Faith to See What God Sees

Devotional

Day 1: Faith to See What God Sees

Faith enables us to see beyond present circumstances and trust that God is working, even when the outcome is hidden from our eyes. When we look at the people around us or face our own challenges, we may not know how things will turn out, but God already sees the end from the beginning. Faith is the lens that allows us to see salvation for the lost, victory in the midst of battle, and hope where there seems to be none. When we choose to see with faith, we are not limited by what is visible, but are empowered to believe that God can do the impossible. [07:40]

Mark 4:35-36; 5:1-2 (ESV)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. ... They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that seems far from God or stuck in a hopeless situation? Ask God to help you see them with eyes of faith today—what would it look like to believe for their salvation or breakthrough, even before you see any change?

Day 2: Stepping Out Despite Fear

Fear often tries to keep us from stepping into the places or relationships where God is calling us, but faith calls us to move forward even when we feel afraid or unqualified. The disciples faced a literal storm and the unknown as they crossed to the other side, yet Jesus was with them in the boat. In our own lives, the “other side” may be a difficult conversation, a new ministry, or reaching out to someone in need. When we remember that Jesus goes with us, we can find courage to obey, trusting that He will work through our faithfulness. [19:02]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection: What is one “other side” God may be calling you to step into—whether it’s a person, place, or situation? What step of faith can you take today, trusting that Jesus is with you?

Day 3: The Power of Jesus’ Name in Every Need

No matter how deep the suffering or how impossible the situation, Jesus is the answer for every need. There are times when we cannot understand the pain others carry, or even our own struggles, but we can always call on the name of Jesus. His presence brings peace, deliverance, and healing, even in the darkest places. Sometimes all we can do is pray “Jesus” over a person or situation, but that is the most powerful thing we can do, because His name carries authority and compassion that changes everything. [39:25]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: Where do you need to speak the name of Jesus today—over your family, your workplace, your community, or your own heart? Take a moment to pray His name over that need and trust Him to move.

Day 4: Sharing Your Story and God’s Compassion

Jesus calls each of us to share what He has done in our lives and to tell others of His compassion and mercy. Like the man set free from many demons, our testimony of God’s transforming power can open hearts and prepare the way for others to encounter Jesus. We don’t need to have all the answers; we simply need to tell our story and point to His kindness. No one is too far gone for His grace, and our willingness to share can be the spark that leads many to marvel at God’s goodness. [42:54]

Mark 5:18-20 (ESV)
As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Reflection: What is one specific way God has shown you mercy or changed your life? Who can you share this with today, trusting that your story might encourage or open a door for them?

Day 5: Every Person Matters to God

God’s love is so personal that He would cross any barrier, face any storm, and endure any cost for even one person. The story of Jesus crossing the sea for the man in the Decapolis reminds us that no one is beyond His reach, and every individual is precious to Him. Sometimes we may wonder if our efforts are worth it, especially when we see little fruit, but God sees the bigger picture. One changed life can impact many, and nothing done in love for Him is ever wasted. [44:58]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who feels overlooked or unreachable? How can you show them today that they matter deeply to God—and to you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on learning to see with the eyes of faith—believing for what God sees, not just what we see with our natural eyes. The journey begins with Jesus’ call to the disciples: “Let us cross over to the other side.” This is more than a geographical crossing; it’s a call to step out of comfort, to face storms, and to trust that God’s purposes are greater than our fears. The disciples, like us, often don’t know what awaits on the other side, but Jesus is always with us, and He is never surprised by what we encounter.

The story of the demoniac in the country of the Gadarenes is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s compassion. This man, tormented and abandoned, is met by Jesus, who brings deliverance and restoration. The transformation is so complete that the man is found “clothed and in his right mind.” Yet, Jesus doesn’t allow him to follow as a disciple in the traditional sense. Instead, He sends him back to his own people to testify of God’s mercy. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes not from leaving with Jesus, but from returning to our own circles and sharing what He has done for us.

