Empowered Sisterhood: Faith, Prayer, and Community
Summary
Today, we gathered as women called to “slay”—to rise up in faith, unity, and purpose, even when our circumstances seem to contradict God’s promises. We anchored ourselves in Jeremiah 29:11, remembering that God’s plans for us are good, even when our “now” looks nothing like what we know He has spoken. The journey from promise to fulfillment is rarely smooth; like the Israelites in Nehemiah’s day, we often find ourselves building amid rubble, facing opposition, and wrestling with doubt. Yet, God’s word remains true, and our call is to stand firm, pray fervently, and praise boldly, knowing that our spiritual weapons are mighty.
We explored how favor and God’s promises don’t always arrive in the packages we expect. Sometimes, the very moment we declare “favor is coming,” we are met with trials that test our faith and resolve. The collision between what we know and what we see is where faith is forged. In those moments, we must not only recall God’s promises but also actively engage in prayer, praise, and partnership with others. Prayer is not reserved for the eloquent; it is the honest, sometimes sweaty, sometimes tearful conversation with God that sustains us. Praise, too, is a weapon—one that shifts atmospheres and silences the enemy.
We are not called to walk this journey alone. Nehemiah’s people were spread out, but when the trumpet sounded, they came together, and God fought for them. Likewise, we must live in circles, not just rows—leaning into community, sharing our burdens, and allowing others to fight with and for us. Whether through formal life groups or simply reaching out to a sister, partnership is essential for victory. As we left our seats and formed a unified circle, we declared to ourselves and to the enemy that we are not isolated—we are a sisterhood, committed to standing, praying, praising, and winning together.
Key Takeaways
- God’s promises are trustworthy, even when our present reality seems to contradict them. The gap between what God has spoken and what we see is not a sign of His absence but an invitation to deeper faith. In those moments, we must anchor ourselves in His word and remember that His plans are for our good, even if the process is uncomfortable or prolonged. [04:04]
- The collision between “what we know” and “our now” is where spiritual maturity is forged. When circumstances challenge our convictions, we are called to stand on God’s promises, not our perceptions. This is the crucible where faith is refined, and where we learn to trust God beyond what we can see or understand. [15:18]
- Prayer is both our lifeline and our weapon. It is not about eloquence but about authenticity and persistence. Whether our prayers are polished or raw, God honors the heart that seeks Him, and it is through prayer that we receive strength, wisdom, and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. [18:54]
- Praise is a powerful spiritual weapon that shifts atmospheres and silences the enemy. When we praise God in the midst of difficulty, we are not ignoring our pain but declaring God’s sovereignty over it. Praise is not passive; it is an act of spiritual warfare that can break chains and bring breakthrough. [19:46]
- Community is essential for spiritual victory. We are not meant to fight alone; God designed us to live in circles, supporting and covering one another. True partnership means being vulnerable, reaching out for help, and standing together so that when the enemy comes, we are united and God Himself fights for us. [24:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Setting the Stage: The Slay Charge
[04:04] - Jeremiah 29:11 and God’s Promises
[07:50] - Nehemiah’s Context: Building Amid Opposition
[09:01] - The Reality of Resistance and Fatigue
[13:08] - When Favor Collides with Trials
[15:18] - Reconciling God’s Word with Our Now
[16:06] - Standing in Faith Through Adversity
[17:20] - The Call to Prayer and Watchfulness
[18:54] - The Power and Practice of Prayer
[19:46] - Praise as Spiritual Warfare
[21:11] - Using Spiritual Wisdom and Weapons
[22:09] - The Necessity of Community and Circles
[24:30] - Testimonies of Sisterhood and Support
[29:26] - Standing on the Word and Spiritual Armor
[30:51] - Praise, Restoration, and God’s Faithfulness
[32:50] - Partnering for Victory and Unity
[33:39] - Breaking Comparison and Embracing Sisterhood
[36:43] - Closing Prayer and Final Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Slay—Standing on God’s Promises in the Midst of the Rubble”
---
### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Nehemiah 4:1-20
(Key moments: opposition to rebuilding, prayer, standing together, God fighting for His people)
- Ephesians 6:13-18
(The armor of God: standing firm, prayer, spiritual warfare)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God say He has for His people? What is the context in which this promise was given?
(See [04:04])
2. When Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding the wall, what kinds of opposition and challenges did they face?
(See [07:50])
3. According to Ephesians 6:13-18, what are some of the “spiritual weapons” God gives us to stand firm?
(See [29:26])
4. In the sermon, what did the speaker say about the importance of community and “living in circles, not just rows”?
(See [22:09])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God’s promises sometimes seem to contradict our current circumstances? What might God be doing in the “gap” between promise and fulfillment?
(See [15:18])
2. The sermon described prayer as both a lifeline and a weapon, not about eloquence but authenticity. Why is it important to pray honestly, even when we don’t have the “right” words?
(See [18:54])
3. How does praise function as a spiritual weapon, especially when we are in the middle of trials or opposition?
(See [19:46])
4. Nehemiah’s people responded to threats by coming together and supporting each other. What does this teach us about the role of community in facing spiritual battles?
(See [24:30])
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when your “now” didn’t match what you believed God had promised. How did you respond? What could you do differently next time to anchor yourself in God’s word?
(See [15:18])
2. The sermon challenged us to be women of prayer, not just relying on others to pray for us. What is one step you can take this week to make prayer a more regular and honest part of your life?
