El Shaddai: Trusting God's Power and Provision
Summary
Throughout the summer, we have been exploring the names of God, and today we focused on El Shaddai—God Almighty. This name reveals not only God’s unmatched power and transcendence, but also His deeply personal care for His people. El Shaddai is the God who can decimate armies, yet He is also the nurturing provider who lovingly meets the needs of His children. Just as the people of West Berlin depended on the airlift for their survival, we are utterly dependent on God to supply what we cannot provide for ourselves.
El Shaddai’s story in Scripture is woven through the lives of people who were burdened, bitter, and beaten down. Abraham, at 99 years old, was burdened by his own failed attempts to fulfill God’s promise. Yet, God did not condemn him, but instead revealed Himself as the answer to Abraham’s deepest need. Naomi, embittered by loss and hardship, was honest with God about her pain. Even in her bitterness, God was present, writing a story of redemption she could not yet see. Job, beaten down by suffering, still recognized the sovereignty and goodness of El Shaddai, choosing to bless God in both gain and loss.
These stories remind us that our greatest need is not to fix our problems ourselves, but to humbly acknowledge our limitations and bring our burdens to God. We are not strong enough, wise enough, or resourceful enough to address the deepest concerns of our lives. But God is more than enough—He is abundant where we are lacking, strong where we are weak, and faithful when we are faltering.
The invitation is clear: stop pretending you are fine, stop trying to fix everything on your own, and surrender what you cannot control. God does not ask us to bring solutions, only our problems and our trust. When we do, we discover that nothing is too hard for El Shaddai. He is the God who supplies, sustains, and redeems, writing stories of hope and provision even in the midst of our greatest struggles.
Key Takeaways
- El Shaddai is both transcendent and tender, holding the power to judge nations and the compassion to nurture His people. This duality means that while God is to be revered, He is also to be trusted as the one who lovingly provides for every need, even when we feel unworthy or afraid. [09:42]
- Our burdens, whether self-inflicted like Abraham’s or circumstantial like Naomi’s, are not too heavy for God. He does not belittle us for our failures or bitterness, but invites us to bring our honest selves to Him, promising rest and restoration in place of shame and striving. [15:06]
- God’s sovereignty extends into our suffering. Like Job, we are called to trust that God is present and purposeful even when life feels overwhelming or unfair. The discipline and trials we face are not signs of abandonment, but opportunities to experience God’s sufficiency and faithfulness in new ways. [23:04]
- True humility is recognizing our utter dependence on God. We are not smart enough, strong enough, or resourceful enough to solve our deepest problems. Admitting our need is not weakness, but the first step toward experiencing the abundance and provision of El Shaddai, who delights in meeting us where we are. [24:00]
- Surrender is the posture that unlocks God’s provision. When we stop pretending, stop striving, and start entrusting our worries and needs to God, we make room for Him to work in ways we could never imagine. Nothing is too hard for El Shaddai, but everything is too hard for us apart from Him. [35:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - God’s Work at Aurora Campus
[03:58] - The Berlin Airlift: A Picture of Need
[06:23] - The Meaning of El Shaddai
[08:05] - God’s Power and Tenderness
[09:42] - El Shaddai: The Provider
[11:50] - Abraham’s Burden and God’s Promise
[13:32] - God’s Response to Our Failures
[15:06] - Jesus Invites the Burdened
[16:18] - Naomi’s Bitterness and God’s Presence
[17:50] - Honesty with God in Hardship
[19:15] - God’s Unfinished Story for the Bitter
[21:10] - Job’s Suffering and Trust in El Shaddai
[23:04] - Responding to El Shaddai: Humility and Honesty
[24:00] - Our Inability, God’s Sufficiency
[25:28] - Living Out Dependence on God
[27:06] - Stop Pretending, Start Surrendering
[29:27] - Bringing God Into Our Troubles
[30:45] - The Greatest Problem: Our Sin
[33:50] - Surrendering What We Cannot Fix
[35:18] - Is Anything Too Hard for God?
