Empowered by Grace: Finding Peace in Pressure
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate God’s goodness, honor those who serve among us, and to be reminded of the sustaining power of God’s grace. We recognized our children, teachers, and staff, acknowledging that none of us are meant to walk this journey alone. The heart of the message centered on Philippians 1:2: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This simple greeting holds profound truth—grace is not just for salvation, but also for equipping and empowering us to live out our calling, especially in seasons of stress and pressure.
Many of us find ourselves stressed not because life is inherently hard, but because we try to handle it all in our own strength. We often say, “I got this,” until we realize we don’t. God never intended for us to carry the weight of life alone. His grace is available in three forms: saving grace, equipping grace, and empowering (or sustaining) grace. While we often focus on the grace that saves, we must also embrace the grace that equips us for service and the grace that empowers us to endure and thrive under pressure.
Grace always precedes peace. You cannot experience the peace of God until you have been carried by the grace of God. Grace is God’s power for your pressure; peace is His presence in your storm. Both are gifts from God, not something we earn or hustle for. We are called to stop striving in our own strength and instead, plug into the source—God Himself.
Practical steps were shared for living in this empowering grace: surrender your strength, stay connected to the source through rhythms of prayer and worship, and speak peace over your pressure. Just as an unplugged iron cannot fulfill its purpose, neither can we when we are disconnected from God. When we surrender, God’s power works through us, smoothing out the wrinkles of our lives and giving us the strength to continue.
We closed by inviting all to lay down their burdens, surrender their strength, and receive God’s grace and peace. Whether you are facing new challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or simply tired, God’s grace is sufficient. As we took communion together, we remembered that the blood of Jesus not only covers but cleanses us completely, and His grace truly gets us through.
Key Takeaways
- Grace is More Than Salvation
God’s grace is not limited to saving us from sin; it also equips us with spiritual gifts and empowers us to endure life’s pressures. Recognizing the different dimensions of grace—saving, equipping, and empowering—enables us to see God’s hand in every season, not just at the moment of conversion. This understanding invites us to rely on God’s ongoing provision, not just His past rescue. [38:22]
- Peace Follows Grace, Not the Other Way Around
True peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God, which comes after we have received His grace. We often seek peace through our own efforts, but peace is a byproduct of surrendering to God’s empowering grace. When we let grace carry us, peace naturally follows, even in the midst of storms. [43:41]
- You Are Not Meant to Do Life Alone
God designed us for community and partnership, both with Him and with others. Attempting to handle life’s challenges in isolation leads to unnecessary stress and burnout. Embracing help—from God and from those He places around us—frees us to experience the fullness of His sustaining power. [32:25]
- Surrendering Strength is the Path to God’s Power
The world tells us to be self-sufficient, but God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. When we admit our limitations and surrender our strength, we make room for God’s grace to operate. This daily act of humility is the gateway to experiencing supernatural empowerment and victory over stress. [01:02:01]
- Stay Connected and Speak Peace
Building a rhythm of prayer, worship, and scripture keeps us plugged into the source of all power. In moments of pressure, pausing to speak God’s peace over our situation can reset our hearts and minds. Our words have the power to set the temperature of our hearts, and staying connected to God ensures that His peace and power flow through us continually. [01:13:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring Our Children and Teachers
[02:30] - Staff Appreciation and Teamwork
[05:00] - The Importance of Safety and Cleanliness
[08:00] - Introducing the “Stress, You’re Out” Series
[10:30] - Grace and Peace: Philippians 1:2
[13:00] - Three Kinds of Grace Explained
[16:00] - Empowering Grace in Action
[19:00] - Grace Before Peace
[21:00] - God’s Power vs. Our Grind
[24:00] - It’s God’s Anointing, Not Ours
[27:00] - Stories of Gideon, Peter, and Elijah
[33:00] - Practical Steps: Surrender, Connect, Speak Peace
[40:00] - The Iron Illustration: Plugging Into the Source
[44:00] - Surrendering Strength and Altar Call
[50:00] - Communion and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Grace Got Me Through”
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### Bible Reading
- Philippians 1:2
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Philippians 1:2, what two gifts does Paul say come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three types of grace mentioned in the New Testament? ([38:22])
3. What does the pastor say always comes before peace in the Christian life? ([43:41])
4. What illustration did the pastor use to show the importance of staying connected to God as our source? ([01:15:11])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul greet the Philippians with “grace and peace” instead of just one or the other? What does this order teach us about how God works in our lives? ([43:41])
2. The sermon says grace is not just for salvation, but also for equipping and empowering us. How does understanding these different kinds of grace change the way someone might approach challenges or stress? ([38:22])
