Embracing Surrender: Strength in Worship and Calling
Summary
In moments of both joy and desperation, we often find ourselves declaring our need for God. Whether in a room full of people or in solitude, the realization that we need a Savior, a healer, and a rescuer becomes evident. This need is not about conforming to others' expectations or worrying about how we appear to those around us. It's about a genuine surrender to God, acknowledging that we cannot do life on our own. In our church, we embrace our brokenness and authenticity, understanding that we are all in need of God's grace and love.
The act of lifting our hands in worship symbolizes surrender and a childlike dependence on God, much like a child reaching out to a parent for comfort and security. This posture of surrender is not about obligation but about finding freedom in admitting our need for God. As we worship, we are reminded of God's love and presence, and we are encouraged to make our worship a personal encounter with Jesus.
In the story of Nehemiah, we see a man who faced criticism and discouragement as he pursued God's calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Despite the opposition, Nehemiah remained steadfast, understanding that following God's mission often invites challenges. The enemy seeks to discourage and derail us, but we are called to pray, remember God's faithfulness, and act on His calling. Nehemiah's story teaches us that criticism and discouragement are not signs to abandon our mission but opportunities to rely on God's strength and continue the work He has set before us.
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Worship and Surrender: Worship is not about how we appear to others but about a genuine surrender to God. Lifting our hands symbolizes our need for Him, much like a child reaching out for comfort. This act of surrender brings freedom and a deeper connection with God. [33:36]
- Facing Criticism and Discouragement: Following God's calling often invites opposition. Criticism and discouragement are not signs to abandon our mission but opportunities to rely on God's strength. Nehemiah's story reminds us to pray, remember God's faithfulness, and act on His calling. [55:50]
- The Power of Prayer: In times of criticism and discouragement, prayer is our first response. It's not about polished words but honest communication with God. Pouring out our hearts to Him and listening for His voice brings clarity and strength. [01:01:44]
- Remembering God's Faithfulness: When facing challenges, we must remember God's past faithfulness. Reflecting on His goodness and promises strengthens our resolve to continue His work. Nehemiah encouraged his people to remember the Lord's greatness and fight for their mission. [01:04:54]
- Acting on God's Calling: Despite opposition, we must continue the work God has called us to do. Nehemiah's determination to rebuild the wall teaches us to act on God's mission, trusting that He will provide the strength and resources needed. [01:07:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:36] - Authentic Worship and Surrender
[35:25] - Child Dedication
[53:37] - Facing Criticism and Discouragement
[55:50] - Nehemiah's Opposition
[58:25] - Internalizing Criticism
[59:29] - Nehemiah's Response
[01:00:20] - The Power of Prayer
[01:01:44] - Honest Communication with God
[01:04:54] - Remembering God's Faithfulness
[01:07:47] - Acting on God's Calling
[01:09:05] - Fighting Criticism and Discouragement
[01:12:00] - Keeping the Main Thing
[01:16:44] - Surrendering to Jesus
[01:20:14] - Prayer and Empowerment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 4:1-15
2. Proverbs 22:6
3. Psalm 103:1-5
#### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 4, what were the specific criticisms and discouragements that Nehemiah and the people faced from their enemies? How did these criticisms affect the people of Judah? [55:50]
2. What actions did Nehemiah take in response to the opposition and criticism he faced? How did he encourage the people to continue their work? [01:07:47]
3. According to the sermon, what does lifting our hands in worship symbolize, and how does this act relate to our need for God? [33:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Nehemiah's response to criticism and discouragement demonstrate the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges? What can we learn from his example about the role of prayer in our own lives? [01:00:20]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of remembering God's faithfulness. How does reflecting on past experiences of God's goodness help us face current challenges? [01:04:54]
3. In what ways does the story of Nehemiah illustrate the concept of acting on God's calling despite opposition? How can this be applied to personal missions or callings in our lives? [01:07:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced criticism or discouragement while pursuing something you believed was God's calling. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Nehemiah's example? [55:50]
2. The sermon encourages authentic worship and surrender. How can you make your worship a more personal encounter with Jesus this week? What specific actions can you take to symbolize your surrender to God? [33:36]
3. Consider the role of prayer in your life. How can you incorporate more honest and open communication with God, especially during times of criticism and discouragement? What steps will you take to make prayer your first response? [01:01:44]
4. Reflect on God's past faithfulness in your life. How can remembering these moments strengthen your resolve to continue the work God has set before you? What practical ways can you remind yourself of His faithfulness daily? [01:04:54]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to act on God's mission. What obstacles are you currently facing, and how can you rely on God's strength to overcome them? What is one concrete step you can take this week to move forward in this calling? [01:07:47]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of keeping the main thing, the main thing. What distractions or criticisms have derailed you from focusing on obeying Christ? How can you refocus your priorities to align with God's purpose for your life? [01:16:44]
7. How can you support others in your community who are facing criticism and discouragement in their walk with God? What specific actions can you take to encourage and uplift them this week? [01:09:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Surrender in Worship
In moments of worship, the act of lifting our hands is a profound symbol of surrender and dependence on God. This gesture is not about how we appear to others but about acknowledging our need for God, much like a child reaching out to a parent for comfort and security. In this posture of surrender, we find freedom and a deeper connection with God. Worship becomes a personal encounter with Jesus, where we are reminded of His love and presence. Embracing our brokenness and authenticity, we come before God, not out of obligation, but with a genuine heart seeking His grace and love. [33:36]
Psalm 63:4-5 (ESV): "So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips."
