Introduction
Rev. Chege began by declaring that faith is not a vague feeling but a winning attitude—a deliberate mindset that chooses to see God’s reality over our circumstances. This attitude, he argued, is what propels us to move “Faith Forward” into all God has for us.
Key Points: How a Winning Attitude is Shaped
1. Attitude is Shaped by God’s Presence (The Cognitive Discipline)
Rev. Chege turned to the story of the 12 spies in Numbers 14. Ten saw giants; Joshua and Caleb saw God. The difference was not in their vision but in their focus. “Faith is cognitive discipline,” he said. “It is the daily practice of fixing your thoughts on God’s presence, not your problems.” He connected this to Philippians 4:8-9, where Paul commands us to dwell on whatever is true, noble, and right. This is not positive thinking; it is God-focused thinking. It is remembering, like David facing Goliath, to “put God into the equation” of every challenge.
2. Attitude is Shaped by God’s Promises (The Memory)
“Faith is memory,” Rev. Chege stated. It is recalling what God has already said and done. Joshua and Caleb remembered God’s promise to give them the land. David remembered God’s faithfulness with the lion and the bear. Rev. Chege illustrated this with the story of the Bata Shoe Company:
In the late 1800s, shoe manufacturers sent representatives to Africa. Most returned saying, ‘No one wears shoes here. There is no market.’ They saw only the absence of a product. But one representative reported, ‘No one wears shoes here! The market is limitless!’ He saw the presence of a need and the potential for provision.
The winning attitude is shaped by God’s promise of provision (Philippians 4:19) and strength (Philippians 4:13), allowing us to be content in any situation (Philippians 4:11-12).
3. Attitude is Shaped by God’s People in Life (The Motion)
“Faith is motion,” Rev. Chege proclaimed. It is acted out in community. Joshua and Caleb had each other; David had a covenant with Jonathan; Paul had the Philippian church. Our attitude is fortified and corrected by the faithful people God places around us. The “peace of God” in Philippians 4:6-7 is found when we bring our requests to God, but it is often manifested through the encouragement and counsel of our spiritual family. We walk by faith, not by sight, but we do not walk alone.
Conclusion: From Attitude to Action
Rev. Chege concluded by distinguishing faith from bravado. Bravado is loud, self-reliant, and crumbles under pressure. Faith is a quiet, steadfast confidence in God that produces a winning attitude. This attitude, shaped by His presence, promises, and people, is what allows us to move forward—to face our giants, to see limitless opportunity where others see lack, and to experience the supernatural peace and strength Paul describes.
Final Charge: “This week, do not just have faith. Choose an attitude of faith. Discipline your thoughts toward His presence, recall His promises, and lean into His people. That is how you win the race set before you.