Expecting Miracles: God’s Power in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Will Is for You to Recover All

God desires for you to recover everything the enemy has stolen from your life—nothing is too small or insignificant for His restoration. When David faced devastating loss at Ziklag, his first response was to seek God’s guidance rather than rely on his own strength or understanding. God’s answer was clear: pursue, for you shall surely overtake and without fail recover all. This is a powerful reminder that, no matter what has been taken—be it health, relationships, finances, or hope—God’s heart is for you to regain it. He wants you to come to Him first, trust His direction, and believe that restoration is possible, even in the most hopeless situations. [01:19:31]

1 Samuel 30:8, 19 (ESV)
And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” … Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have accepted loss as permanent? Will you ask God today to show you how He wants to restore it and take a step of faith toward recovery?

Day 2: Jesus Came to Plunder the Devil’s House

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and empower you to take back what has been stolen from your life. He described His mission as binding the strong man and plundering his house, meaning that through His authority and the power of the Holy Spirit, you are no longer helpless against the enemy’s schemes. The kingdom of God is here, and Jesus has given you the right and the power to reclaim freedom, healing, and wholeness. You are not meant to live in defeat or bondage; instead, you are called to rise up, resist the enemy, and walk in the victory Jesus has won for you. [01:24:58]

Matthew 12:28-29 (ESV)
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.”

Reflection: Where do you sense the enemy has tried to keep you captive? What is one practical way you can stand in Jesus’ authority and reclaim that area today?

Day 3: You Are Worth Keeping—God Will Never Leave You

No matter who has abandoned, rejected, or overlooked you, God declares that you are worth keeping, worth saving, and worth loving. Human relationships may fail, and people may walk away, but God’s love is steadfast and unchanging. He promises never to leave you nor forsake you, and He wants to break every lie of worthlessness or rejection from your mind. You are precious in His sight, chosen, and wanted. Let His truth replace every negative thought, and allow His love to heal the wounds of abandonment and rejection. [47:19]

Hebrews 13:5b (ESV)
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Reflection: Is there a lie of rejection or unworthiness you have believed about yourself? Will you invite God to speak His truth over you and begin to see yourself as He sees you?

Day 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit Enables Restoration

God has given you the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower you to drive out the enemy, restore what’s been broken, and live in victory. The Holy Spirit is not just for a select few but is available to all who believe in Jesus. With His power, you can overcome the attacks against your relationships, your mind, and your body. Even when you make mistakes, the Spirit is there to help you push back the darkness and bring restoration. You are not meant to fight in your own strength; God’s power is available to you to plunder the enemy’s territory and reclaim what belongs to you as a child of God. [01:32:34]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to bring restoration? Will you ask Him today to fill you afresh and guide you in reclaiming what’s been lost?

Day 5: Renew Your Mind to Receive God’s Best

To experience all that God has for you, you must renew your mind with His Word and align your thoughts with His truth. The world and the enemy try to convince you that you are less than what God says you are, but Scripture calls you to see yourself as made in God’s image, valuable, and destined for victory. As you fill your mind with God’s promises and let His Word shape your identity, you will begin to walk in the fullness of His will—restored, empowered, and free. Don’t settle for the lies of the past; let God’s truth invade your thoughts and transform your life. [01:30:43]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one negative or limiting thought you need to replace with God’s truth today? How can you intentionally renew your mind with Scripture this week?

Sermon Summary

God is able to do anything, and He desires to meet us at the point of our expectation. When we come together, it’s easy to fall into routine, but God calls us to expect His power and presence in our lives. He sees our pain, our questions, and our wounds—especially those who have felt abandoned, rejected, or unworthy. God’s word to you is that you are worth keeping, worth saving, and worth loving. No matter who has left you or what you’ve lost, God remains with you, breaking the power of every lie that says you are not enough. He is the healer of broken hearts and broken bodies, and He wants to restore every part of your life.

We witnessed the Holy Spirit move in healing, both emotionally and physically. God cares about every detail, even the small things we might overlook or learn to live without. He wants us whole, not just surviving but thriving, using all He’s given us. As we prayed for those in pain, we saw God’s power at work, reminding us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Healing is not just for a select few; it is God’s will for all His children.

