Faith and Victory: Trusting God's Promises Amidst Adversity

Devotional

Day 1: Victory in Adversity

Despite the chaos and pain in the world, believers can confidently declare that victory belongs to Jesus. Our faith is not in the absence of problems but in the presence of a sovereign God who is in control. This perspective shifts our focus from our circumstances to the God who rules over them. When we face turmoil and adversity, such as the recent tragic events in Georgia, we are reminded that Jesus is still in control. Our faith in Him transcends our circumstances, and we are called to look beyond our immediate struggles to the God who reigns supreme.

This faith was exemplified in the story of Abraham, who trusted God even when asked to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. Abraham's unwavering faith, despite the seeming contradictions and delays, teaches us to trust God's promises and timing. By focusing on God's sovereignty, we can find peace and assurance even in the midst of life's storms. [18:19]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to God's sovereignty and control over the situation?

Day 2: Faith Like Abraham

Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son, demonstrates profound faith. He believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. This teaches us that true faith involves trusting God even when His commands seem to contradict His promises. Abraham's faith was not based on his understanding of the situation but on his trust in God's character and promises.

This kind of faith requires us to let go of our need for control and to trust that God's plans are higher and better than our own. It challenges us to believe in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when we cannot see the outcome. By looking at Abraham's example, we are encouraged to trust God fully, knowing that He is able to fulfill His promises in ways that we may not understand. [54:04]

Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV): "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back."

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel God's promises and commands seem to contradict? How can you trust in God's character and promises despite the apparent contradictions?

Day 3: Childlike Expectation

The story of the little boy with the umbrella during a prayer for rain illustrates the power of expectant faith. We are called to approach God with the same childlike belief, expecting Him to fulfill His promises and act on our behalf. This kind of faith is not naive but is rooted in a deep trust in God's ability and willingness to provide for His children.

Childlike expectation means coming to God with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what He has promised. It involves a confident hope that God will act, even when circumstances seem bleak. By cultivating this kind of faith, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from trusting in God's provision and timing. [28:43]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you approach God with a childlike expectation, trusting that He will act on your behalf?

Day 4: Preparedness for Life's Challenges

Life is filled with directions, delays, disappointments, and ultimately death. Abraham's life shows us the importance of being prepared for these challenges. By trusting in God's timing and maintaining our faith, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. Abraham's preparedness for death, having his affairs in order and living a life full of years, serves as a model for us to live by faith and be ready for our eternal home.

Being prepared for life's challenges means having a deep trust in God's sovereignty and being ready to follow His directions, even when they lead us through difficult times. It also involves being ready for the ultimate transition from this life to the next, ensuring that our lives reflect our faith and trust in God's eternal promises. [57:08]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to be more prepared for challenges? How can you trust in God's timing and direction as you navigate these uncertainties?

Day 5: Living with Eternity in Mind

Abraham's preparation for death, having his affairs in order and living a life full of years, reminds us to live with eternity in mind. We should be ready for our transition from this life to the next, ensuring that our lives reflect our faith and trust in God's eternal promises. Living with eternity in mind means prioritizing what truly matters and aligning our lives with God's purposes.

This perspective helps us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, guiding our decisions and actions in a way that honors God. By living with eternity in mind, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that our lives are part of God's greater plan. [01:12:19]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you live with eternity in mind today? What changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with God's eternal purposes?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to affirm a profound truth: the victory belongs to Jesus. Despite the turmoil and adversity we face, such as the recent tragic events in Georgia, we are reminded that Jesus is still in control. Our faith in Him transcends our circumstances, and we are called to look beyond our immediate struggles to the God who reigns supreme. This faith was exemplified in the story of Abraham, who trusted God even when asked to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. Abraham's unwavering faith, despite the seeming contradictions and delays, teaches us to trust God's promises and timing.

We also celebrated the dedication of baby CJ and baby Micah, recognizing that children are a blessing from the Lord. This sacred moment reminds us of the importance of faith and the expectation that God will fulfill His promises. Just as the little boy with the umbrella believed in the rain, we are called to have a childlike faith that expects God to act.

Furthermore, we explored the necessity of being prepared for life's challenges, including disappointments and even death. Abraham's life teaches us to be ready for God's directions, delays, and the ultimate transition from this life to the next. His preparedness for death, having his affairs in order and living a life full of years, serves as a model for us to live by faith and be ready for our eternal home.