Reflection: What does genuine surrender in worship look like for you today? How can you make your worship a personal encounter with Jesus?
Day 2: Strength in the Face of Criticism
Following God's calling often invites opposition, as seen in the story of Nehemiah. Criticism and discouragement are not signs to abandon our mission but opportunities to rely on God's strength. Nehemiah faced criticism and discouragement as he pursued God's calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Despite the opposition, he remained steadfast, understanding that following God's mission often invites challenges. The enemy seeks to discourage and derail us, but we are called to pray, remember God's faithfulness, and act on His calling. Nehemiah's story teaches us to see criticism as a chance to deepen our reliance on God and continue the work He has set before us. [55:50]
Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'"
Reflection: How can you turn criticism and discouragement into opportunities to rely on God's strength today? What specific steps can you take to remain steadfast in your calling?
Day 3: The Power of Honest Prayer
In times of criticism and discouragement, prayer is our first response. It's not about polished words but honest communication with God. Pouring out our hearts to Him and listening for His voice brings clarity and strength. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God's presence and guidance. It allows us to express our deepest fears and hopes, trusting that God hears and responds. In moments of doubt and challenge, let prayer be your anchor, grounding you in God's love and wisdom. [01:01:44]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: What honest communication do you need to have with God today? How can you make prayer your first response in times of challenge?
Day 4: Remembering God's Faithfulness
When facing challenges, we must remember God's past faithfulness. Reflecting on His goodness and promises strengthens our resolve to continue His work. Nehemiah encouraged his people to remember the Lord's greatness and fight for their mission. By recalling God's past acts of faithfulness, we are reminded of His unchanging nature and His commitment to us. This remembrance fuels our courage and determination to persevere in the face of adversity, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [01:04:54]
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: How can you actively remember and reflect on God's faithfulness in your life today? What past experiences of His goodness can you draw strength from?
Day 5: Acting on God's Calling
Despite opposition, we must continue the work God has called us to do. Nehemiah's determination to rebuild the wall teaches us to act on God's mission, trusting that He will provide the strength and resources needed. Acting on God's calling requires courage and faith, knowing that challenges will arise. Yet, with God's guidance and provision, we can overcome obstacles and fulfill the purpose He has set before us. Let Nehemiah's story inspire you to take bold steps in your journey, confident in God's unwavering support. [01:07:47]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to move forward in God's calling for your life? How can you trust in His provision and strength as you pursue this path?
Quotes
When I lift my hands, you remember the old black and white westerns. They would lift up their hands, and it was a sign of surrender, right? It was like, I give, I can't do this. But then I also think of when my kids were smaller, and they would come up, and they would lift up their hands. You know what? It was a sign of I need you. [00:28:49] (20 seconds)
Nehemiah decides, all right, we're doing this thing. He's got the leaders. They're building. And Nehemiah experiences opposition, and his opposition has a name. His opposition's name is Sanballat. Sanballat. That's a horrible name. Sanballat is, he's a punk. Sanballat is the governor of Samaria, which is a neighboring. Like, nation. I guess you could call that tribe, whatever. [00:54:02] (28 seconds)
When you experience all this depression and this criticism for the sake of following Jesus, I'm not talking about legit criticism because you're being a knucklehead. Okay, let's get that out of the way. There are times where godly, wise people will say, hey, are you sure you need to do it that way? Are you sure you need to do it that way? Hey, you need to pay attention. [01:01:03] (22 seconds)
And what I love about this prayer is that it's not polished. And it honestly doesn't sound very spiritual. In fact, there's a lot of people that would say, Ken, I don't know that you're allowed to pray that kind of prayer. And I would just say, well, ask David and ask Jeremiah and ask Ezekiel. Because if you read their prayer, ask Job. [01:01:44] (28 seconds)
This would change so much when it comes to the criticism and the discouragement that you're facing, is if you would pray. Pour it out. Tell God, be real, be raw, be vulnerable, be honest. Don't be and thou the thing to death. You're not having to be a poet. There's no English teacher judging your grammar when you're praying. [01:04:27] (22 seconds)
Here's the second thing that you see that Nehemiah does here. He prays, but secondly, he remembers. And this is what I would encourage you with. When you're facing criticism, when you're facing discouragement, how about you just pause and remember? Did God call me to this? Look at what happens in verse 14. [01:04:54] (27 seconds)
Here's the third thing that you see that Nehemiah does. He acts. A-C-T-S. He acts. He acts. He acts. He acts. He acts. He's pulling trouble. Sort of like, is that an ax? Are we cutting down a tree? Like, what are we doing here? Look at verse 15. When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. [01:07:47] (24 seconds)
Because his purpose for me is far greater than any purpose I could ever come up with for myself. And even when I'm attacked by the enemy, I still would rather be in Christ than to go back to the enemy. Because there is purpose and fulfillment and fruitfulness and following Christ that I could never get anywhere else. He really is the way, the truth, and the life. [01:16:44] (24 seconds)
It's not the only point. You don't just pray that prayer and then go on. That's the starting point to a journey of actually actively following Jesus with the rest of your life and discovering his purpose and his peace for your life. But if you haven't started, you need to start. Today's a great day to start. [01:17:48] (22 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 02, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?