Answering the Call: Embracing God in Struggles

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence in Our Grief

In moments of deep loss and tragedy, God does not stand at a distance but draws near, sharing in our pain and offering comfort even when the outcome is not what we hoped for. Jesus Himself, knowing He would raise Lazarus from the dead, still wept with Mary and Martha, showing us that He is present with us in our mourning and that His heart is moved by our suffering. The promise is not that we will avoid pain, but that we will never be alone in it, and that His comfort is real and available to all who mourn. [53:52]

John 11:32-35 (ESV)
Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

Reflection: When have you felt God’s presence most deeply in a time of grief or disappointment? How might you invite Him to sit with you in your pain today?

Day 2: The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

There is a critical moment in every believer’s life when the call to battle sounds, and the temptation is to stay behind, thinking others can step up or that our part is no longer needed. David’s decision to remain in Jerusalem when kings went to war led to devastating consequences, not just for himself but for the whole kingdom. We are reminded that spiritual complacency—choosing comfort over calling—can cause us to miss our God-given assignment and leave gaps in the places we are meant to serve. [01:14:50]

2 Samuel 11:1 (ESV)
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve been tempted to “sit out” or let others serve? What is one step you can take today to reengage in your God-given assignment?

Day 3: True Rest Is Found in Partnership with Jesus

Weariness is a reality for those who serve and labor, but Jesus offers a rest that is found not in quitting, but in being yoked together with Him. When we try to carry the load alone or run ahead of God, exhaustion sets in; but when we walk in step with Jesus, He carries the weight with us, and we find strength and renewal even in the midst of our work. The invitation is not to abandon the field, but to find the sweet spot of laboring alongside the Lord, where His yoke is easy and His burden is light. [01:23:43]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you carrying the load alone? How can you intentionally “yoke up” with Jesus and let Him set the pace for you today?

Day 4: Don’t Let Disappointment or Past Losses Paralyze You

Every battle comes with its share of casualties and disappointments, and sometimes unanswered prayers or losses can make us hesitant to reengage in the fight. Yet, God calls us not to let past pain or confusion keep us from stepping up when the trumpet sounds. Our disappointments do not disqualify us from the next assignment; instead, God invites us to trust Him again, to reenlist, and to believe that He is still working, even when we don’t see the outcome we desire. [01:34:18]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Is there a disappointment or loss that has made you hesitant to trust God or serve again? What would it look like to bring that pain honestly to God and say “yes” to Him again today?

Day 5: God’s Promises Remain True—He Will Never Fail

No matter how uncertain or overwhelming life becomes, God’s promises remain steadfast and true. When you feel like you have nothing left to give, when hope seems lost, or when you are unsure of the next step, you can remind yourself that He will never leave you or fail you. Even when you don’t see it or feel it, God is working behind the scenes, and He is faithful to fulfill His word and bring about His purposes in your life. [57:13]

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to cling to today? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in the face of uncertainty?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of moments when the battle cry sounds—sometimes in our nation, sometimes in our families, and often in our own hearts. In these moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, tired, or even disillusioned, especially when we’ve experienced loss or disappointment. Yet, it’s precisely in these seasons of difficulty and uncertainty that God’s presence becomes most tangible. He sits with us in our grief, just as Jesus wept with Mary and Martha, even knowing resurrection was coming. God’s comfort is not a distant promise but a present reality for those who mourn and struggle.

We are living in a time when the church is being called to rise up, to move from a place of comfort and routine into a posture of readiness and engagement. The story of David in 2 Samuel 11 is a sobering reminder: when kings went to war, David stayed home. His absence from the battlefield led not only to personal failure but to loss for the entire kingdom. The temptation to let others fight, to rest on past service, or to become consumed with internal affairs is real. But God’s call is for each of us to step into our assignment, to stay in the fight, and to trust Him even when the outcome is uncertain.

Serving God is not about striving in our own strength or burning out in endless activity. True rest is found in being yoked with Jesus—moving in step with Him, neither running ahead nor lagging behind. When we are tired, He invites us to rest in Him, but not to withdraw from the battle. Disappointment and unanswered prayers do not disqualify us from the call; rather, they become places where God’s faithfulness is proven, even when we don’t understand His ways.

