Embracing Surrender: Trusting God's Unwavering Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the theme of "surrender" and how it relates to handling the unexpected in our lives. We began by reflecting on the story of Sarah and Abraham from Genesis 18, where God promises them a child despite their old age. This story serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering power and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible. Abraham's immediate response to the three visitors, who were divine messengers, highlights the importance of recognizing and seizing divine moments in our everyday lives. Abraham's hospitality and reverence for these visitors underscore the need for us to pause and connect with God, especially when life becomes overwhelming.
We also explored how Sarah's initial laughter and disbelief at God's promise reflect our own doubts and fears. Yet, God did not rebuke her but reaffirmed His promise, showing that His plans are not limited by our level of faith. This teaches us that faith is not about whether God can or can't do something; it's about trusting in His perfect will. We are encouraged to live extraordinary lives by focusing on God rather than our circumstances, understanding that nothing is too wonderful or extraordinary for Him.
The sermon concluded with personal anecdotes and testimonies that illustrate how God works in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes. Whether it's through the birth of an unexpected child or the transformation of a life mired in addiction, God's plans are always for our good and His glory. We are called to trust in His timing and His ways, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every challenge.
### Key Takeaways
1. Recognize Divine Moments: Abraham's immediate response to the three visitors teaches us the importance of recognizing and seizing divine moments in our everyday lives. We must pause, listen, and connect with God, especially when life becomes overwhelming. This practice helps us to not let God pass us by in the busyness of our daily routines. [28:28]
2. God's Promises Are Unwavering: Sarah's initial laughter and disbelief at God's promise of a child in her old age reflect our own doubts and fears. Yet, God reaffirmed His promise, showing that His plans are not limited by our level of faith. This teaches us that faith is about trusting in God's perfect will, not our own understanding. [42:24]
3. Live Extraordinary Lives: We are encouraged to live extraordinary lives by focusing on God rather than our circumstances. God takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. He makes the impossible possible, and nothing is out of His reach. We should not limit God by settling for the mundane. [44:41]
4. God Knows Our Hearts: God hears all and knows all, including our internal thoughts and feelings. We cannot hide anything from Him. This intimate knowledge is not to condemn us but to draw us closer to Him. God desires a deep and intimate connection with us, and we should strive to be equally connected to Him. [39:32]
5. Trust in God's Perfect Will: Faith is not about whether God can or can't do something; it's about trusting in His perfect will. Our faith should focus on who we believe in, not the level of our belief. God is dependable, and we need to be God-dependent, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [47:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:45] - I Surrender
[19:11] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[22:21] - Handling the Unexpected
[23:54] - Sarah's Journey and God's Revelation
[25:18] - Genesis 18:1-15 Reading
[27:09] - Abraham's Hospitality
[28:28] - Recognizing Divine Moments
[29:10] - Pausing for God
[31:06] - Intimacy with God
[32:23] - Preparing a Meal for the Divine
[34:27] - Significance of Sharing a Meal
[36:21] - God's Promise to Sarah
[37:16] - Sarah's Laughter and Doubt
[38:47] - God's Response to Sarah
[39:32] - God Knows Our Hearts
[41:39] - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
[42:24] - God's Unwavering Promises
[44:41] - Living Extraordinary Lives
[47:14] - Trusting in God's Perfect Will
[50:13] - Personal Testimonies
[52:08] - God Does the Unexpected
[53:46] - The Unexpected Child
[55:30] - Letting God Work in Our Lives
[57:06] - Closing Prayer
[01:13:51] - Special Prayer for Michelle
[01:19:32] - Final Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Genesis 18:1-15
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Abraham's immediate reaction when he saw the three visitors? How did he show hospitality to them? ([27:09])
2. How did Sarah initially respond to the promise of having a child, and what was God's reaction to her response? ([37:16])
3. What does the term "palah" mean in Hebrew, and how does it relate to God's question to Abraham and Sarah? ([42:24])
4. How did the sermon illustrate the concept of recognizing divine moments in our everyday lives? ([28:28])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Abraham recognized the three visitors as divine messengers and responded with such urgency and hospitality? ([27:09])
