Being Certain Not Circumstantial (From our 11-23-25)

Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/0-xJ7lnlAXI

"Being Certain Not Circumstantial," is a sermon delivered at the West Side Church of Christ. The speaker uses a real-life survival story and the biblical book of Habakkuk to discuss maintaining faith during hopeless situations.

Summary of the Sermon:

• Opening Story of Survival: The message begins with the story of Briana Cassell, a woman who crashed her car into a drainage ditch in rural Illinois. She survived for six days with two broken legs, drinking water wrung from a hoodie, before being discovered by a contractor [00:11]. The speaker uses her ordeal to illustrate feelings of hopelessness and the sense that no one is coming to save you [03:30].
• The Prophet Habakkuk's Complaint: The sermon transitions to the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk, who lived during a time when it felt like evil was winning and God was silent. Habakkuk cries out, asking how long he must call for help while God seemingly does not listen [04:21]. The speaker notes that despite appearances, God always knows and cares about our situation [08:11].
• Waiting on God: Although Habakkuk struggles with God's plan (using a wicked nation to judge His people), he decides not to abandon his faith. Instead, he chooses to "stand at [his] watch post" and wait for God's answer, demonstrating patience and a willingness to listen rather than just complain [13:08].
• Certain vs. Circumstantial Faith: The climax of the message focuses on Habakkuk's prayer in Chapter 3. After recounting God's power, the prophet declares that even if the fig tree does not blossom and the fields yield no food, he will still rejoice in the Lord [18:07]. The speaker argues that true faith, love, and trust must be certain (unwavering) rather than circumstantial (dependent on things going well) [18:48].
• The Example of Job: The sermon concludes by referencing Job, whose faithfulness was tested to prove he didn't just love God for the blessings ("stuff") he received. The speaker challenges the audience to consider if their own faith would survive if their circumstances fell apart [20:22].