Even-If Faith | Pastor Brandon Goff | Mountain Movers Wk 2

Devotional

Day 1: Even If Faith—Trusting God Beyond Outcomes

Even if faith means trusting God to provide what we need, not just what we want, and holding onto Him even when our prayers aren’t answered the way we hoped. This kind of faith is not about manipulating God with formulas or expecting Him to fulfill promises He never made, but about a deep relationship where we trust His character and His timing, knowing He never breaks His promises. When disappointment comes, it’s not a sign of God’s failure but an invitation to trust Him more deeply, believing that He is always working for our good, even if the outcome looks different than we imagined. [09:18]

Daniel 3:16-18 (NASB)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been disappointed with God’s answer or timing? Can you surrender that outcome to Him today, trusting that He knows what you truly need?

Day 2: Predetermined Worship and Obedience

Predetermined worship means deciding in advance that your praise, prayer, and obedience belong to God, regardless of circumstances, opinions, or emotions, so that your faith is not swayed by the pressures or preferences of the world. When you release control and let the Holy Spirit lead, your worship and obedience are no longer dictated by your mood, your schedule, or the approval of others, but by your commitment to God’s way. This kind of faith stands firm even when it’s unpopular, inconvenient, or misunderstood, and it transforms your daily walk with God into a powerful testimony of steadfast devotion. [22:07]

Daniel 3:12 (NASB)
“There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can predetermine your worship or obedience to God this week, even if it means going against the flow or sacrificing your comfort?

Day 3: Even If Faith Releases Control

Letting go of control is a hallmark of even if faith, where you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and trust God’s wisdom above your own plans or preferences. Instead of trying to dictate how God should answer your prayers or orchestrate your life, you choose to say, “Holy Spirit, you’re in charge, not me,” and you walk in obedience even when the outcome is uncertain or not what you would have chosen. This surrender brings freedom from offense, anxiety, and striving, and it opens the door for God to work in ways you could never have orchestrated on your own. [23:17]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Reflection: Where are you still holding onto control in your life? What would it look like to release that area to the Holy Spirit today and trust Him with the outcome?

Day 4: Even If Faith Eliminates Weak Faith

Even if faith transforms a “have to” mentality into a “get to” mentality, moving you from weak, half-hearted faith to bold, confident trust in God’s power and promises. When you stop dumbing down your prayers and worship to what you can accomplish on your own, and instead believe God for the impossible, your faith becomes contagious and courageous. This kind of faith refuses to compromise or hide, but stands up boldly for God, knowing that He is able and that your identity is rooted in Him, not in the approval of others or the comfort of circumstances. [28:11]

Revelation 3:15-16 (NASB)
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.’

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life have you been settling for “lukewarm” or weak faith? What bold step can you take today to move from “have to” to “get to” in your walk with God?

Day 5: Even If Faith Impacts Others

When your trust meets your faith, it doesn’t just change you—it impacts your family, your workplace, your church, and your community, inspiring others to see God’s power and goodness through your life. Even if faith is contagious; it causes people to notice something different about you, and it opens doors for God to move in miraculous ways that draw others to Him. As you are filled with the Holy Spirit and live out your faith boldly, God uses your story to expand His kingdom and bring hope to those around you, showing that He alone is the God who saves and transforms lives. [32:11]

Ephesians 5:18 (NASB)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

Reflection: Who in your life is watching your faith right now? How can you intentionally let your trust in God overflow to impact and encourage someone else this week?

Sermon Summary

Saturdays are a joy, but there’s something even more special about Sundays—about gathering, worshiping, and being together in God’s presence. As I reflected on the simple pleasure of making pancakes for my family, I realized how often we approach God like a recipe: if we just add the right ingredients—prayer, tithing, Bible reading—we expect a guaranteed outcome. But God is not a formula to be manipulated; He is a living God who desires relationship, not transaction. When we treat Him like a vending machine, disappointment is inevitable, because our expectations often go beyond what He has actually promised.