2. How does Sarah's laughter and subsequent denial reflect common human reactions to God's promises? What does this teach us about faith and doubt? ([37:16])
3. In what ways does the story of Abraham and Sarah challenge our understanding of God's timing and promises? ([42:24])
4. How can the personal testimonies shared in the sermon help us understand the unexpected ways God works in our lives? ([52:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have allowed God to pass by due to busyness or distractions. How can you create moments to pause and connect with God daily? ([29:10])
2. Sarah laughed at God's promise because it seemed impossible. Are there promises or dreams in your life that you find hard to believe? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's perfect will? ([37:16])
3. Abraham showed extraordinary hospitality to the three visitors. How can you practice hospitality and kindness in your daily interactions, especially towards those who might be divine appointments? ([27:09])
4. The sermon emphasized living extraordinary lives by focusing on God rather than our circumstances. What steps can you take to live a life that reflects God's extraordinary power? ([44:41])
5. God knows our hearts and desires a deep connection with us. What are some practical ways you can deepen your relationship with God and ensure you are not hiding anything from Him? ([39:32])
6. The sermon shared personal stories of how God worked in unexpected ways. Can you think of a time when God worked unexpectedly in your life? How did it change your perspective on His faithfulness? ([52:08])
7. Faith is about trusting in God's perfect will. How can you cultivate a mindset of trust and dependence on God, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? ([47:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognize Divine Moments
Description: Abraham's immediate response to the three visitors in Genesis 18 teaches us the importance of recognizing and seizing divine moments in our everyday lives. When Abraham saw the visitors, he did not hesitate; he ran to meet them and offered them hospitality. This act of reverence and service underscores the need for us to pause, listen, and connect with God, especially when life becomes overwhelming. By doing so, we ensure that we do not let God pass us by in the busyness of our daily routines. Recognizing divine moments requires a heart attuned to God's presence and a willingness to act when He calls. [28:28]
Genesis 18:2-3 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. Are there moments where you can pause and seek God's presence? How can you make space to recognize and respond to divine moments in your life today?
Day 2: God's Promises Are Unwavering
Description: Sarah's initial laughter and disbelief at God's promise of a child in her old age reflect our own doubts and fears. Despite her skepticism, God reaffirmed His promise, showing that His plans are not limited by our level of faith. This teaches us that faith is about trusting in God's perfect will, not our own understanding. God's promises are unwavering, and He remains faithful even when we struggle to believe. This encourages us to place our trust in Him, knowing that His plans will come to fruition in His perfect timing. [42:24]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you find hard to believe. How can you shift your focus from your doubts to trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness today?
Day 3: Live Extraordinary Lives
Description: We are encouraged to live extraordinary lives by focusing on God rather than our circumstances. God takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. He makes the impossible possible, and nothing is out of His reach. By keeping our eyes on God, we allow Him to work through us in ways that surpass our understanding. This means not settling for the mundane but expecting God to do great things in and through our lives. Living an extraordinary life is about being open to God's transformative power and stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. [44:41]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck in the ordinary? How can you invite God to transform this area and make it extraordinary?
Day 4: God Knows Our Hearts
Description: God hears all and knows all, including our internal thoughts and feelings. We cannot hide anything from Him. This intimate knowledge is not to condemn us but to draw us closer to Him. God desires a deep and intimate connection with us, and we should strive to be equally connected to Him. Understanding that God knows our hearts can be both comforting and convicting, as it reminds us of His constant presence and care. It encourages us to be honest with God and ourselves, fostering a relationship built on transparency and trust. [39:32]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Are there areas you have been hiding from God? How can you open up to Him and deepen your connection today?