The story of David at Ziklag teaches us that when the enemy steals from us, God’s will is for us to recover all. David’s first response in crisis was to seek God’s direction, and God promised full restoration. This is a picture of what Jesus came to do: to plunder the devil’s house and restore what was lost. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus led captivity captive and gave us gifts—the power of the Holy Spirit—to drive the enemy out of our lives and relationships. We are not animals or victims; we are sons and daughters made in God’s image, called to live in freedom and victory.

God’s invitation is open to all, regardless of our past or our doubts. Salvation is not about perfection but about forgiveness and new life. As we surrender to Jesus, He fills us with His Spirit, gives us supernatural wisdom and strength, and empowers us to take back everything the enemy has stolen. We are called to be warriors, not just for ourselves but to bring freedom and healing to others.

Key Takeaways

1. Expectation is the doorway to God’s power. When we come before God with genuine expectation, we position ourselves to receive His miracles and touch. Routine can dull our faith, but a heart that expects God to move will encounter Him in new and powerful ways. Let your expectation rise above your circumstances and watch God meet you there. [13:53]
2. God’s love is greater than every rejection and abandonment. Even if people have left you or made you feel unworthy, God declares you are worth keeping, worth saving, and worth loving. The lies of the enemy about your value are broken by the truth of God’s unwavering presence and affection. Let His voice be louder than the pain of your past. [46:23]
3. God cares about every detail of your life, even the small things you’ve learned to live without. He doesn’t want you to settle for partial healing or incomplete restoration. If the enemy has stolen anything—health, relationships, peace—God’s will is for you to recover it all, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Pursue restoration with a warrior’s heart. [20:37]
4. The power to plunder the enemy’s house comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus not only set us free from captivity but also gave us the gifts and power of the Spirit to drive the enemy out of our lives. We are not left to fight in our own strength; God equips us to restore what’s been lost and to stand strong in every battle. [31:22]
5. Salvation is about forgiveness and transformation, not perfection. No matter your past, doubts, or failures, Jesus invites you to receive new life and supernatural wisdom. As you surrender to Him, He fills you with His Spirit, renews your mind, and empowers you to live in freedom and victory, bringing hope and healing to others. [37:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:53] - Cultivating Expectation for God’s Power
[43:57] - Healing for Rejection and Abandonment
[45:43] - Breaking the Power of Lies
[51:11] - Testimonies and Physical Healing
[53:33] - Praying for Healing of Hands
[56:17] - Sharing Healing Testimonies
[58:21] - Continuing the Healing Flow
[59:08] - Believers Praying for One Another
[63:52] - Waiting on the Lord and Announcements
[68:27] - Bible Reading Plan Invitation
[71:19] - Declaring God’s Word Over Our Lives
[74:03] - Introduction to “Plunder” Series
[77:18] - David at Ziklag: Recovering All
[83:32] - Jesus Plunders the Devil’s House
[88:41] - Jesus Leads Captivity Captive
[91:22] - The Power and Gifts of the Holy Spirit
[93:07] - Invitation to Salvation
[97:10] - Prayer for New Believers and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 4:8 (ESV) — > Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

1 Samuel 30:8, 18-19 (ESV) — > And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”
> ...
> David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all.

Matthew 12:28-29 (ESV) — > But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.