Disappointment is a part of life, and it’s easy to confuse unmet expectations with broken promises. But God never breaks His promises. Sometimes, we pray for things He never said He would give, and when those prayers go unanswered, we feel let down. Yet, God always provides what we need, not always what we want. The challenge is to let our trust rise to meet our faith—to not just believe God can, but to trust that He will do what is best, even if it’s not what we hoped for.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 is a powerful example. These young men faced a fiery furnace, but their faith was not just in God’s ability to deliver—they trusted Him regardless of the outcome. “Even if” God did not save them as they hoped, they would not bow to another god. This “even if” faith is what transforms lives, families, and communities. It’s a faith that releases control, eliminates weak faith, and impacts others. When our worship, obedience, and trust are predetermined—when we decide in advance to follow God no matter what—we become vessels for His power and presence.

This kind of faith is not passive; it’s bold and contagious. It moves us from “I have to” to “I get to”—from obligation to privilege. When trust and faith come together, God uses us to change the world around us. The invitation is simple: let the Holy Spirit fill you, release control, and step into an “even if” faith that stands firm, no matter the outcome.

Key Takeaways

1. God is not a formula to be manipulated, but a Father who desires relationship. When we approach Him with a transactional mindset—expecting specific outcomes because we followed a “recipe”—we set ourselves up for disappointment. True faith is not about controlling God, but about surrendering to His wisdom and timing. [06:02]
2. Disappointment with God often stems from unmet expectations, not broken promises. God never promised to fulfill every desire, but He has promised to provide what we need. When we confuse our wants with His promises, our trust falters; but when we trust His character, we find peace even in unanswered prayers. [08:58]
3. “Even if” faith is the union of trust and belief: believing God can, and trusting that He will do what is best, even if it’s not what we want. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego modeled this by refusing to bow, declaring that God could deliver them, but even if He didn’t, they would remain faithful. This kind of faith is unshakable and honors God above all else. [15:35]
4. Releasing control is essential to deep faith. When our worship and obedience are predetermined—when we decide in advance to follow God regardless of circumstances—we are freed from the tyranny of emotions and external pressures. This surrender allows the Holy Spirit to lead, and our lives become a testimony of steadfast devotion. [22:07]
5. “Even if” faith impacts others and multiplies God’s glory. When we stand firm in trust and faith, our lives become a witness to those around us—families, workplaces, and communities are changed. Our faith is not just for ourselves; it is meant to overflow and draw others to the God who is faithful, even in the fire. [31:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - The Joy of Saturdays and Pancake Mornings
[01:32] - Mixing Pancakes and Life’s Messiness
[04:43] - When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations
[06:02] - God is Not a Formula, But a Relationship
[07:35] - Wrestling with Disappointment and Trust
[09:39] - When Trust Meets Faith: Living Differently
[13:27] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Faith Under Fire
[15:35] - “Even If” Faith: Trusting God Regardless
[18:52] - What “Even If” Faith Does in Us
[20:22] - Predetermined Worship and Obedience
[24:25] - Eliminating Weak Faith
[28:42] - From “Have To” to “Get To”
[31:36] - Faith That Impacts Others
[33:25] - How to Develop “Even If” Faith
[34:20] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Use
[35:23] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 3:16-18, 29-30 (NASB) — 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.
18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
...
29 “Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or population of any language that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, because there is no other god who is able to save in this way.”
30 Then the king made Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego prosperous in the province of Babylon.

Ephesians 5:18 (NASB) — And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

Observation Questions

What was the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when King Nebuchadnezzar threatened them with the fiery furnace? (Daniel 3:16-18)
According to the sermon, what is the difference between treating God like a “recipe” or formula and having a real relationship with Him? [06:02]
What did King Nebuchadnezzar do after witnessing God’s deliverance of the three men? (Daniel 3:29-30)
In Ephesians 5:18, what does Paul say should fill us instead of wine?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to say, “even if He does not [save us], we will not serve your gods”? What does this reveal about their trust in God? (Daniel 3:18)
The sermon says disappointment with God often comes from unmet expectations, not broken promises. How can someone tell the difference between what God has promised and what they simply hoped for? [08:58]
The pastor described “even if” faith as the union of trust and belief. How is this different from just believing God can do something? [15:35]
According to the sermon, what happens when our worship and obedience are “predetermined” rather than based on our feelings or circumstances? [22:07]

