IMPACT Recap

Why Following Jesus Feels So Hard | It’s Hard, But It’s Holy

January 26, 2026 · 0:55:27

ObediencePurposeSanctification

Recap

Pastor Ryan Windower delivered a challenging and encouraging message titled 'It's hard, but it's holy.' He began by contrasting the common desire for a different life with the frequent lack of desire for different character, arguing that Christians are called not to be 'normal' but to be set apart and holy. Using Jesus's teaching on the narrow and wide gates from Matthew 7, Pastor Ryan explained that the path of true discipleship is difficult and often lonely, but it is the only path that leads to life. He then illustrated this principle through the life of Joseph from Genesis 37, identifying three key tests that make us holy: opposition, obscurity, and obedience. Pastor Ryan shared personal stories from his own journey, including his call to ministry and his struggle with pornography, to demonstrate how saying 'yes' to God in hard seasons—even when misunderstood, hidden, or facing temptation—positions us for God's purpose. He concluded with a powerful call for obedience, inviting the church to see their current struggles not as punishment but as God's holy preparation, leading to a time of prayer and an invitation for salvation.

Main Points

  • Christians are called to live holy, set-apart lives that are distinct from the world, not to settle for being 'normal'.
  • Following Jesus involves navigating tests of opposition, obscurity, and obedience, which are hard but are God's way of making us holy.
  • True freedom and the fulfillment of God's purpose come through consistent, small acts of obedience and accountability, even in difficult seasons.

Verses Mentioned

  • Genesis 37:3 - "Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age." (NLT)
  • Genesis 37:4 - "But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him." (NLT)
  • Genesis 37:5-6 - "One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 'Listen to this dream,' he said. 'We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!'" (NLT)
  • Genesis 37:8 - "His brothers responded, 'So you think you will be our king? Do you actually think you will reign over us?' And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them." (NLT)
  • Genesis 37:9-10 - "Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. 'Listen, I have had another dream,' he said. 'The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!' This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. 'What kind of dream is that?' he asked. 'Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?'" (NLT)
  • Matthew 7:13 - "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." (ESV)
  • Matthew 7:14 - "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (ESV)
  • 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (NIV)
  • Colossians 3:2-3 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (NIV)
  • Genesis 41:46-49 - "Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt. During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) - 'Enter through the narrow gate... small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.'

Focus Point: The Narrow Path

Action Plan: Identify one area where you are choosing the 'wide' or easy path of the world. Make one conscious choice today to take the 'narrow' path instead, even if it's difficult.

Deep Prayer: God, give me the courage to choose Your narrow path today. Help me to see where I've been compromising and grant me strength to be set apart for You.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) - 'But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."'

Focus Point: Called to Holiness

Action Plan: Reflect on what 'holiness' means in your daily context (work, speech, thoughts). Write down one practical way you can be 'set apart' in your character today.

Deep Prayer: Lord, You are holy. I desire to reflect Your nature. Set me apart today in my actions and attitudes. Make me distinct for Your glory.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Genesis 37:5-8 (NIV) - Joseph's brothers hated him because of his dreams.

Focus Point: Test of Opposition

Action Plan: Think of a God-given dream or conviction you have that has faced opposition. Instead of doubting, write down one reason why this opposition might confirm you're on the right track.

Deep Prayer: Father, when I face opposition for following You, remind me that You are with me. Help me to see resistance as a sign that I am moving in Your purpose.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Colossians 3:2-3 (NIV) - 'Set your minds on things above... your life is now hidden with Christ in God.'

Focus Point: Test of Obscurity

Action Plan: If you feel 'hidden' or in a waiting season, perform one act of service today without seeking recognition or posting about it. Do it as unto the Lord.

Deep Prayer: God, in seasons where I feel unseen, help me to find my identity and contentment in being hidden with Christ. Use this time to prepare me for what's ahead.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Genesis 41:46-49 (NIV) - Joseph's faithfulness led to leadership and abundance.

Focus Point: Test of Obedience

Action Plan: Identify one 'small yes' God is asking of you right now (e.g., an apology, a act of generosity, ending a bad habit). Commit to obeying in that one area today.

Deep Prayer: Lord, I want to be faithful in the small things. Give me a heart of immediate obedience. I trust that my 'little yeses' will compound into Your great purpose for my life.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: James 5:16 (NIV) - 'Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.'

Focus Point: Freedom Through Community

Action Plan: Take a step toward accountability. Reach out to a trusted, mature believer in your life and share one area where you need prayer or encouragement to walk in holiness.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, break the power of shame and secrecy in my life. Lead me to safe community where I can confess and find healing. Thank you for the freedom found in the light.

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