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Key Takeaways

1. Victory in Adversity: Despite the chaos and pain in the world, believers can confidently declare that victory belongs to Jesus. Our faith is not in the absence of problems but in the presence of a sovereign God who is in control. This perspective shifts our focus from our circumstances to the God who rules over them. [18:19]
2. Faith Like Abraham: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son, demonstrates profound faith. He believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. This teaches us that true faith involves trusting God even when His commands seem to contradict His promises. [54:04]
3. Childlike Expectation: The story of the little boy with the umbrella during a prayer for rain illustrates the power of expectant faith. We are called to approach God with the same childlike belief, expecting Him to fulfill His promises and act on our behalf. [28:43]
4. Preparedness for Life's Challenges: Life is filled with directions, delays, disappointments, and ultimately death. Abraham's life shows us the importance of being prepared for these challenges. By trusting in God's timing and maintaining our faith, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. [57:08]
5. Living with Eternity in Mind: Abraham's preparation for death, having his affairs in order and living a life full of years, reminds us to live with eternity in mind. We should be ready for our transition from this life to the next, ensuring that our lives reflect our faith and trust in God's eternal promises. [01:12:19]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:19] - Victory in Adversity
[23:03] - Baby Dedications
[24:37] - Children as Blessings
[26:13] - Let the Children Come
[27:12] - The Little Boy with the Umbrella
[28:43] - Expectant Faith
[30:41] - Parental Commitments
[31:12] - Congregational Prayer
[35:35] - Anointing and Blessing
[44:43] - Celebrating Life
[47:29] - Supporting Entrepreneurs
[48:47] - Faith Like Abraham
[54:04] - Trusting God's Promises
[57:08] - Preparedness for Life's Challenges
[72:19] - Living with Eternity in Mind
[82:43] - The Story of a Thousand Marbles
[88:36] - Making God Proud
[91:10] - Invitation to Faith
[95:29] - Prayer for New Believers
[102:37] - Celebrating Achievements
[105:06] - Final Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV) — > By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

2. Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
> Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

3. Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
> And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

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Observation Questions

What does Hebrews 11:17-19 tell us about Abraham's faith when he was tested? How did he respond to God's command? [48:47]
According to Psalm 127:3, how does the Bible describe children? How does this align with the sermon’s message about baby dedications? [25:40]
In Mark 10:13-16, how did Jesus respond to the disciples when they rebuked those bringing children to Him? What does this passage teach us about childlike faith? [26:13]

Interpretation Questions

How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrate his trust in God's promises, even when they seem contradictory? What can we learn from his example? [54:04]
The sermon mentioned the story of the little boy with the umbrella. How does this story illustrate the concept of expectant faith? How can we apply this kind of faith in our daily lives? [28:43]
The sermon emphasized the importance of being prepared for life's challenges, including death. How does Abraham's life and preparedness for death serve as a model for us? [57:08]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent adversity you faced. How did your faith in Jesus help you navigate through it? How can you shift your focus from your circumstances to God’s sovereignty in future challenges? [18:19]
Abraham trusted God’s promises even when asked to sacrifice Isaac. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God more, despite seeming contradictions? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [54:04]
The sermon highlighted the importance of childlike faith. Think of a specific promise of God that you are waiting on. How can you approach this situation with the same expectant faith as the little boy with the umbrella? [28:43]
Abraham was prepared for life’s ultimate transition—death. Are your affairs in order, and are you living with eternity in mind? What steps can you take this week to ensure you are prepared for your eternal home? [01:12:19]
The sermon mentioned the dedication of baby CJ and baby Micah, emphasizing that children are a blessing. How can you actively recognize and celebrate the blessings in your life, especially during challenging times? [25:40]
The story of a thousand marbles was shared to illustrate the importance of numbering our days. How can you make the most of your time with your family and loved ones this week? What specific actions will you take to prioritize meaningful moments? [01:22:43]
The sermon discussed being prepared for disappointments. How can you maintain your faith and trust in God when faced with unexpected challenges or setbacks? Share a personal experience where you had to rely on God during a difficult time. [57:08]

