Living in the Power of God’s Grace - Part 4
David Widjaja

What if the dreams we’re chasing are actually distractions? In this week’s message, we explored how many of us tie our sense of peace to the hope that one day, life will finally go our way. 

Whether it’s finishing school, landing a job, buying a house, or moving out to the country, so much of our energy goes into striving for a version of victory that never quite satisfies.

For many of us, the above scripture doesn’t feel true. We’re still anxious. Still exhausted. Still longing. So, what does His victory actually look like? We looked at how even Jesus’ own disciples misunderstood what victory was. 

Peter believed that strength came from sheer willpower—he thought he could stay loyal to Jesus in his own strength. But Jesus knew Peter would fail, and that failure wouldn’t be the end of his journey, but part of it. 

Thomas couldn’t move forward without having all the answers, thinking that clarity would bring peace. Yet Jesus invited him to trust without seeing. 

Philip, after everything, still wasn’t satisfied—he wanted a visible, dramatic sign from God, not realising that God had been standing with him all along. 

And Judas (not Iscariot) imagined a Messiah who would ultimately go public. While Jesus’ ministry was public, His ultimate show of power was death on a cross. It wasn’t flashy, it was a loving sacrifice.

At the heart of it all, Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” It’s a picture of a relationship, not achievement. Of staying close, not striving hard. Real victory doesn’t come from chasing milestones, but from remaining in Him.

And when we abide, we find that peace isn’t on the other side of success. It’s already here, in Him.

Below is Sunday’s message on YouTube.

Discovery Bible Story: John 15:1-17

1) What’s a moment you felt like you were getting pruned or tested?
2) Where do you see Jesus’ fruit in your life?
3) Pray for one person who needs more Jesus in their lives!

Action: What is one thing you can do for someone THIS WEEK who is far from Jesus?