Observation Questions

In 1 Samuel 30, what was David’s first response when he discovered everything had been taken from him at Ziklag?
According to Ephesians 4:8, what did Jesus do when He ascended on high?
In Matthew 12:28-29, what does Jesus say must happen before someone can plunder a strong man’s house?
The sermon mentioned that God cares about even the small things we’ve learned to live without. What example did the pastor use to illustrate this point? [[52:39]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think David chose to seek God’s direction before taking action to recover what was lost? What does this reveal about his relationship with God? [[01:17:18]]
The sermon says, “God’s will for you is to recover everything and anything that the devil stole from you.” How does this idea challenge or encourage your understanding of God’s character? [[01:19:31]]
The pastor emphasized that we are not animals or victims, but sons and daughters made in God’s image. How does this truth affect the way we respond to loss, rejection, or pain? [[01:29:33]]
According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us “plunder the enemy’s house” and restore what’s been lost? [[01:31:22]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to come before God with genuine expectation, not just routine. What is one area of your life where you have stopped expecting God to move? What would it look like to raise your expectation in that area this week? [[13:53]]
The pastor shared about God’s love being greater than every rejection and abandonment. Is there a past wound or lie about your worth that you need to let God heal? What step could you take to let His voice be louder than your pain? [[46:23]]
The story of David at Ziklag shows that God wants us to “recover all.” Is there something in your life—health, relationship, peace, or something else—that you have settled for losing? What would it look like to pursue restoration with a “warrior’s heart”? [[01:20:37]]
The sermon said, “Jesus not only set us free from captivity but also gave us the gifts and power of the Spirit to drive the enemy out of our lives.” Are there areas where you’ve been trying to fight in your own strength instead of relying on the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Spirit’s power into those battles this week? [[01:31:22]]
The pastor mentioned that healing is not just for a select few, but God’s will for all His children. Have you ever hesitated to pray for healing—physical or emotional—for yourself or others? What holds you back, and how can you take a step of faith this week? [[55:06]]
Salvation was described as forgiveness and transformation, not perfection. Is there an area where you feel disqualified from God’s love or power because of your past or doubts? How can you surrender that to Jesus and receive His new life today? [[01:33:07]]
The sermon ended with a call to be “warriors” who bring freedom and healing to others. Who is one person in your life who needs encouragement, healing, or hope? What is one practical way you can reach out to them this week? [[01:39:06]]

Sermon Clips

``They may have run out on you, but God stays with you. They may have left you, but God stays with you. He's for you. He's on your side. Everybody else may leave you, but God will never leave you because he says you are worth it. You're worth saving. You're worth dying for. You're worth keeping. He wants you. God wants you. He wants you. [00:46:00] (30 seconds) #GodNeverLeaves

People, when people leave, sometimes it causes you to doubt your worth. My mom, when I was in, just before I graduated from college, undergrad, my mother committed suicide. And for years, I'm wondering, what did I do? Why did she go? What happened? But Jesus never left me. Stayed right there, and through all of my doubting, and a lot of it was like, God, why did you let this happen? I was really mad at God because of what was happening, what the devil did. I got mad at God, but God never let go of me. He kept holding me, and loving me, and healing me. And that's what I believe He's going to do for you. He's going to keep healing you until all of those negative thoughts flee from you. [00:50:05] (80 seconds) #HealingThroughFaith

God's will for you is to recover everything and anything that the devil stole from you. Whether it's something health-wise in your body, whether it's something in your finances, maybe it's a job or something, or maybe it's your relationships. Whatever the devil stole from you, God's will is for you to get it back. And that's why he sent Jesus. Jesus came to show us, to empower us, so that we could restore, we could recover everything that the devil stole. [01:19:35] (32 seconds) #RecoverWhatWasLost

From the time of Adam to John the Baptist, the devil has violently enslaved the human race with sin and sickness and poverty. And all of the things that he's brought. He's brought against us. But Jesus said, he said, now the kingdom is about to be taken. The kingdom has been taken by force. But now the forceful, we're about to take it. We're about to take the kingdom by force. And he's going to give you the power to take back what the devil stole from you. That's what Christianity is about. That's what it's about. And listen, you don't have to be perfect. Christianity is for imperfect people. [01:23:09] (45 seconds) #TakeTheKingdomByForce

The power of God is not discriminating. It's not looking for, well, I think I'm going to heal this way and not that way. No, the power of God goes out to heal everybody. What he has to do is get our minds right so that we are willing to receive the truth. [01:27:06] (15 seconds) #PowerToHealAll

When Jesus ascended. When he came up out of the grave. He led Satan's captives. That's the human race. We were Satan's captives. That's why we fight against each other. That's why we divorce each other. That's why we hate each other. Because the devil put all of that in our hearts. We were captives of the devil. But when Jesus rose from the dead, he led the captives captive. In other words, he gathered up the human race in his mind, in his heart. And took us up into a new position. He gave us a new birth. A new life. When he got up, we got up. [01:28:38] (44 seconds) #JesusLeadsTheCaptives

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to plunder the devil's house?

How does faith influence physical healing and restoration?

In what ways does Jesus demonstrate authority over evil?