Building Faith: Trusting God Through Trials and Declarations
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to declare our faith and trust in God, affirming that we will make it through any adversity because our foundation is built on Him. We were reminded of the power of our words and the importance of speaking life and truth over our circumstances. We reflected on the story of Job, understanding that even in our trials, God is not to be blamed but trusted as our refuge and strength. We were encouraged to examine our heart posture, ensuring that our actions are done to honor and glorify God rather than seeking human approval. Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of doing good deeds, praying, and fasting in secret, where God sees and rewards openly. We were challenged to maintain a heart posture that seeks to please God in all we do, recognizing that He cares deeply about the condition of our hearts. Finally, we were encouraged to set aside intentional time for God daily, to worship, pray, and read His Word, allowing Him to speak to us and guide us in our walk with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Declaration: Our words hold power, and we must use them to speak life and truth over our circumstances. Declaring God's promises and faithfulness can shift our perspective and strengthen our faith. By affirming that we will make it through because our house is built on God, we align ourselves with His truth and reject the lies of the enemy. [50:24]
2. Trusting God in Trials: The story of Job teaches us that even in our deepest trials, God is not to be blamed but trusted. Job's journey reminds us that God is sovereign and His ways are higher than ours. Instead of blaming God, we should seek His presence and trust that He will see us through, just as He restored Job's fortunes when he prayed for his friends. [01:14:14]
3. Heart Posture Matters: Our actions should stem from a desire to honor and glorify God, not to seek human approval. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6 emphasize the importance of doing good deeds, praying, and fasting in secret, where God sees and rewards openly. Our heart posture should always be to please God, not to gain recognition from others. [01:31:45]
4. Daily Time with God: Setting aside intentional time for God daily is crucial for our spiritual growth. Worship, prayer, and reading the Word are ways we can encounter God and allow Him to speak to us. It doesn't require special skills, just a willingness to give Him time and be intentional about it. [01:22:13]
5. Guarding Our Hearts: God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts. We must routinely examine our hearts and allow God to reveal and remove anything that doesn't honor Him. Our heart posture should be one of humility, seeking to please God in all we do, and being open to His correction and guidance. [01:38:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[50:24] - Declaration of Faith
[51:31] - God's Faithfulness
[57:26] - God is Our Refuge
[58:18] - Be Still and Know
[59:03] - Casting Burdens on God
[01:02:51] - Exalting God in Worship
[01:08:09] - Surrendering to Jesus
[01:10:20] - Technical Adjustments
[01:12:08] - Lessons from Job
[01:14:14] - Trusting God in Trials
[01:16:22] - Praying for Our Accusers
[01:17:06] - Restoration and Healing
[01:22:13] - Daily Time with God
[01:23:03] - Blueprints Series Introduction
[01:31:45] - Heart Posture of a Kingdom Citizen
[01:38:52] - Guarding Our Hearts
[01:53:42] - Aligning Our Hearts to God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (NIV)
> "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ... When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
2. Job 42:10 (NIV)
> "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before."
3. Psalm 46:1-3, 10 (NIV)
> "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ... He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus emphasize about the way we should give, pray, and fast in Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18?
2. How did Job's situation change after he prayed for his friends according to Job 42:10?
3. What does Psalm 46:1-3, 10 say about God's role in our times of trouble and how we should respond?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus instruct us to perform our acts of righteousness in secret rather than in front of others? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on heart posture? [01:31:45]
2. In what ways does the story of Job illustrate the importance of trusting God during trials, as discussed in the sermon? [01:14:14]
3. How can the declaration of faith and trust in God, as mentioned in the sermon, change our perspective during difficult times? [50:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek human approval more than God's approval? How can you shift your focus to pleasing God in those areas? [01:31:45]
2. Think about a recent trial you faced. How did you respond? Did you find yourself blaming God, or did you seek His presence and trust in His plan? How can you improve your response in future trials? [01:14:14]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of daily time with God into your routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure you set aside intentional time for worship, prayer, and reading the Word? [01:22:13]
4. Examine your heart posture: Are your actions motivated by a desire to honor and glorify God, or are they driven by a need for recognition from others? What changes can you make to align your heart with God's desires? [01:31:45]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to guard your heart more diligently. What practical steps can you take to protect your heart and ensure it remains focused on pleasing God? [01:38:52]
6. How can you use the power of declaration to speak life and truth over your current circumstances? What specific declarations will you make this week to align yourself with God's promises? [50:24]
7. Reflect on a time when you helped someone without expecting anything in return. How did that experience impact your heart posture? How can you cultivate a habit of selfless service in your daily life? [01:45:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Declaration
Our words hold immense power, and it is crucial to use them to speak life and truth over our circumstances. By declaring God's promises and faithfulness, we can shift our perspective and strengthen our faith. When we affirm that we will make it through because our house is built on God, we align ourselves with His truth and reject the lies of the enemy. This act of declaration is not just about positive thinking; it is about standing on the solid foundation of God's Word and His unchanging nature.
In moments of doubt or difficulty, remember that your words can either build up or tear down. Choose to speak words that reflect God's promises and His faithfulness. By doing so, you are not only encouraging yourself but also reinforcing your trust in God's ability to see you through any situation. [50:24]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: What specific promises of God can you declare over your current circumstances today? How can you make a habit of speaking life and truth daily?
Day 2: Trusting God in Trials
The story of Job teaches us that even in our deepest trials, God is not to be blamed but trusted. Job's journey reminds us that God is sovereign and His ways are higher than ours. Instead of blaming God, we should seek His presence and trust that He will see us through, just as He restored Job's fortunes when he prayed for his friends.