Now is the time to recommit, to say “yes” again, even if you feel weary or wounded. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to rise, to serve, and to trust Him with the results. He takes our brokenness and confusion and makes something beautiful out of our lives. The trumpet has sounded—will you answer the call?

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence in Grief and Tragedy In the darkest moments, when loss and tragedy strike, God does not stand at a distance. He enters into our pain, weeping with us as Jesus did with Mary and Martha, even when He knows resurrection is coming. His comfort is not just a future hope but a present embrace, reminding us that we are never alone in our mourning. This is where the reality of “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” becomes deeply personal and transformative. [53:52]
2. The Danger of Spiritual Apathy and Comfort When life is comfortable and routines are established, it’s easy to slip into “vacation mode,” losing sight of the spiritual battle raging around us. David’s decision to stay home when kings went to war was not just a personal failing but a warning to all of us: comfort can breed complacency, and complacency can lead to defeat. The call is to remain vigilant, engaged, and ready to respond to God’s call, even when it disrupts our comfort. [73:34]
3. Your Assignment is Irreplaceable It’s tempting to believe that someone else can step up, that our contribution isn’t needed, or that we’ve done enough. But God’s assignments are personal—what He has called you to do is uniquely yours. Even if others succeed in your absence, something vital is lost when you are out of position. Fulfillment and purpose are found not in comparison or withdrawal, but in faithful obedience to your calling. [80:19]
4. Resting in God Without Withdrawing from the Battle Spiritual exhaustion is real, but the answer is not to abandon the fight. Jesus invites us to find rest by being yoked with Him—moving at His pace, in His strength. True rest is not inactivity, but partnership with Christ, where the burden is light because He carries it with us. When we are tired, we are called to rest in Him, then reengage with renewed strength and purpose. [85:00]
5. Disappointment Does Not Disqualify You Unanswered prayers and painful losses can paralyze us, making us hesitant to reengage in the battle. Yet, God does not ask us to understand everything—He asks us to trust Him and to keep saying “yes” even when the outcome is uncertain. Our disappointments are not reasons to withdraw, but invitations to deeper faith and renewed commitment. The battle cry has sounded; will you reenlist, trusting that God can make something beautiful out of your brokenness? [94:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Kristin’s Greeting and Prophetic Word
[01:40] - Story: The Corpus Christi Church Tragedy
[05:24] - Singing Over Grief: “Good Good Father”
[08:22] - Jesus Wept: God’s Presence in Suffering
[10:49] - National Tragedy and the Call to Rise
[13:56] - New Song: “His Promises Are True”
[18:33] - God’s Faithfulness in Difficulty
[20:02] - Growth and Change in the Church
[22:25] - Ministry Resources and Personal Testimony
[25:21] - God’s Plans vs. Our Plans
[27:08] - Lessons from the Life of David
[29:08] - The Danger of Prosperity and Complacency
[31:37] - The Most Dangerous Scripture: 2 Samuel 11
[34:52] - Two Bus Rides: Vacation Mode vs. Battle Mode
[41:50] - Why David Stayed Home: Five Reasons
[47:50] - The 80/20 Rule and Personal Assignment
[51:19] - Spiritual Exhaustion and True Rest
[55:00] - Overwhelm, Distraction, and the Real Battle
[57:55] - The Call to Reenlist After Disappointment
[64:18] - Responding to the Battle Cry
[66:25] - Worship: “Even When I Don’t See It”
[68:08] - The Prodigal’s Brother and God’s Heart
[69:20] - Recommitment and Prayer
[70:44] - Altar Call and Closing Worship
[72:48] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Samuel 11:1 (ESV) — > In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

Matthew 5:4 (ESV) — > “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) — > “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Observation Questions

