Helpful framing questions:
• What emotions are these issues stirring in people right now?
• Where do fear or confusion show up — and how might God be inviting trust instead?
• How does being formed by Jesus shape how we respond to complex, painful realities?

Anchor the conversation in formation:
Jesus forms a people marked by truth, compassion, courage, and trust — not panic or polarization.

If needed, it’s appropriate to pause and say:
“Let’s stop and pray, asking the Spirit to lead us.”

If Your Group Does Not Engage

That is also wise leadership.
Not every group needs to process every issue.

Focus instead on:

  • Formation

  • Prayer

  • Trust

  • Practicing the way of Jesus in everyday life

If leaders need support, clarity, or backup, please reach out.

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