3. The pastor said, “You are not meant to do life alone.” What does this mean for how believers should view community and asking for help? ([32:25])
4. The world tells us to be self-sufficient, but the sermon says God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Why is it so hard to surrender our strength, and what might happen if we don’t? ([01:02:01])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said many of us are stressed not because life is hard, but because we try to handle it all in our own strength. Can you think of a recent situation where you tried to “power through” on your own? What would it look like to invite God’s grace into that situation instead? ([01:03:01])
2. Of the three types of grace—saving, equipping, and empowering—which one do you find yourself needing most right now? Why? ([38:22])
3. The sermon encouraged us to “surrender your strength.” What is one area of your life where you need to admit, “God, I don’t have what it takes, but you do”? How can you practice surrender this week? ([01:05:21])
4. The pastor talked about building a rhythm of prayer, worship, and scripture to stay connected to God. What is your current rhythm like? Is there a small change you could make this week to stay more “plugged in” to the source? ([01:06:39])
5. When you feel pressure or stress, what words do you usually speak over yourself or your situation? How can you start practicing speaking God’s peace instead? ([01:13:27])
6. The pastor said, “You are not meant to do life alone.” Is there someone in your life you need to reach out to for help or encouragement? What’s stopping you? ([32:25])
7. Communion was described as a reminder that Jesus’ blood doesn’t just cover but cleanses us completely. How does this truth affect the way you see your past mistakes or current struggles? ([01:39:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray, surrendering their own strength and asking God for His grace and peace in the specific areas discussed. Encourage everyone to name one area where they want to rely more on God’s empowering grace this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Grace and Peace Come from God, Not Ourselves
True grace and peace are not something we can manufacture or receive from other people—they are gifts that flow directly from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When we try to handle life on our own, we end up stressed and overwhelmed, but when we receive what God freely gives, we find the strength and calm we need for every situation. Stop striving to do it all yourself; instead, open your heart to the supply and strength that only God can provide, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His peace surpasses all understanding. [45:39]
Philippians 1:2 (ESV)
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been trying to create your own peace or strength, and how can you intentionally invite God to be your source today?
Day 2: God’s Grace Empowers, Equips, and Sustains
God’s grace is not just about saving us; it is also the power that equips us with spiritual gifts and sustains us through every trial. There is saving grace, equipping grace, and empowering (or sustaining) grace, and as believers, we are meant to experience all three. When you feel weak, unqualified, or overwhelmed, remember that God’s empowering grace is available to carry you, strengthen you, and enable you to do what you could never do on your own. [41:34]
Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
Reflection: Where do you need God’s empowering grace in your life right now, and will you ask Him for it instead of relying on your own ability?
Day 3: Surrender Your Strength—God’s Power Is Made Perfect in Weakness
God’s power is most evident when we admit our weakness and surrender our own strength. Instead of trying to “grind” through life in your own power, start each day by confessing your need for God and inviting His grace to work in and through you. When you let go of self-reliance and boast in your weakness, you make room for Christ’s power to rest on you and accomplish what you never could alone. [01:02:01]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one specific weakness or struggle you can surrender to God today, trusting Him to show His strength in that area?
Day 4: Stay Connected to the Source—Build a Rhythm with God
Just as an unplugged iron cannot do what it was designed to do, we cannot live out our calling or experience God’s power unless we stay connected to Him. Jesus calls us to abide in Him, building a daily rhythm of prayer, worship, and time in the Word—not just as a checkbox, but as a way to remain plugged into the source of all life and fruitfulness. Even in busy seasons, find ways to pause, center yourself in God’s presence, and let His life flow through you. [01:06:02]
John 15:5 (ESV)
"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 practical step can you take today to intentionally connect with God, even if it’s just for a few moments in the midst of your schedule?
Day 5: Speak Peace Over Your Pressure
Before you react to the pressures and stresses of life, pause and receive the peace that Jesus offers—a peace that the world cannot give. Your words have power to set the temperature of your heart, so make it a habit to speak God’s peace over your circumstances, inviting His presence into every moment of anxiety or challenge. As you do, you’ll find that God’s peace can calm your storm and guard your heart, no matter what you face. [01:12:53]
John 14:27 (ESV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: The next time you feel pressure rising, will you pause and speak God’s peace over yourself before responding? What words will you use?