Sermon Clips

1. "Sometimes when we have weeks like we've had, it can be hard to fathom, it can be hard to comprehend that victory really does belong to Jesus. When we look at what happened this week in Georgia and yet another senseless mass shooting, how can we lift our hands and say victory belongs to Jesus in the midst of that? When people all around us are hurting, I just, I got phone calls this week of people who lost dear loved ones just unexpectedly. How can we stand in the tension of that moment and say victory belongs to Jesus, victory belongs to Him?" [18:19] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I can tell you why, because we as believers, as followers of Jesus Christ, we know that even in the midst of adversity, even in the midst of turmoil, even in the midst of crisis going on all across this land, we know that Jesus is still in control. I don't hear nobody saying nothing to me. Listen, I know that it's political season and people are putting in their bid for the White House, but can I tell you something? It doesn't matter who's in the White House, we know Jesus is in the right house, and victory, ultimately, belongs to Him." [18:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Faith, my brothers and sisters. I like how one preacher says it like this. He said, faith is acting like God is telling the truth. I'm gonna say it one more time. Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. Do you take him at his word? As a matter of fact, James 1 and 22 actually tells us this. It says this. It says that do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Do what it says." [51:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We can come in here and we can become so spiritually fat on the word of God by listening and consuming. But can I tell you something? Faith in action. Matter of fact, the word of God says faith without works is dead. So faith in action is us doing what the word of God says. Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 also tells us this. It says, and without faith, it is impossible. Somebody say it's impossible. Without faith, it is impossible. To please him for whoever would draw near to God must believe, must believe, must believe, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." [52:43] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You must be prepared for disappointments. I know this don't really sound really inviting, but I have to, I have to tell you because let me tell you something. Most times we believe that once we follow Jesus and we trust him with our life, trust him with our heart and everything is just going to be all right. Let me tell you something. Just because you have Christ in your life doesn't mean that you're going to be void of problems in your life. I wish I had about 15 more of y'all that would just be real on a Sunday morning at 1056 that can testify and say that just because I've accepted Christ into my life, my life has not always been problem free." [57:08] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You have to be prepared for disappointments. God was, I believe, undoubtedly most proud of Abraham when that faithful moment came on that mountain. When his faith was tried, when his faith was tested and was willing to offer Isaac his only begotten son of promise as a sacrifice. Can you just think about that? Think about something that you have waited and asked God for for so long and then God finally gives it to you. He gives you what you've been asking for. And then all of a sudden he says, hey, remember that son I gave you? Let me get him back." [57:08] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I mean, can you imagine? Some of us can because it's actually happened to us. Can you imagine the state of confusion that one would be in? I mean, my goodness, what are you talking about? This is what you promised me. As a matter of fact, I didn't even ask for it, you gave him to me and told me. A part of this blessing is that there's going to be a long line of descendants that's going to come, that I'm going to be the father of many nations. How can this happen if the child that you gave me, you want me to sacrifice? The promise that you made me, you want me not to give it back?" [57:08] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Abraham believed that if God could give him a miracle child once, he could do it again, even if he had to raise Isaac from the dead. Lord, I feel like preaching this morning. In this experience, you know what I also see? Abraham, Terrence, saw something that no one would ever see or understand until Jesus came. Don't miss this. Look at what Jesus said in John chapter 8, verse 56. Your father... He's talking to the Jews. Your father, Abraham, rejoiced that he would see my day. He rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." [01:04:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I believe that these times become supreme test of our faith we go back to 11 and 6 without faith it's impossible you please him faith is acting like God is telling the truth I mean I listen y'all can be quiet I feel like shouting and dancing right now it's acting it is God I take you at your word and so I'm just gonna I'm gonna walk this thing out regardless of what it looks like regardless of what it feels like regardless of what I hear in my head in my ear I'm gonna trust in the Lord oh it doesn't matter to me how I may feel about it I'm gonna continue to trust in the Lord" [01:10:23] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I believe that if we want to make God proud, you've got to be prepared for directions. His spirit will lead and guide us. Want to make God proud, you've got to be prepared for delays. Sometimes there's going to be a pause. Sometimes there's going to be a big stretch between revelation and manifestation. But you've got to wait on them. Sometimes you've got to be prepared for disappointments. Because life may not always go the way you think it ought to go. And then ultimately, I know this may be the challenging one, but you've got to be prepared for death." [01:28:36] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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