(See [18:54])
3. Praise was described as a weapon that can “choke out the enemy” and shift the atmosphere. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to intentionally choose praise? What would that look like for you?
(See [19:46])
4. The speaker shared about the importance of not walking alone and reaching out to others for help. Is there an area where you need to be more vulnerable and let someone into your struggle? Who could you reach out to this week?
(See [24:30])
5. The idea of “living in circles, not just rows” means moving beyond just attending church to building real relationships. Are you part of a circle or life group? If not, what’s holding you back? If you are, how can you deepen those connections?
(See [22:09])
6. The sermon mentioned that sometimes favor and God’s promises come “dressed up in interesting clothes”—meaning, they don’t always look like what we expect. Can you think of a recent challenge that might actually be an opportunity for God’s favor to show up?
(See [13:08])
7. The speaker talked about breaking comparison and embracing sisterhood. Is there someone you’ve been comparing yourself to or judging? How can you take a step toward unity and support instead?
(See [33:39])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, specifically for strength to stand on God’s promises, courage to reach out for help, and boldness to praise God in every circumstance.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Promise and Plan Remain, Even in Difficulty
Even when life feels like captivity or chaos, God’s plans for you are still good, purposeful, and full of hope; His promise stands firm regardless of your current circumstances, and He is working for your future even when your “now” doesn’t look like what you know He’s spoken. [04:04]
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Reflection: Where in your life does your “now” feel at odds with what you know God has promised? How can you choose to trust His plan today, even if you can’t see the outcome?
Day 2: Stand Firm and Fight with Prayer and the Word
When opposition rises and discouragement sets in, remember to pray, stand your ground, and keep working; God calls you to be both watchful and prayerful, using His Word as your weapon and refusing to let fear or fatigue stop your progress. [09:01]
Nehemiah 4:13-20 (NLT)
So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” 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. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!”
Reflection: What is one area where you need to “stand your ground” in faith and prayer this week, even as you keep working through challenges?
Day 3: Praise is a Weapon that Shifts the Atmosphere
Your praise is not just a response to God’s goodness—it is a spiritual weapon that silences the enemy, shifts the atmosphere, and brings breakthrough; even in the midst of tears or trouble, lifting your hands and your voice in praise can change what’s happening around you and within you. [19:46]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV)
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally praised God in the middle of a hard moment? How can you make space for a “praise break” today, no matter what you’re facing?
Day 4: Wisdom and Partnership Lead to Victory
You were not meant to fight alone; God calls you to build your life with wisdom, to seek out wise counsel, and to partner with others in authentic community—because victory and strength come when you are connected, supported, and willing to both give and receive help. [24:30]
Proverbs 24:3-6 (NLT)
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
Reflection: Who is in your “circle” that you can reach out to for support or offer help to this week? What step can you take to strengthen your connections?
Day 5: Keep Standing—The Battle Belongs to the Lord
No matter how fierce the opposition or how long the wait, remember that the battle is not yours but God’s; your role is to stand firm, stay in His Word, pray persistently, and trust that He will fight for you and bring you through to victory. [29:26]
Ephesians 6:13-18 (NLT)
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Reflection: What piece of God’s armor do you most need to “put on” today? How will you remind yourself that God is fighting for you as you go through your day?
Quotes
We are a sisterhood and I cancel the lie of the enemy that says that women cannot stand together. I cancel the lie of the enemy. Wants us to compare and to judge and look at one another and not respect the process that you've been through to get where you are don't you dare look at your sister when she comes in looking sharp and fine she think you you don't know what it took. [00:33:39] (35 seconds)
So even when my now does not look like what I know, I go back to his word and I stand on his word. Pray and stand. Ephesians 13 through 18. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will be standing firm. [00:28:58] (25 seconds)
Your praise is lethal to the enemy. That's why when you come into service and they're saying praise, look, they're getting theirs on. They're doing some business up here. And you're sitting here, don't spectate, participate. Some things could be corrected just through your praise. We don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rules of darkness, against spiritual wickedness. [00:20:57] (30 seconds)
When we embrace these promises and then the collision happens, it's when what we know collides with our now. How do we handle that? I know God said favor is coming. I know God said he's sending a husband and I'm still single 59 years later. I know. I know what God said. But my now, I have to reckon what I know with my now. [00:14:59] (35 seconds)
If you're going to slay in the area that God is calling you to slay in, you got to be a woman of prayer. Nehemiah said, we said a prayer and then we watched. We got to watch as well as pray. And how do we watch as well as pray? One thing we have to do is seal our prayer with a spirit of praise. We got to be willing to praise and then wait. [00:18:54] (26 seconds)
All to say, sis, you don't have to do this by yourself. We've been saying this since last night. It's so important to get into a circle, a life group. Coming in and sitting on the road. See, the connotation of roads is we sit in roads and we learn. Sure. But we live in circles. [00:22:09] (22 seconds)
So we are one and we will stand and we will slay together we gonna watch and pray we gonna praise and wait and we gonna partner and win. [00:34:16] (19 seconds)
Do you understand that when you praise, you literally choke out the enemy? The enemy must be still when you begin to praise because praise displaces the atmosphere. So it's okay in the middle of things going wrong. I used to take praise breaks in the bathroom of the good federal government all the time. But I tell you what, when I would come back, they had the spirit to act right. [00:20:20] (32 seconds)
His promise and his plan that's what you've got to keep in mind you have to pray and you have to stand then you got to praise and wait you got to use these principles let's not take another set of notes and put them on the shelf until the next conference. [00:26:21] (22 seconds)
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