Embracing God's Presence: Trusting His Promises and Power

Devotional

Day 1: God Appears Personally to the Broken and Hurting

God is not distant or detached; He comes near to us, even in our mess, our doubts, and our failures. Just as He appeared to Abraham and Hagar in their moments of pain and confusion, He makes Himself known to each of us, offering comfort, mercy, and a relationship that is deeply personal. No matter how unworthy or broken you may feel, God sees you, loves you, and desires to minister to you right where you are. He is the God who comes close, who knows your story, and who delights in being present with you. [37:00]

Genesis 16:13 (ESV):
So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”

Reflection: When have you most needed God to show up personally in your life? Can you invite Him into that place today, trusting that He sees and cares for you?

Day 2: Urgency in Responding to God’s Call

When God calls or visits, our response matters. Abraham didn’t hesitate—he ran to meet the Lord, urgently served Him, and made God’s presence his top priority. Too often, we put off God’s promptings, letting the busyness of life or our own plans take precedence. But God’s work is urgent, and He invites us to reorder our lives so that serving Him and responding to His voice becomes our greatest priority. Don’t let God’s invitation pass you by—embrace the urgency to dwell with Him and serve Him wholeheartedly. [43:23]

Genesis 18:1-8 (ESV):
And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

Reflection: What is one area where you’ve sensed God prompting you, but you’ve put it off? What would it look like to respond with urgency today?

Day 3: Nothing Is Too Hard for the Lord

God delights in doing the impossible—He brings life where there is only death, hope where there is only despair. Sarah laughed at the promise of a child in her old age, but God reminded her that nothing is too hard for Him. Even when we doubt, fail, or feel unworthy, God’s power is not limited by our circumstances or our faith. He is the God who keeps His promises, who can do far more than we ask or imagine, and who brings new life out of what seems hopeless. [51:51]

Genesis 18:13-14 (ESV):
The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel something is impossible? Can you bring that to God today, asking Him to help your unbelief and trust that nothing is too hard for Him?

Day 4: God’s Power Works Through Us to Accomplish His Purposes

God’s power is not just for the past—it is at work within us today, enabling us to dream God-sized dreams and to accomplish things far beyond our own abilities. The church is not powerless; God’s Spirit is poured out on all believers, young and old, to dream, to act, and to bring His kingdom to earth. Even when we feel inadequate or the world seems too broken, God invites us to believe that with Him, all things are possible, and to step out in faith to pursue the dreams He places in our hearts. [58:47]

Ephesians 3:20 (ESV):
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Reflection: What is one God-sized dream or calling you have set aside or dismissed as impossible? What step could you take today to trust God’s power at work in you?

Day 5: Intercede and Proclaim—Pray and Say

God calls His people not only to believe, but to intercede for others and to boldly proclaim the good news. Like Abraham, we are invited to pray for our world, even for those who seem far from God, and to finish the task of sharing the gospel with every nation and person. Our calling is to love, to pray for those who persecute us, and to testify to the hope we have in Christ. The work is urgent, the need is great, and God has chosen us to be His priests—standing in the gap for others and declaring His salvation. [01:09:50]

Matthew 5:44 (ESV):
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Reflection: Who is one person or group you find difficult to pray for or share the gospel with? Will you commit to intercede for them and look for an opportunity to share Christ’s love this week?

Sermon Summary

The longing for all the earth to know and praise Jesus is deeply rooted in our hearts, a desire that springs from the very breath of life God has given us. This longing is not just a distant hope for the end times, but a present call to participate in God’s work here and now. Today, we reflected on Abraham and Sarah’s encounter with God in Genesis 18—a divine visitation that reveals how God comes to us personally, even in our brokenness and doubt. God’s relationship with Abraham was not based on Abraham’s perfection, but on God’s faithfulness and grace. Even when Abraham and Sarah doubted, tried to take matters into their own hands, or failed to trust, God continued to appear, to speak, and to fulfill His promises.

God’s personal approach is not reserved for biblical heroes; He comes to each of us, not because we are righteous, but because He loves us and desires relationship. Through Jesus, God has made Himself known, offering comfort, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationship. The Lord’s Supper is a tangible reminder of this personal grace—His body and blood given for you.

When God visits, our response matters. Abraham responded with urgency and hospitality, making God’s presence his highest priority. He didn’t relegate God to the background or treat Him as a spare tire for emergencies. Instead, Abraham reordered his life to serve and dwell with God. In contrast, Sarah’s laughter and disbelief remind us how easy it is to let doubt and the impossibility of our circumstances overshadow God’s promises. Yet, God’s response is not condemnation, but a gentle reminder: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” God specializes in doing the impossible—bringing life from death, hope from despair, and faith from doubt.