Application Questions

The sermon compared approaching God like a pancake recipe—expecting a certain outcome if we do all the right things. Have you ever treated God this way? What was the result, and how did it affect your faith? [06:02]
Think of a time when you felt disappointed with God. Looking back, was it because God broke a promise, or because your expectations weren’t met? How can you adjust your expectations to better align with God’s actual promises? [08:58]
“Even if” faith means trusting God even when things don’t go as we hope. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to practice “even if” faith? What would it look like to trust God regardless of the outcome? [15:35]
The sermon talked about releasing control and letting the Holy Spirit lead. What is one area of your life where you struggle to let go of control? What is a practical step you can take this week to surrender that area to God? [22:07]
The pastor said, “When our worship, obedience, and trust are predetermined…we become vessels for His power and presence.” What would it look like for you to predetermine your worship and obedience this week, instead of letting your emotions or circumstances decide? [22:07]
“Even if” faith impacts others and multiplies God’s glory. Who in your life might be watching how you handle disappointment or challenges? How could your response point them to God? [31:36]
Ephesians 5:18 says to be filled with the Spirit. What is one way you can invite the Holy Spirit to fill and use you this week, especially in moments when you feel weak or uncertain? [33:25]

Sermon Clips

What if we're praying prayers that God never said he would give you? And then we tank our faith. We tank our trust in God because he didn't give me what I wanted, but he gave me everything I needed. Come on, y'all. [00:09:09] (17 seconds) #FaithBeyondWantsNeedsGiven

Trust determines how far you go. Trust determines if you'll stop in the process and expect a miracle. Or if you'll go all the way through and go, God, I know that you'll give me what I need. God, I know that you're big enough. Even if I don't get what I want, you'll give me what I need. [00:10:46] (18 seconds) #TrustDeterminesMiracles

When we get trust, and we get faith, and we marry them together at this level, watch what happens. It increases our thinking from small church, small faith, small relationship, small belief. Now all of a sudden it's like, oh my gosh, God can do way bigger than that. He doesn't just need to meet my next paycheck. God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that I could think or imagine. [00:11:54] (26 seconds) #FaithBeyondLimits

If even if faith is that strong, if even if faith changes something that much, then what does it do for us? How does an even if faith grow us? Number one, an even if faith causes us to release control. An even if faith releases control from us. [00:18:52] (19 seconds) #EvenIfFaithReleasesControl

Control is, God, I'll tell you how to answer my own prayer. And when you don't, I'll blame it on you breaking promise that you never made. It's this, when we release control, it's the ability to go, Holy Spirit, you're in charge, not me. My worship is predetermined. My obedience is predetermined. What I do is predetermined. Why? Because I'm with God. And I'm going to do it His way. And I'm going to follow Him. And I'm going to live for Him. And I'm going to live with Him. [00:19:56] (35 seconds) #PredeterminedWorship

Even if faith releases control. Because it goes, even if I don't like what God's done, I still worship. Even if I don't like the answered prayer or unanswered prayer. By the way, unanswered prayers are answered prayers. They are. Imagine if God would have answered your prayers in high school of marrying the hunk that you loved. You wouldn't have the hunk you have now. I'd have been married to 16 different people in high school. Unanswered prayers are answered prayers. God was looking out. Praise Him. [00:23:26] (36 seconds) #NoMoreWeakFaith

Even if faith eliminates weak faith. I hate weak faith the closer I draw to God I think God hates weak faith in fact I know he does in the book of Revelation he talks about it you need to be either need to be hot or cold but quit riding the line and weak faith is the ability to look and go hey you know what I'm just gonna you know I don't want to offend so I'm just not gonna you won't even know where I stand on this you won't even know where I stand you won't even know like did I follow the Word of God I don't I don't want to like I don't know where you are with the Word of God so I don't want you to know that I follow the Word of God come on y'all. [00:24:34] (39 seconds) #PrayGenerously

When my trust meets my faith others see his power. It's the moment where we go you know what there's something about them there's something shifting in them even the way they talk looks different even the way they lift their hands during worship looks different in a life group they're talking different their believing different something's different about them and I'm just here to tell you that's when trust begins to rise to faith and when those things meet your family better watch out because you won't be the same pansy weak Christian that you used to be now you're going to start praying prayers of deliverance and salvation and you're going to start seeing things in your family that people have prayed for for generations why because your trust is where your faith used to be and now it's beginning to meet and God's beginning to show off and you're beginning to believe that he can do what you always knew he could do it changes something. [00:31:49] (54 seconds) #SpiritFilledImpact

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