Day 5: Trust in God's Perfect Will
Description: Faith is not about whether God can or can't do something; it's about trusting in His perfect will. Our faith should focus on who we believe in, not the level of our belief. God is dependable, and we need to be God-dependent, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. This means surrendering our own plans and desires to align with His greater purpose. Trusting in God's perfect will requires patience and a willingness to let go of control, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. [47:14]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How often do we allow the Lord to pass us by? Maybe in an ordinary day, or maybe we're so busy, due to busyness or focusing on seemingly more important matters, we allow the Lord just to pass by. In fact, we may overlook God. We're overwhelmed with our circumstances. Life is just bearing us down. It's beating on us, and yet we allow God to pass by. What do you do? How do you handle that? So the Holy Spirit knows when life becomes so overwhelming, when we're not focused, and we allow God to pass by, because he places a burden on us. He places a burden on our hearts. And what should we do? We should pause. We should listen. And we should connect with God by praying." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See, because God desires us to have a deep and intimate connection with him above all other aspects of our lives. He knows how busy we are. He knows the pressures. He knows how much we're burdened with. He knows the stress and anxiety of our finances or our marital problems or problems with our children or issues at work. He knows all those things, and yet we allow him to pass by because we're so focused on those things rather than focusing on the Lord." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is not about whether God can or can't. It's about trusting in His perfect will. Let me repeat that again. Faith is not about whether God can or can't. It's not about whether God can or can't do it. It's about trusting in His perfect will. Because when you trust in His perfect will, we are going to be fine. Faith is not trusting whether God will come through. Faith is trusting in God to do His perfect will." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our faith doesn't depend on how much we believe, but on who we believe in. And that's so important. It's not your level of faith. You can't just throw this out in the universe and say, I will it to happen. Believers don't do that. Christ's followers don't do that. We focus on the Lord. Our faith doesn't depend on how much we believe in. But on who we believe in. And that is so important in our lives." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "See, we will see Him, God, move in simple and extraordinary ways when we are intimate with God. Because when we're connected to God, we're no longer looking at our circumstances to change. We're looking at God. Amen. Because He will move and He will change those circumstances if He chooses to. And if He doesn't, He's doing internal work inside of us to foster and to make this change. And when I'm connected to God deeply and intimately, I can see Him move in my life." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So this morning we're about to witness a moment of God's revelation when God reveals himself to Sarah who's almost given up hope. It's a moment that underscores our God's unwavering power and faithfulness even in the face of the most profound doubts and uncertainties." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God knows everything about you, even things that you don't even know about yourself. God knows. And everything about your heart, God is aware of you can't hide anything and you can't hide anything from God no matter how much we try to cover things up. God knows our hearts. What does this look like? When my kids were very little, you know, all four of them, we were told, You know what? You do something. Mom and Dad, we know. You know why? Because we have eyes behind the back of our heads. We can see all. We know all things. We can hear things. And don't worry." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But yet we choose to live in the mundane. We choose to just live and just kind of just live this life in an ordinary way instead of an extraordinary way. But God is all-powerful. God is all-knowing. God is all-present. God is in control of all things, great and small, and there's nothing too wonderful and too extraordinary that the Lord can't do because God can do it all. And don't limit Him. God takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. God makes the impossible possible, and He was doing this in Sarah and Abraham's life. And God can do whatever He desires. And nothing is out of reach for God. Don't limit Him. Amen." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, we often concentrate on God moving the pieces rather than on God as a primary focus of our faith. Right? We want to focus on God. You better start doing this. If not, I'm going to really struggle with it. No. We focus on the Lord as a primary focus of the faith. We haven't focused too much on God moving externally. We need to focus on God moving internally in our lives. See, God didn't bless Abraham and Sarah with a child and a youth. That wasn't part of His plan. It took years and there were many painful and disappointing years, years of struggle. But Abraham was intimate with God and somehow he knew that God was going to be faithful." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because she didn't say where they were in the faith, but it didn't sound like they were walking with the Lord. But she always reiterates and tells them God is good and faithful. And she tells them, she said this, Pastor, there's never been a moment in my life where He hasn't provided for my family's needs. And I want my sons to know that, that God is good and faithful. See, we will see Him, God, move in simple and extraordinary ways when we are intimate with God. Because when we're connected to God, we're no longer looking at our circumstances to change. We're looking at God. Amen. Because He will move and He will change those circumstances if He chooses to. And if He doesn't, He's doing internal work inside of us to foster and to make this change." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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