Faith for the Impossible: Trusting God's Provision

Today’s focus is on cultivating faith for the impossible, drawing from the life of Elijah in 1 Kings 17. God often calls us to take steps that defy logic or comfort, as seen when Elijah was told to leave the familiar and go to Zarephath, a place of refining and challenge. The journey of faith is not just about going when God says go, but also about staying when He says stay, even when circumstances are difficult or the environment feels hostile. God’s provision is not always predictable, but it is always sufficient—He uses unlikely means and people, like ravens and a destitute widow, to meet needs and demonstrate His faithfulness.

Obedience to God’s direction, whether it means moving forward or remaining steadfast, is often a test of trust. The story of Elijah and the widow highlights the principle of putting God first, even when resources are scarce. The widow’s willingness to give out of her lack became the very means by which God sustained her and her family. This principle extends beyond finances; whatever we need, we are called to sow in faith, trusting God to multiply and return it in His way and timing.

Faith is also required to endure seasons of loss, confusion, or apparent silence from God. When tragedy struck the widow’s home, Elijah responded not with panic, but with honest, specific prayer. He identified with her pain, interceded fervently, and witnessed God’s resurrection power—an unprecedented miracle at that time. This teaches that God invites us to bring our impossibilities to Him, to pray specifically, and to bear one another’s burdens in community.

Throughout life’s transitions—whether God is calling us to go, to stay, to give, or simply to live through hardship—He is refining us, shaping our character, and revealing His sufficiency. The call is to trust Him as the true source, not the circumstances or the “brooks” that may dry up. Ultimately, God’s ways are higher, and His provision and presence are found in obedience, surrender, and faith that He is Lord over every impossibility.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith to Go: God’s call to “go” often comes at inconvenient or illogical times, challenging us to trust His wisdom over our own understanding. Obedience may require leaving comfort, but God always goes before us, preparing the way and providing what we need in each new place. The journey of faith is marked by steps into the unknown, where God’s presence and provision await. [48:06]
• 2. Faith to Stay: Sometimes the greater test is not in going, but in staying—remaining faithful in difficult, refining circumstances. God may place us in environments that feel hostile or uncomfortable, not to punish us, but to refine our character and use us as light in dark places. Staying requires endurance and trust that God is working in and through us, even when we don’t see immediate results. [55:25]
• 3. Faith to Give: The principle of putting God first, especially when resources are limited, unlocks God’s provision in our lives. Giving out of our need—whether it’s finances, encouragement, or time—demonstrates trust in God as our source, not our circumstances. What we sow in faith, God multiplies, often in ways that exceed our expectations and meet our deepest needs. [67:05]
• 4. Faith to Live: When tragedy or crisis strikes, the enemy often tries to overwhelm us with guilt, fear, or doubt. God invites us to bring our pain and impossibilities to Him with honesty and specificity, trusting that He hears and responds. Even when there is no precedent for the miracle we need, God is able to do what has never been done before, bringing life and hope out of death and despair. [72:31]
• 5. Bearing One Another’s Burdens: True faith is not only personal but communal; we are called to help carry each other’s burdens in prayer and practical support. Identifying with the pain of others, interceding on their behalf, and standing with them in faith can be the catalyst for breakthrough and transformation. God often uses our willingness to “give Him the child”—to take responsibility for others in prayer—as a means of revealing His power and love to the world. [73:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:10] - New Groups and Next Steps
• [04:30] - Labor Day and Family Fun
• [07:00] - Introduction to Elijah Series
• [10:15] - Faith for the Impossible
• [13:40] - Prayer for Grieving Families
• [17:05] - Faith to Go: Obedience in Uncertainty
• [24:50] - Personal Stories of Going
• [32:30] - God’s Provision at the Brook
• [36:10] - Faith to Stay: Refining Fire
• [41:00] - God’s Unlikely Provision
• [46:20] - Faith to Give: The Principle of First
• [53:00] - The 10-10-80 Principle
• [58:30] - Faith to Live: Facing Tragedy
• [65:00] - Praying Specifically and Bearing Burdens
• [72:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Observation Questions

1. In 1 Kings 17, what unlikely sources did God use to provide for Elijah during the drought? How did Elijah respond to God’s instructions? ([49:45])
2. What was the widow’s situation when Elijah first met her at Zarephath, and what did Elijah ask her to do? ([59:37])
3. According to Proverbs 3:9-10, what is the result of honoring the Lord with your firstfruits?
4. In the story, how did Elijah respond when the widow’s son died? What specific actions did he take? ([01:09:28])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God sometimes calls people to “go” or “stay” in situations that don’t make sense or feel uncomfortable? What might God be trying to accomplish in those moments? ([49:45] / [55:25])
2. The widow gave out of her lack, not her abundance. What does this teach about the principle of putting God first, especially when resources are scarce? ([01:00:51])
3. Elijah prayed specifically and honestly when faced with tragedy. What does this reveal about the kind of relationship God wants us to have with Him in times of crisis? ([01:11:33])
4. The sermon mentions that God’s provision is not always predictable, but always sufficient. How does this challenge the way people typically view security and provision? ([50:52])

Application Questions

1. Has there been a time when you sensed God calling you to “go” or “stay” in a situation that didn’t make sense? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([49:45] / [55:25])
2. Are there areas in your life right now where you feel God is asking you to trust Him, even though the circumstances seem impossible or uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area this week? ([49:45])
3. The widow was willing to give the little she had, and God multiplied it. Is there something you feel God is asking you to give—time, encouragement, finances, or something else—even though it feels like you don’t have enough? What’s holding you back? ([01:00:51])
4. When you face a crisis or loss, do you tend to withdraw, panic, or bring your pain honestly to God in prayer? What would it look like to pray specifically and honestly about your current struggles? ([01:11:33])
5. The sermon talked about “bearing one another’s burdens.” Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to come alongside them in prayer or practical support? How can you do that this week? ([01:13:51])
6. The story of Elijah and the widow shows that God can use unlikely people and situations to provide and bring hope. Are there “unlikely” people or places in your life where you might be missing God’s work? How can you be more open to seeing God move in unexpected ways? ([59:37])
7. The pastor mentioned the principle of “10-10-80” for finances (give 10%, save 10%, live on 80%). Is there a practical step you can take this month to put God first in your finances or another area of your life? ([01:05:35])