Embracing God's Promises Through Active Faith
Summary
God’s faithfulness is unchanging, regardless of the storms or victories we face. Even when we are faithless, He remains steadfast, sustaining us through every trial and blessing us in every triumph. Our lives are filled with God’s promises, but these are not just for anyone—they are for His children, those who have entered into relationship with Him through Jesus. Just as a parent provides for their own children, God’s promises are specifically for those who belong to Him. Yet, many of us are waiting for the fulfillment of a promise—whether it’s salvation for a loved one, healing, provision, or freedom. The key is not to give up or lose heart, but to lay hold of these promises through faith.
Faith is not just a passive belief; it is an active trust that grabs hold of what is not yet seen. If we don’t know what God has promised, we can’t receive it. Like discovering hidden perks in a membership, we must search the Scriptures and know what is available to us as God’s children. Sometimes, we miss out simply because we are unaware or have listened to voices that say, “That’s not for today.” But God’s promises are true, and He does not lie.
The story of Manoah’s wife in Judges 13 illustrates this beautifully. Though her name is unknown, her faith is evident. She was barren, yet God promised her a son who would begin to deliver Israel. The angel instructed her to start living as if she were already pregnant—changing her habits in anticipation of the promise. This is a call for us to live as if we already possess what God has promised, to act in faith before we see the fulfillment.
Persistence in prayer is essential. Sometimes, we stop praying because of disappointment or delay, but Jesus calls us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Even if it takes years, as it did for my own family, we must not quit. Additionally, we must be wise about whom we share our promises with—seeking agreement with those who will truly stand in faith with us.
Finally, as we wait for God’s promises, we should ask Him to teach us how to steward the blessing. Sometimes, the delay is not denial, but preparation. God wants us to be ready to handle what He gives, so it does not become an idol or a stumbling block. Let us continue to pray, believe, live in faith, and seek God’s wisdom for every promise He has spoken.
Key Takeaways
- God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances or our own faithfulness. Even in seasons of adversity or barrenness, His steadfast love and mercy remain. Our foundation is secure because He is unchanging, and we can trust Him to sustain us through every storm and every victory. [44:10]
- Knowing and claiming God’s promises requires intentional pursuit. Just as hidden benefits in a membership can go unused if we are unaware, many believers miss out on God’s blessings simply because they do not know what is available to them. We must search the Scriptures, understand our identity as God’s children, and boldly lay hold of what He has promised. [54:55]
- Faith is active, not passive. It means living as if God’s promise is already fulfilled, even when circumstances say otherwise. This may require us to change our habits, attitudes, or actions in anticipation of what God has spoken, trusting that He is faithful to bring it to pass. [01:08:29]
- Persistence in prayer is vital, especially when the answer seems delayed. God honors those who continue to ask, seek, and knock, even over many years. The process of waiting is often where our faith is refined, and we must not give up on the promises God has placed in our hearts, no matter how long it takes. [01:01:51]
- Stewardship of God’s blessings is as important as receiving them. We should ask God to prepare us to handle the promise well, so that it does not become an idol or a source of harm. Sometimes, God withholds a blessing until we are ready to steward it wisely, and our prayer should be, “Lord, teach me how to handle what You are about to give.” [01:17:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[44:10] - Declaring God’s Faithfulness
[49:00] - God’s Promises for His Children
[50:30] - Waiting for the Fulfillment
[52:27] - Knowing What’s Ours
[54:55] - Accessing Hidden Promises
[56:43] - Faith Grabs Hold
[57:33] - Walking by Faith, Not Sight
[58:10] - The Power of Confession
[59:18] - The Story of Manoah’s Wife
[01:01:51] - Persistence in Prayer
[01:05:13] - Deliverance from Barrenness
[01:08:29] - Living as If the Promise Is Fulfilled
[01:12:46] - Sharing the Promise Wisely
[01:17:35] - Preparing to Steward the Blessing
[01:22:02] - Samson’s Parents and Responsibility
[01:25:59] - Responding in Faith and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: God’s Faithfulness and Our Response
---
### Bible Reading
- Judges 13:2-14 (The story of Manoah’s wife and the promise of Samson)
- Hebrews 11:1 (“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”)
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Judges 13, what specific instructions did the angel give to Manoah’s wife before she was even pregnant? What does this show about God’s promises and preparation? [59:18]
2. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith described? How does this definition connect to the way Manoah’s wife was told to live? [56:43]
