Start Strong | Part 3: Strengthened By Joy

In this powerful follow-up to Start Strong, Pastor Hazen Stevens challenges us to live with wholehearted devotion and long-term endurance. Drawing from Hebrews 12 and Jesus' parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, we discover that true strength doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from vision. We stay strong when we believe the joy on the other side of surrender is greater than the cost.

This message unpacks historical stories like the Black Prince’s Ruby and Mel Fisher’s discovery of the Atocha treasure to illustrate how unseen value calls for all-in sacrifice. Just like the merchant who sold everything for one pearl, staying strong means seeing what others don’t—and acting in faith before the world understands.

Key Scriptures:
Hebrews 12:1–2, Matthew 13:44–46, Matthew 6:19–20, 2 Timothy 4:6–8

Main Points:

1. The Kingdom is worth everything—joy makes the cost possible

2. Surrender is not loss, but the wisest investment of all

3. Faith lets us see what’s hidden and walk through pain with purpose

4. The reward of endurance is far greater than the world’s applause

5. Many quit not for lack of belief, but because the cost feels too high—yet infinite joy is still on offer

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