[36:04] - Invitation to Trust El Shaddai
[37:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: El Shaddai—God Almighty
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 17:1-8 (ESV)
> When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
Ruth 1:19-21 (ESV)
> So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Job 5:17-18 (ESV)
> “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 17, what is Abraham’s situation when God appears to him as El Shaddai? What has Abraham tried to do on his own before this encounter? [11:50]
2. How does Naomi describe her experience with God in Ruth 1:20-21? What name does she use for God, and what does it reveal about her feelings? [17:50]
3. According to the sermon, how does Job respond to his suffering and God’s discipline? What does he say about El Shaddai? [21:10]
4. What are the two truths about ourselves and God that the pastor highlights as essential for understanding our relationship with El Shaddai? [24:00]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God choose to reveal Himself as El Shaddai—God Almighty—to people who are burdened, bitter, or beaten down, like Abraham, Naomi, and Job? What does this say about God’s character? [09:42]
2. When Naomi says, “the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me,” what does her honesty with God teach us about how we can approach God in our own pain or disappointment? [19:15]
3. The sermon says that God does not belittle us for our failures or bitterness but invites us to bring our honest selves to Him. Why is this invitation important for people who feel unworthy or afraid? [15:06]
4. The pastor mentions that true humility is recognizing our utter dependence on God. How does this humility change the way we respond to our problems and needs? [24:00]
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### Application Questions
1. Abraham tried to solve his problems on his own and ended up more burdened. Can you think of a time when you tried to fix something in your life without God? What was the result, and what might have changed if you had brought it to God first? [13:32]
2. Naomi was honest with God about her bitterness and pain. Is there an area in your life where you feel disappointed, bitter, or let down? What would it look like to bring that honestly to God this week? [19:15]
3. The sermon says, “Stop pretending you are fine, stop trying to fix everything on your own, and surrender what you cannot control.” What is one specific burden or worry you need to surrender to God right now? How can you practically do that? [33:50]
4. The pastor shared that God’s sufficiency is seen most clearly when we admit our own lack. What is one area where you feel weak or not enough? How can you invite God’s strength and provision into that area? [24:00]
5. Job chose to bless God in both gain and loss. When you face suffering or disappointment, what helps you trust that God is still present and purposeful? Is there a practice (like prayer, journaling, or talking with a friend) that helps you remember God’s faithfulness? [21:10]
6. The sermon challenges us to stop striving and start entrusting our worries to God. What is one practical step you can take this week to stop striving and start trusting God with a specific concern? [35:18]
7. The pastor said, “Nothing is too hard for El Shaddai, but everything is too hard for us apart from Him.” How does this truth challenge the way you approach your daily life, decisions, or relationships? [36:04]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to silently name a burden or area of need, then pray together, asking El Shaddai to show His power and tenderness in each situation.
Devotional
Day 1: El Shaddai—God Almighty, Powerful and Tender Provider
El Shaddai is the name that reveals God as both supremely powerful and deeply personal, able to destroy His enemies yet tenderly nourish and care for His people like a mother with her child. He is the God who reigns above all, unmatched in might, but who also draws near to supply every need of those who trust Him. In every season, whether we face overwhelming challenges or quiet moments of need, El Shaddai stands ready to provide, protect, and sustain us with His abundant resources and loving presence. [09:42]
Genesis 17:1 (ESV)
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s power and tenderness today, believing He is both able and willing to provide for you?
Day 2: God Meets Us in Our Burdens—Learning from Abraham
Like Abraham, we often find ourselves burdened by the consequences of our own choices or by circumstances beyond our control. Even when we have tried to fix things ourselves and only made matters worse, God does not belittle or reject us. Instead, He invites us to bring our burdens to Him, promising to be the answer we need and to fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. No matter how heavy your burdens or how far you feel from God’s plan, He welcomes you to come honestly and receive His rest and provision. [13:32]
Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Reflection: What is one burden you have been carrying on your own that you can bring honestly to God today, trusting Him to be your answer?
Day 3: God Is Present in Our Bitterness—Naomi’s Honest Lament
When life brings loss, disappointment, or grief, it is easy to become bitter and feel as though God has let us down. Naomi’s story reminds us that God, El Shaddai, is present not only in our joys but also in our sorrows. He invites us to be honest with Him about our pain and anger, and He patiently listens, never turning us away. Even when we cannot see the end of our story, God is still writing it, and His provision and redemption may be closer than we think. [19:15]
Ruth 1:20-21 (ESV)
She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Reflection: Where do you feel disappointed or bitter toward God or life? Can you take a moment to honestly tell God how you feel and invite Him into your pain?
Day 4: God Is Faithful When We Are Beat Down—Job’s Enduring Trust
In seasons of suffering and loss, when we feel beaten down and tempted to give up, Job’s example calls us to trust in El Shaddai’s wisdom and discipline. Even when we do not understand why hardship comes, we can choose to bless God, knowing that He is still worthy of our worship and that He holds our lives in His hands. God’s faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances, and He invites us to remain steadfast, believing that He is working for our good even in the darkest times. [23:04]
Job 5:17 (ESV)
“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”
Reflection: When have you felt beaten down by life’s trials? How can you choose to trust and bless God today, even if you don’t understand your circumstances?
Day 5: Surrendering Control—Letting God Be Enough
We are not strong, wise, or resourceful enough to fix all that concerns us, but God is more than enough for every need. True humility means admitting our limitations and choosing to stop pretending we are fine or self-sufficient. Instead, we are called to bring our problems to God first, surrendering what we cannot fix and trusting Him to provide, guide, and sustain us. Each day, open your hands and heart to El Shaddai, giving Him your worries and watching Him work in ways you could never accomplish on your own. [36:04]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Reflection: What is one specific worry or area of control you need to surrender to God today, trusting that He is more than enough?
Quotes
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