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of God’s promises that people might be waiting for? [50:30]
4. What did Manoah do after hearing about the promise from his wife? How did he respond, and what did he pray for? [01:16:06]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel told Manoah’s wife to start living as if she was already pregnant, even before the promise was fulfilled? What does this teach about faith and obedience? [01:08:29]
2. The sermon says that God’s promises are for His children, not just anyone. What does it mean to be a child of God, and how does that affect our access to His promises? [49:00]
3. Why is it important to know what God has promised us, according to the sermon? What might happen if we are unaware of His promises? [54:55]
4. The pastor shared about praying for years for his parents’ salvation. What does this example teach about persistence in prayer and waiting for God’s timing? [01:01:51]
---
### Application Questions
1. Is there a promise from God that you have stopped praying for or believing in because of disappointment or delay? What would it look like to start praying for it again with renewed faith? [01:01:51]
2. The angel told Manoah’s wife to change her habits in anticipation of the promise. Is there something in your life you need to start or stop doing as an act of faith, even before you see the answer? [01:08:29]
3. The sermon compared God’s promises to hidden perks in a membership. Are there promises in Scripture you might be missing out on simply because you haven’t searched for them? What is one step you can take this week to discover more of what God has for you? [54:55]
4. When you receive a promise from God, who do you share it with? Are you careful to seek agreement with people who will truly stand in faith with you, or do you sometimes share with those who might discourage you? How can you be more intentional about this? [01:13:33]
5. The pastor said sometimes God delays a blessing to prepare us to handle it well. Is there a blessing you are waiting for that you need to ask God to help you steward wisely? What would it look like to pray, “Lord, teach me how to handle what You are about to give”? [01:17:35]
6. Think about a time when you acted “as if” God’s promise was already fulfilled. How did that change your attitude or actions? Is there a current situation where you need to start living by faith in this way? [01:10:47]
7. The sermon mentioned the danger of letting God’s blessings become idols. How can you guard your heart so that the things God gives you don’t take His place in your life? [01:20:56]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to renew faith, reveal His promises, and give wisdom to steward every blessing well.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
God remains faithful and steadfast, no matter our circumstances.
In every season of life—whether in the midst of storms, trials, or moments of victory—God’s faithfulness does not waver. He is our foundation, sustaining us when we feel weak and celebrating with us in our triumphs. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful, holding us and working all things for our good. We are called to praise and magnify Him, not because our situation is perfect, but because His character is unchanging. Let this truth anchor your heart: God’s faithfulness is not dependent on what you see or feel, but on who He is. [44:10]
Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remind yourself today that God is faithful, even if your circumstances haven’t changed yet?
Day 2: Laying Hold of God’s Promises by Faith
We access God’s promises through faith, not by sight.
Scripture is filled with promises for God’s children—promises of provision, healing, salvation, and more. Yet, these promises are not always immediately visible in our lives. Faith is the means by which we lay hold of what God has spoken, even when we cannot see it yet. Faith is not wishful thinking; it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When we declare God’s promises over our lives, we are not lying or pretending; we are aligning our words and actions with what God has already said, trusting Him to bring it to pass in His time. [56:43]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you need to start declaring in faith over your life today, even if you don’t see it yet?
Day 3: Persistent Prayer for God’s Promises
Don’t stop praying and believing for what God has promised.
There are seasons when it feels easier to give up on what we’ve been praying for—whether it’s a loved one’s salvation, healing, or breakthrough. But Jesus calls us to ask, seek, and knock with persistence. Even when answers seem delayed, we are encouraged to keep bringing our requests before God, trusting that in due season, He will fulfill His promises. The testimony of years of prayer for family members, and the stories of barren women in Scripture who saw deliverance through their persistence, remind us that God honors steadfast prayer. Don’t quit; keep praying and believing. [01:03:44]
Luke 18:1 (ESV)
"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."
Reflection: Who or what have you stopped praying for that God is inviting you to lift up again in persistent faith today?
Day 4: Living as If the Promise Is Already Yours
Act in faith as though God’s promise is already fulfilled.
