Suddenly \\ I Need It Back \\ Pastor Darius McClure

Main message: True spiritual growth moves through stages—from initial conversion to deep inward transformation—and when believers hit "the wall" (where what used to work no longer does) they must persistently cry out to Jesus, believe even amid doubt, and allow God to restore what was lost.

Key points:

• The six stages of faith: 1) life-changing awareness (conversion), 2) discipleship (knowing God), 3) the active life (serving), 4) the inward journey (self-identity and heart work), 5) the outward journey, and 6) transformation by love; many stop at stage 1–3.
• The "wall" is the place where previous spiritual strategies fail; doubt is part of faith and can signal a call to deeper dependence on God rather than abandonment.
• Use the Matthew 9 story (two blind men) as a model: persistently follow, call Jesus by his Messianic name, answer His question honestly ("Yes, Lord"), and receive healing—Jesus touches and heals "according to your faith."
• Discipleship increases discernment; spiritual blindness (lack of discernment) leads to bondage in relationships, finances, and decisions.
• Faith requires persistence, patience, and the willingness to be led by Christ (not merely saved but submitted); mercy versus grace distinction emphasized—crying for mercy acknowledges need for protection as well as blessing.
• Practical encouragement: recover lost vision, faith, joy, and peace by honest prayer, persistence, inward work, and receiving God's transformative touch.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 9:27-31, Matthew 9 (general), Joshua 1 (reference), 1 Samuel 17 (David & Goliath reference), Judges (Samson reference)