In times of suffering, it is natural to question and seek answers. However, trusting God means believing that He is in control, even when we do not understand the reasons behind our trials. Job's unwavering faith amidst his suffering serves as a powerful example of how we can rely on God's sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He has a purpose for everything we go through. [01:14:14]
James 5:11 (ESV): "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God? How can you actively seek His presence and trust in His sovereignty during these trials?
Day 3: Heart Posture Matters
Our actions should stem from a desire to honor and glorify God, not to seek human approval. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6 emphasize the importance of doing good deeds, praying, and fasting in secret, where God sees and rewards openly. Our heart posture should always be to please God, not to gain recognition from others.
It is easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from people, but true fulfillment comes from knowing that God sees and values our sincere efforts. When our heart posture is aligned with God's will, our actions become a genuine expression of our faith and love for Him. This alignment ensures that we are living for an audience of One, whose approval is all that truly matters. [01:31:45]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking human approval over God's approval? How can you shift your focus to ensure your actions are done to honor and glorify God?
Day 4: Daily Time with God
Setting aside intentional time for God daily is crucial for our spiritual growth. Worship, prayer, and reading the Word are ways we can encounter God and allow Him to speak to us. It doesn't require special skills, just a willingness to give Him time and be intentional about it.
In the busyness of life, it is easy to neglect our time with God. However, making it a priority to spend time in His presence daily can transform our relationship with Him and our overall spiritual well-being. This intentional time allows us to hear from God, receive His guidance, and be strengthened in our faith. [01:22:13]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that includes intentional time with God? What specific steps will you take to ensure this time is prioritized?
Day 5: Guarding Our Hearts
God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts. We must routinely examine our hearts and allow God to reveal and remove anything that doesn't honor Him. Our heart posture should be one of humility, seeking to please God in all we do, and being open to His correction and guidance.
Guarding our hearts involves being vigilant about what we allow to influence us and being intentional about nurturing a heart that is aligned with God's will. This means being open to His correction and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. A heart that seeks to please God is one that is continually being refined and purified by His love and truth. [01:38:52]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What influences in your life might be affecting the condition of your heart? How can you actively guard your heart and ensure it is aligned with God's will?
Quotes
1. "I'm gonna make it through. Cause I'm standing strong on you. I'm gonna make it through. gonna make it through. Cause my house is built on you. Keep it going, keep it going. I'm gonna make it. I'm gonna make it through. I shall live and not die to declare the works of the Lord as it says in scripture. Cause I'm standing strong on you. Me and my house will serve the Lord as it says in scripture. I'm gonna make it through. Jehovah Rapha, my healer. Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Jehovah Sikhinu, my righteousness." [51:31] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is good. God is faithful. He is faithful. I give all praise. And no matter what we face, He is the answer. we have Job moments in our lives. was doing my Bible reading this week, and if you're doing the Bible reading of the one-year Bible, the one we follow the plan as a church, we just finished the book of Job." [01:10:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And Father, this morning, I repent along with the church for us blaming you for the stuff we're facing. And Father, together, collectively, right now, we pray for our accusers. And we pray for our betrayers. And we pray for the ones that hurt us. And we pray for those that abused. And we pray for those that spoke in vile and evil. And we declare, God, your hand upon them of mercy. And your hand of grace." [01:16:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And above all, God, this morning, we thank you for we all walk into full restoration of what you have for us. Father, restoration of our calling, restoration of our marriages, restoration of our relationship, restoration of our health, restoration in our finances. God, this morning, we thank you for the breakthrough. Because God, it's you. It's all for you. It's about you. God, we thank you. For we have access to you." [01:17:06] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It doesn't take schooling to be able to talk to God. It takes a willingness to give him time. And it takes intentionality to set aside the time to wake up a little earlier and God, I'm here for you. And so I challenge you set aside time for God. And some of you, I get it. I've been there, like, oh, but I have to wake up so early. Go to sleep just a few minutes earlier tonight so you can wake up a few minutes earlier tomorrow. Take control of your evening, and you can have control of your morning." [01:22:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you and I become citizens of the kingdom of heaven, there are certain character traits, certain behaviors, certain things that change that should be then distinguishable to everyone we encounter. That they meet us, they hear us speak or act or behave, conduct ourselves, and they're like there's something different. Yes, because I'm a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. That's my citizenship." [01:24:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God sees in secret. He sees in secret. We read that three times right there. In verse number four, in verse number six, and verse number 18, Jesus repeats, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. God sees in the secret. the question is, what's our heart posture and why are we doing the things we do? Do we do things so that we can be praised by others?" [01:32:27] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God cares about our heart. He cares about our heart. What he sees and what he looks at is our heart. And so what's the intention of our heart? Why are we doing what we do? I'm reminded of when Saul loses the kingdom. He loses the anointing. And God tells Samuel, Samuel's like crying. He's broken because of what Saul has done. And God looks at Samuel and says, how long are you going to cry over this guy?" [01:36:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Above all things, guard your heart. For out of it is where life comes, right? That's why we're supposed to guard our heart. We're not supposed to do what the world says to do, of follow your heart. You ever heard that before? Oh, you got to follow your heart. I'm just going to do what's in my heart. No, you don't follow your heart because scripture also teaches us that the heart is deceitful. But you know what we do need to do? Continually, routinely get a heart checkup." [01:38:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Why do we do what we do? Do we do things to bring glory to God, to praise God, or to exalt and gratify self? You know, a lot of people blame social media for a lot of society's problems nowadays. Have you ever heard anybody talking about how bad social media is and how bad it's hurt our society? But here's the reality. Our society has been as deprived for decades. Now just everybody tells us. But selfishness has always existed." [01:28:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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