Faith is not just believing in your heart; it’s also acting in alignment with what you believe. Just as the angel told Manoah’s wife to live as if she were already pregnant, we are called to start living as if God’s promise is already ours. This may mean making changes, taking steps, or letting go of things in anticipation of what God will do. It’s not about “faking it,” but about demonstrating trust in God’s Word by preparing for the fulfillment of His promise. When you know what God has spoken, let your actions reflect your faith in His faithfulness. [01:09:34]
James 2:17 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to live as if God’s promise to you is already coming to pass?
Day 5: Asking God to Prepare You for the Blessing
Seek God’s wisdom to steward the promise He gives.
It’s not enough to simply receive God’s promises; we must also be prepared to handle them well. Manoah’s response to the angel’s message was to ask God for guidance on how to raise the promised child. In the same way, we should ask God to teach us how to steward the blessings and responsibilities that come with His promises. Sometimes, God withholds a blessing until we are ready to manage it wisely. Pray for wisdom, character, and readiness, so that when the promise comes, you can honor God with it and not let it become an idol or stumbling block. [01:17:35]
James 1:5 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What area of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom and preparation, so you can steward His promise well when it arrives?
Quotes
``Everyone is a creation of God, but it takes a relationship with God through Jesus to become his child. And the Bible says that we're given the spirit of adoption by which we can cry out, Abba, Father, when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And these promises are for his children. Now, I got three kids. And guess what? It is my responsibility to place food on their table, shelter over their head, clothes on their back, supplies for school. That falls on me. Now, every once in a while, God might put in my heart to take somebody else to dinner and take our family with them or treat somebody or sow a seed into somebody. But that might be something that happens. My responsibility is my kids. They're mine. And as his children, he has promises for you and for me that we can then lay a hold of us. And here's the next thing that I need us to understand. And I know it's true. All of us have promises of God that we're waiting for. [00:50:30] (66 seconds)
If you don't know what is promised, you can't get it. And there are many a believer that doesn't know all of the promises of God or the things that they are entitled to as His child. [00:52:20] (18 seconds)
And although salvation is the preeminent part, there are promises of God for today, for you and for me. And some of us don't grab a hold of them because we don't know they're there. Some of us haven't grabbed a hold of them because we heard the voice of someone else that says, that's not for today. [00:55:49] (20 seconds)
You know, why doesn't everybody get it if they have the access to it? Man, and I can't answer that question as to why not everyone receives their healing. And I can't answer the question why everyone doesn't experience it on earth in the moment. But I know this, that if God promised it, it will come to pass. And he is a God that does not lie. [00:56:20] (23 seconds)
Sometimes people, they think that if you are saying something that you are believing for and declaring it, they don't see it as faith. They see it almost as if you were lying. But the reality is this. The Bible says to call what is not as if it was. That is what faith is. Where you look at yourself and you declare, I am blessed. Where you declare, I am healed. Where you declare what Joshua said, me and my house will serve the Lord. Grabbing a hold of these promises. [00:57:11] (38 seconds)
Don't underestimate the season you've gone through. Don't underestimate this problem that you're going through right now because God can turn it and use it. And you don't understand the miracle that you might be holding within your barren womb right now, because that's what the angel said. Right now you are. [01:05:23] (20 seconds)
We must live as if we already were. Can we go back to the scripture there for a second? Go back to Judges chapter 13. Again, verse number three, the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, indeed, now you are barren and have born no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Now, therefore, please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink and not to eat anything unclean. For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son and no razor shall come upon his head. For the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. This is what the angel of the Lord said to her. Stop or start, better said, acting as if you already were pregnant. [01:05:58] (49 seconds)
We are beginning to let go of certain things. We're going to stop doing this as if we already were, or we're going to start doing things as if we already were. That's faith. I believe this. I've seen it in my life so many different times. [01:10:09] (17 seconds)
Honestly, we were praying for God to do something, but we weren't putting any action to it. And I'll never forget in December of 2009, sitting at a baby shower, Patty was a few days late and she comes back from the bathroom and you could tell something was wrong. And she says, I got to go. I just got my period. And it just devastated her. And on that drive home is where something, the Lord triggered something in me. Where is your faith for what you're believing for? [01:10:24] (31 seconds)
We need to ask God to teach us how to handle that promise, how to handle that blessing. Some of us, we have not walked into the blessing or promise of God, not because God doesn't want to give it to us, but because we're not ready to handle it. [01:18:15] (18 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?