The story also challenges us to dream God-sized dreams. If God guarantees He will be with us and that nothing is impossible for Him, what would we attempt for His kingdom? Too often, we let fear, past failures, or the world’s cynicism limit our vision. But God calls us to pray boldly, to intercede for a broken world, and to finish the task of sharing the gospel with every nation. We are invited to surrender control, trust God’s power at work within us, and step into the adventure He has prepared—knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Personal Visitation: God comes to us personally, not because of our righteousness, but because of His love and desire for relationship. Even in our mess, doubts, and failures, He draws near to comfort, restore, and make Himself known. This is the heart of the gospel: God with us, in Jesus, offering grace and presence to each of us individually. [37:00]
2. The Urgency of God’s Call: When God speaks or prompts us, our response should be marked by urgency and willingness. Abraham’s example shows that God’s presence and mission deserve to be our highest priority, not something relegated to the background of our busy lives. Delaying obedience can mean missing out on the unique opportunities God has prepared for us in this moment. [41:24]
3. God’s Power in Our Impossibility: God delights in doing what seems impossible—bringing life from dead places, hope from despair, and faith where there is doubt. The story of Sarah’s barren womb becoming fruitful is a reminder that God’s promises are not limited by our circumstances or failures. Our role is to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and to pray, “I believe; help my unbelief.” [46:18]
4. Interceding for a Broken World: As God’s people, we are called to intercede for the world—not with anger or condemnation, but with love and prayer. Jesus modeled this on the cross, praying for those who persecuted Him. Our calling is to pray for those far from God, believing that His grace can transform even the hardest hearts and bring light into the darkest places. [68:30]
5. Dreaming God-Sized Dreams: God invites us to dream beyond our limitations, trusting His power at work within us. The church is not called to small, safe ambitions, but to bold faith that seeks the transformation of lives, communities, and nations. If God is with us and nothing is impossible for Him, we are free to pursue His calling with courage, knowing He will accomplish more than we can ask or imagine. [58:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:10] - All the Earth Will Shout Your Praise
[28:02] - Visitors vs. Guests: Divine Visitation
[29:42] - Abraham’s Journey and God’s Covenant
[31:32] - The Sign of the Covenant
[32:51] - Abraham’s Hospitality and God’s Promise
[37:00] - God’s Personal Relationship with Us
[39:05] - The Lord’s Supper: Grace for You
[40:14] - Abraham’s Urgent Response
[43:23] - Prioritizing God’s Call
[46:18] - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
[51:51] - God’s Power in the Church
[55:43] - Praying Boldly: Help My Unbelief
[58:47] - Dreaming God-Sized Dreams
[67:31] - Interceding for the World
[69:50] - Completing the Great Commission
[71:24] - Surrendering Control and Trusting God
[73:26] - The Lord’s Prayer and Next Steps
[75:34] - Worship Through Giving and Connection

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 18:1-15 (ESV) — > And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
>
> They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) — > Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us...

Mark 9:23-24 (ESV) — > And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Observation Questions

What was Abraham’s immediate response when he saw the three visitors approaching his tent? (Genesis 18:2-6)
How did Sarah react when she overheard the promise that she would have a son? (Genesis 18:12)
According to the sermon, what is the significance of God asking, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” [46:18]
In Ephesians 3:20, what does Paul say about God’s ability compared to our own expectations?

Interpretation Questions

What does Abraham’s urgency and hospitality toward the visitors reveal about his relationship with God and his priorities? [40:14]
Why do you think Sarah laughed at God’s promise, and what does this reveal about human doubt and God’s response to it? [46:18]
The sermon mentions that God’s personal approach is not reserved for biblical heroes. What does it mean for us today that God comes to us personally, even in our mess and doubts? [37:00]
How does the idea that “nothing is too hard for the Lord” challenge the way we view our own limitations and the situations we face? [46:18]

Application Questions

Abraham made God’s presence his highest priority, responding with urgency. Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to respond more urgently or make Him a higher priority? What would it look like to reorder your life around God’s presence? [41:24]
Sarah’s laughter came from a place of doubt and seeing her circumstances as impossible. Can you think of a time when you doubted God’s promises because of your circumstances? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [46:18]
The sermon challenges us to dream God-sized dreams. If you truly believed that nothing is impossible for God, what bold step or dream would you pursue for His kingdom? Is there a dream you’ve set aside that God might be inviting you to revisit? [58:47]
The story highlights the importance of interceding for a broken world, not with anger but with love and prayer. Who is someone in your life or in the world that you feel called to pray for, even if it’s difficult? How can you start interceding for them this week? [01:08:30]
The Lord’s Supper is described as a tangible reminder of God’s personal grace. How does regularly participating in communion shape your understanding of God’s love and presence in your life? [39:05]
The sermon mentions that sometimes we treat God like a “spare tire” instead of letting Him drive. Are there areas where you tend to put God in the background until there’s an emergency? What practical step can you take to let God lead in those areas? [43:23]
The message ends with a call to surrender control and trust God’s power at work within us. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control to God this week? How can the group support you in this? [01:12:44]

Sermon Clips

God grows a church, God changes lives, we don't, we're not that powerful, God is. And so we look at Sarah and Abraham, they've already broken the covenant and when God says look, I'm the Yahweh, even when you break it, even when you mess up, I stay true to my promises, my word, and the burden of the covenant is on God, it's on him, not us. We can't make it happen, they tried it, they failed, neither can we. [00:51:34] (44 seconds) #GodStillDoesMiracles

God's power is at work in the church. We have the power to believe that all things are possible to God because God has made all things possible because it's our belief in him, not us. Yes, we look at ourselves, we look at the church, it's a dead womb, but it's a dead womb that has a living God in it. And a God who can bring life where it seems impossible. He makes it possible. [00:55:01] (28 seconds) #DareToDreamBig

The Apostle Paul says, my life is worth nothing to me. He's saying, look, any personal accomplishment I have, anything I've gained in this world is worthless compared to with Christ. I mean, what's going to happen to all the fame or all the things I have achieved, the success? It's just going to be divide up and give to other people. No, I want to complete the task the Lord's given me of sharing the gospel, because that's what's going to last. That's what's going to be for eternal. [01:10:09] (27 seconds)

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