Embracing God's Constant Presence and Intimate Relationship

 

Summary

Thank you is a word that can never be said enough when reflecting on the goodness and faithfulness of God. In every season—whether in the fire, in the water, on the mountaintop, or in the valley—God is not just a distant rescuer, but a loving Father who is present with us. There are times when we find ourselves in difficult situations, sometimes because of our own choices, sometimes because of circumstances beyond our control. Yet, God’s presence is unwavering. He is not just the God who shows up in emergencies; He is the God who desires a daily, intimate relationship with each of us.

Isaiah 43 reminds us that God has created us, formed us, redeemed us, and called us by name. We are His. This is not a general statement, but a deeply personal truth. No matter what we have done or where we have been, nothing can separate us from His love. Even when we make mistakes, God’s love remains constant. He may not love our actions, but He never stops loving us. As we grow in our walk with Him, we may not become sinless, but we do learn to sin less, guided by His Spirit and our deepening relationship with Him.

The journey of faith is not about achieving a perfect record or impressing God with our accomplishments. What matters most to God is our heart—our willingness to yield, to submit, and to draw near to Him. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, it’s not about never sinking, but about reaching out to Jesus, knowing He is always within arm’s reach. Our closeness to God is not based on our performance, but on our willingness to admit our need and to trust in His ability to hold us.

No matter how long we have walked with God, there is always more intimacy to discover. Just as in a long marriage, there are always new depths of closeness to experience. God invites us to draw nearer, to rest in His love, and to depend on Him—not just in crisis, but every day. Today is an opportunity to surrender, to let go of fear, and to embrace the relationship God offers, knowing He is with us, loves us, and calls us His own.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Presence Is Constant, Not Conditional
God is not just a first responder who shows up in emergencies; He is a Father who abides with us in every circumstance. Whether we are in the fire because of our own choices or because of what others have done, His presence never leaves us. Even in our lowest moments, God is right there, loving us with an everlasting love. [22:48]

- Our Identity Is Rooted in God’s Creative and Redemptive Work
God not only created us, but He formed us by hand, redeemed us through Christ, and calls us by name. This progression shows the depth of His relationship with us—He claims us as His own, regardless of our past or present failures. Our worth and security are found in being known and loved by Him, not in our ability to perform or impress. [25:28]

- Spiritual Maturity Means Greater Dependence, Not Perfection
As we mature in faith, we do not become sinless, but we learn to sin less as we yield more to God’s Spirit. Conviction, not condemnation, marks our growth, and God helps us make better decisions as we walk closely with Him. The journey is about increasing dependence on God’s grace, not achieving flawless behavior. [28:22]

- God Uses Every Season for Our Good and His Glory
We often want to skip the hard parts and go straight to places of prominence or blessing, but God uses every season—pits, prisons, and fires—to shape us for His purposes. What others intend for harm, God can turn for good, and He gives us favor even in difficult places. Our heart’s posture toward God matters more than our position or circumstances. [29:37]

- Intimacy with God Is Always Available and Always Growing
No matter how long we have walked with God, there is always more closeness to experience. Intimacy with God is not about religious performance, but about surrender, trust, and daily relationship. God invites us to draw near, to rest in His love, and to depend on Him, knowing that He is always with us and always calling us deeper. [36:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:10] - A Heart of Thankfulness
[13:05] - God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
[16:09] - God’s Presence in the Fire
[19:12] - The God of Relationship, Not Just Rescue
[22:48] - God Is With You, No Matter What
[24:28] - Created, Formed, Redeemed, and Called
[25:28] - Handmade by God
[27:35] - God Loves You, Not Just What You Do
[28:22] - Spiritual Maturity and Conviction
[29:37] - God’s Purpose in Every Season
[30:55] - Do Not Be Afraid—God Provides
[32:21] - Peter’s Story: Proximity to Jesus
[33:20] - Intimacy Is Not About Performance
[36:17] - Always More Closeness to Experience
[37:52] - Prayer for Deeper Relationship
[38:57] - Depending on God’s Ability
[39:59] - Invitation to Relationship and Salvation
[40:52] - Prayer for Salvation and Spirit-Filled Living

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: God’s Presence and Intimacy in Every Season

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### Bible Reading

- Isaiah 43:1-2
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’”

- Genesis 50:20-21
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

- Matthew 14:28-31
“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Isaiah 43:1-2, what are the four things God says He has done for His people?
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between seeing God as a “first responder” and as a “Father”? [[22:48]]
3. What does Joseph say to his brothers in Genesis 50:20-21 about their actions and God’s purpose?
4. In the story of Peter walking on water, what happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus? [[32:21]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does God emphasize that He has created, formed, redeemed, and called us by name? What does this progression say about our relationship with Him? [[25:28]]
2. The sermon says, “God may not love what you do, but He always loves you.” How does this truth affect the way we see ourselves after we make mistakes? [[27:35]]
3. How does the story of Joseph show that God can use even painful or unfair situations for our good and His glory? [[29:37]]
4. What does Peter’s experience on the water teach us about spiritual maturity and dependence on Jesus, rather than our own ability? [[32:21]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says God’s presence is constant, not conditional. When have you felt God’s presence most strongly—in a crisis or in everyday life? How can you become more aware of His presence in ordinary moments? [[22:48]]
2. Isaiah 43 says God calls us by name and claims us as His own. Is there a part of your life or past that makes it hard for you to believe you truly belong to God? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? [[25:28]]
3. The pastor said, “As we mature as believers, we don’t become sinless, but we sin less and less.” What is one area where you’ve seen God help you make better choices? Where do you still need His help? [[28:22]]
4. Think about a difficult season you’ve gone through. Looking back, can you see ways God used that time for your growth or to help others? How might that change your perspective on current challenges? [[29:37]]
5. The sermon compared intimacy with God to a long marriage—there’s always more closeness to discover. What is one practical step you can take this week to draw nearer to God? (For example: setting aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, or worship.) [[36:17]]
6. The story of Peter shows that it’s not about never sinking, but about reaching out to Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you need to admit your need and ask for His help? What’s holding you back? [[32:21]]
7. The pastor prayed for a change in perspective—from seeing God as just a rescuer to seeing Him as a loving Father. How might this shift affect the way you pray or approach God this week? [[37:52]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person experience His presence and love in a deeper way this week.