According to 2 Samuel 11:1, what did David do differently in this season compared to previous years? What was the result of his decision to stay home? ([01:14:50])
In the sermon, what did the pastor say about Jesus’ response to Mary and Martha’s grief over Lazarus? Why is it significant that “Jesus wept” even though He knew resurrection was coming? ([53:52])
What does Jesus promise to those who are weary and burdened in Matthew 11:28-30? How does the idea of being “yoked” with Jesus differ from simply taking a break? ([01:23:43])
The pastor described two “bus rides”—one in “vacation mode” and one in “battle mode.” What was the main difference between the two, and why does it matter for us? ([01:12:09])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think David’s absence from the battlefield in 2 Samuel 11:1 was so significant, not just for him personally but for the whole kingdom? ([01:20:19])
The sermon suggests that God’s comfort is not just a future hope but a present reality. How does the example of Jesus weeping with Mary and Martha shape our understanding of God’s presence in our pain? ([53:52])
The pastor mentioned that spiritual exhaustion is real, but the answer is not to withdraw from the battle. What does it look like to find “rest” in God without stepping away from your calling or assignment? ([01:25:00])
According to the sermon, how can disappointment or unanswered prayers affect our willingness to “reenlist” in God’s purposes? What is the danger of letting disappointment paralyze us? ([01:34:18])

Application Questions

The sermon warns about the danger of spiritual apathy and comfort, using David’s story as a warning. Are there areas in your life where you have “stayed home” instead of stepping into the battle God has called you to? What would it look like to reengage? ([01:14:50])
When have you experienced God’s presence most deeply—in times of comfort or in times of grief and struggle? How can you remind yourself of God’s nearness when you are hurting? ([53:52])
The pastor said, “Your assignment is irreplaceable.” Is there a place in church, family, or community where you have been tempted to let someone else step up because you feel tired or unneeded? What might be lost if you don’t step into your unique calling? ([01:20:19])
Have you ever felt spiritually exhausted or burned out? What practical steps can you take to “yoke up” with Jesus and find true rest, rather than just withdrawing or quitting? ([01:25:00])
Think about a time when disappointment or unanswered prayer made you want to give up or step back from serving God. How did you respond? What would it look like to “reenlist” and trust God with the outcome, even when you don’t understand? ([01:34:18])
The pastor challenged the church to say “yes” again, even if you feel weary or wounded. What is one area where you sense God is asking you to recommit or step out in faith? What is holding you back? ([01:39:20])
The sermon ended with the reminder that God can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and confusion. Is there a part of your life that feels broken or confusing right now? How can you invite God to work in that area and trust Him with the results? ([01:42:48])

Sermon Clips

You know that it's so easy for us at the beginning of the year to write all our goals, and I used to do that too, like the top 20 things that I want to see God do this year, and then hand our plans to God and say, here, bless this. You know what I found? I found that that doesn't work very well. I found that He wants to work His plans, not mine. [01:03:35] (22 seconds) #GodsPlansNotMine

``Let me say it this way. You will never be satisfied and fulfilled in your life unless you're doing what God has called you to do. It doesn't matter. [01:21:34] (15 seconds) #FulfillmentInCalling

But what the Lord was showing me at that point in my life is, you've been working on your own, Brian. I'm not saying that you're not supposed to work, and you're not called to labor, because labor is actually where you find rest. But the only way that you find rest in the midst of labor is to be yoked up with me. [01:24:06] (28 seconds) #YokedForRest

There's this sweet spot where we're just yoked up with him. The Bible says, stay in step with the spirit. And we're just walking together. And the load is easy, and the burden is light. [01:25:18] (16 seconds) #DoWhatYouCan

If only 15 % of the growth that we're having of new believers coming into the fold are by existing churches, what does that tell us about existing churches? Because maybe we're so focused in here that we've lost sight of the battle out there. [01:28:40] (20 seconds) #RiseUpForHarvest

If you have had disappointment and you have experienced casualties in your family, in your life, it does not give you the right, when the battle cry sounds, to not reenlist. Your disappointment is not a good enough reason. [01:34:51] (26 seconds) #StayInTheFight

He said, Brian, you better never be that way. He said, I sent my most precious possession to this earth for you to spend eternity with me. I gave you the very best that I had. And all I'm asking is that for everything, that's all the Lord wants today. He just wants it all. He's just like, that's all I'm asking for because I gave my all. [01:38:29] (27 seconds) #KeepEngagedAndReenlist

But for whatever reason, maybe the Lord just had me here to remind you, stay in the fight. Keep going. Keep serving. Keep, man, keep engaging. Reenlist. The trumpet has sounded and it's time for the church to rise. Will you be the one? Will you rise to the occasion? [01:39:26] (21 seconds) #GiveYourAll

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