Quotes
I'm going to select 15 spiritually significant quotes from the transcript, each between 50 and 125 words, ending at a natural stopping point, and display the starting timestamp in hh:mm:ss format as required.
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I want to submit to you today that most of us don't have stress because life is hard, we stress because we're trying to handle life without help. I'm going to just let that just sit and marinate for a minute you're not stressing because life is hard most of us are stressing because we're trying to handle all of life without help we we say things like I got this until we realize we really don't and the truth of the matter is we get all stressed because we try to do too much in our own power and I want to tell you today my brothers and sisters we cannot be who God wants us to be and accomplish what he wants us to accomplish by ourselves. [00:38:22] (83 seconds)
And as believers, we will experience, hear me good now, all three kinds of grace. Saving grace, equipping grace, and empowering grace. And it is only after we have experienced God's grace can we have God's peace. It is only after you have been carried by the grace of God that you will actually experience the peace of God. You can't experience the peace of God until you've first been carried by the grace of God. Grace comes first, then peace. Peace. Philippians chapter 1, verse 2 says, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:43:02] (52 seconds)
Grace is God's power for your pressure. Peace is God's presence in your storm. And both are yours if you would just receive them. God, you're not out of options. You're just having tapped into heaven's power. And here's how you do that by learning to live from God's grace. Watch this. Instead of your own grind. I know we live in this grind culture. Got to do this, make this, make this. Grace and peace you. Watch this. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:43:34] (62 seconds)
You are not meant to fix everything on your own. You are not meant to just power through life on your own. God wants to empower you. God wants to equip you. God wants to sustain you. God wants to stabilize you. Watch this. With supernatural grace and peace. And when you are powered by God, pressure doesn't break you. It builds you. Thank you, Lord. Yes. Can I remind you of a few people that are empowered by God? Yes. Y 'all remember Gideon? Yes. Gideon, he went from timid to triumphant. [00:48:48] (39 seconds)
Because, see, what you got to understand is grace doesn't just forgive your past. It fuels your future. Who am I talking to today? I feel a tug on my spirit that somebody needs this word. Oh, but let me give you one more person. There was also Elijah. Elijah. Y 'all remember, Elijah went from burned out to back up. He was burnt out. He said, Lord, just take me now. He was back up on his feet. Look at 1 Kings chapter 19. I want to show you a few verses in 1 Kings chapter 19. That's in the Old Testament. Look at what it says. Starting at verse 5. It says, Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. [00:56:17] (49 seconds)
But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, Get up and eat. Watch this. For the journey is too much for you. Verse 8. So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights. Y 'all don't know when to shout. Strengthened by that food, He traveled 40 days and 40 nights. Strengthened by that food, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights. See, when God feeds you, when God strengthens you, you can make it on your journey because he will always give you empowering grace or like what I said before, sustaining grace. What God gives you is able to sustain you. No matter how dark the road, no matter how dark the night, no matter how long the day, God's grace will sustain you. [00:57:38] (77 seconds)
Surrender your strength. Second Corinthians chapter 12, verse 9 says, but he said to me, my grace. My grace is sufficient for you. And for my power is made perfect in your weakness. Therefore, somebody shout, Paul says, I'm going to boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses. You know why? So that Christ's power may rest on me. Because it's when I'm weak, that's when he's made strong. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. So you got to surrender your strength. [01:02:04] (52 seconds)
The culture would tell you, like, this goes against all your favorite motivational speakers, all your favorite influencers online. Because what they tell you is, you got to tell yourself, beast mode. You got this, player. They can't stop you, fam. You the goat king. Am I telling any truth here? Or maybe this is just too terrible for a Sunday morning. That's what the culture would tell you. And I'm not, I ain't trying to come against all that, but I'm just, I'm just trying to lift up what the word of God says. So pray a prayer like this. God, I don't have what it takes, but you do. You do, God. [01:03:32] (63 seconds)
Jesus said in John 15 and 5, I am the vine. You are the branches. Jesus said in John 15, I am the?? of God. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. And then here's what he says. Apart from me, you can do nothing. Stay connected to the source. What do you mean, PD? Build a rhythm of prayer, word, and worship for your life. I'm going to make sure everybody get on because some of y 'all are on a struggle bus. A rhythm. A rhythm. A rhythm. All right. You got to build a rhythm. [01:06:07] (74 seconds)
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