Devotional

Day 1: God Is With You in Every Fire

No matter the reason you find yourself in the fire—whether by your own choices or by circumstances beyond your control—God is present with you. His presence is not limited to moments of rescue; He is the God who walks with you through every trial, never abandoning you, never forsaking you. Even when you feel the heat of consequences or the pain of injustice, you can rest in the assurance that God is not a distant responder but a loving Father who stands beside you, offering comfort, strength, and hope. [24:28]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel the “fire” right now, and how can you invite God to be present with you in that specific situation today?


Day 2: You Are Formed, Redeemed, and Called by Name

God’s relationship with you is deeply personal—He not only created you, but He formed you by hand, redeemed you from sin, and calls you by name. You are not just one among many; you are known, loved, and claimed by God Himself. No mistake, failure, or circumstance can separate you from His love or remove you from His hand. Even when you feel unworthy or distant, God’s declaration over you remains: “You are mine.” [25:28]

Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’”

Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today with the confidence that God has called you by name and claims you as His own?


Day 3: God’s Love Is Unchanging—He Loves You Right Now

God’s love for you is not based on your performance, your past, or your ability to do everything right. He cannot love you any more or any less than He does at this very moment. Your relationship with Him is not about earning His affection but about receiving His unconditional love and responding with surrender. No matter how long you have walked with God, there is always more intimacy and closeness to experience, and it begins with simply saying “yes” to His love today. [33:20]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that God loves you unconditionally, and how can you open your heart to receive His love in that place today?


Day 4: God Turns Brokenness Into Blessing

Even when others intend harm or when life’s circumstances seem unfair, God is able to redeem your story and bring good from it. Like Joseph, you may walk through pits, prisons, or seasons of waiting, but God’s favor and purpose are at work even in those places. He is not impressed by outward success but by a heart that is yielded and surrendered to Him. Trust that God can use every part of your journey for His glory and your good. [30:55]

Genesis 50:20-21 (ESV)
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

Reflection: What is one difficult circumstance from your past or present that you can trust God to redeem and use for good?


Day 5: Intimacy with God Grows Through Surrender and Dependence

True closeness with God is not achieved by striving or religious performance, but by daily surrender and dependence on Him. Like Peter reaching out to Jesus on the water, it begins with recognizing your need and allowing God to hold, carry, and help you. No matter how long you have walked with the Lord, there is always a deeper relationship to be found as you yield your heart and trust Him to draw you closer. [38:57]

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can surrender control and depend on God more fully in your walk with Him today?

Quotes



I'm here to tell you that no matter where you are, whether you're walking in the water or being drowned by it, remember what the book of Isaiah said, when you pass through the waters, I will be with you. You will not be overcome. You may get wet, but you will not be overcome. When you pass through the fire, you will not be burned. Why? Because I am with you. I have called you by name. I have redeemed you. I have created you. I have formed you. [00:32:42] (27 seconds)


Look at the progression of relationship. I have created you. I have formed you. Don't fear, because I have redeemed you and I have called you by name. Child, you are mine. I want you to hear that today. God is saying to you, you are mine. [00:26:27] (22 seconds)


It does not give God glory for you to be in a high, exalted position. That doesn't impress God. It doesn't impress God that we stand here, Pastor James and I stand here and preach the Word. This doesn't impress God. What impresses God is our heart toward Him. What impresses God is our yieldedness to Him. What impresses Him is our submission to Him. What impresses God is our giving ourselves to Him. [00:30:08] (27 seconds)


How much more safe would you feel if you knew that you didn't have to call 911 for someone to come to put the fire at your house? How safe would you feel if you had the firemen living in your house with you? And they had all the resources that the very appearance of fire or the smell of smoke, it was extinguished just like that. Then you would feel really safe. I want you to know that God the Father is right there with you no matter where you are. [00:23:23] (28 seconds)


Even in the fiery furnace, you may, let me just say this, you may be in the fiery furnace because of things that you did or you may be in the fiery furnace because of things that were done to you. Sometimes we find ourselves in the fire because of bad decisions that we've made. And I've made some really stupid decisions in my life. I know I'm the only one in the room right now. But I've made some really stupid decisions. And I have had to face the consequences of those decisions. I sometimes put myself in the fire. But guess what? God's still there with me. [00:23:51] (37 seconds)


God may not love what you do, but He always loves you. That's worth tweeting or twittering or xing or whatever you do these days. God may not love what you do, but God loves you. [00:27:28] (17 seconds)


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Transcript
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