Faith is not about ignoring reality, but about seeing beyond it. When we face impossible situations—whether it’s a medical diagnosis, a loved one far from God, or a daunting calling—faith enables us to see God’s possibilities. We are reminded not to let the limitations of others, or even our own understanding, define what we pray for or believe. God is not bound by human options; He is the God of “option C”—the unexpected, miraculous outcome.

The call to “go to the other side” is personal. For some, it’s a literal journey; for others, it’s reaching out to a family member, a neighbor, or someone in need. The “other side” is often closer than we think. We are challenged to see people as God sees them, to pray with expectation, and to never give up, even when the answer seems delayed. Every act of obedience, every testimony shared, can have ripple effects far beyond what we imagine—just as the once-possessed man’s story prepared the Decapolis for a great move of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith means seeing with God’s perspective, not just our own. When we look at problems or people, we can choose to see them through the lens of what God can do, not just what is currently visible. This shift brings hope and courage, even in the face of fear or uncertainty. Faith is the invitation to partner with God’s vision for restoration and victory. [06:27]
2. God is not limited by human options or diagnoses. When faced with situations that seem to have only two outcomes, remember that God can create a third way—one that no one else sees coming. Our prayers should not be confined by what others say is possible, but should be rooted in the limitless power of God. Trusting Him means leaving room for the miraculous. [13:13]
3. Obedience often requires stepping out of comfort and facing fear. The disciples had to leave the familiar and cross into unknown, even hostile territory. Fear will always try to keep us from moving forward, but God’s call is to trust Him and go where He leads, knowing He is with us. The greatest breakthroughs often come on the other side of our fears. [18:09]
4. Every person matters deeply to God, and no one is beyond His reach. The story of the demoniac shows that Jesus will cross any barrier, face any storm, and confront any darkness to reach one lost soul. Our role is to be faithful in sharing what God has done for us, trusting that even one transformed life can impact many others. [44:58]
5. Our testimony is powerful, and God uses it to prepare hearts for His work. The man set free in Decapolis became the seed for a future harvest—his story paved the way for thousands to receive Jesus later. Never underestimate the impact of simply telling others what God has done in your life; your obedience today may open doors for God’s move tomorrow. [47:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Praying for Our Community and Schools
[01:19] - Introduction to Mark 4 and 5
[03:25] - God Knows the End from the Beginning
[04:34] - Faith to See What God Sees
[07:48] - Facing Problems: Alone or with Jesus
[10:03] - Testimony: God’s Unexpected Option
[14:03] - Bringing Jesus As He Is
[15:21] - The Disciples’ Journey and the Storm
[16:21] - The Decapolis: Enemy Territory
[18:09] - Fear and the Call to the Other Side
[21:22] - Thanksgiving Outreach in Indonesia
[24:36] - Andrew’s Dreams and Salvation
[29:04] - The “Other Side” in Our Own Lives
[32:05] - The Demoniac: A Life Transformed
[35:43] - The Power of the Name of Jesus
[40:18] - The Has-Been: New Identity in Christ
[42:19] - Sent Back to Testify
[45:16] - The Ripple Effect: Decapolis Transformed
[49:35] - Faith to See What God Sees: Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 4:35-36; 5:1-20 (ESV) —
> 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
>
> 1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.
>
> [Read through verse 20 for the full story of the demoniac’s deliverance and Jesus sending him back to his people.]

Observation Questions

What did Jesus say to the disciples before they crossed the sea, and how did the disciples respond to the storm that came up? (Mark 4:35-41; [15:21])
How is the man with the unclean spirit described when Jesus first meets him? What details stand out about his condition and how people treated him? (Mark 5:2-5; [33:13])
After Jesus delivers the man, what does the man want to do, and what does Jesus tell him instead? (Mark 5:18-20; [41:33])
According to the sermon, what was the reaction of the people in Decapolis after the man shared his story? ([45:16])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus invited the disciples to “go to the other side” even though it meant facing a storm and entering unfamiliar, even hostile, territory? What does this reveal about Jesus’ priorities? ([15:21])
The sermon says, “Faith is not about ignoring reality, but about seeing beyond it.” How does the story of the demoniac illustrate this kind of faith? ([06:27])
Jesus tells the delivered man to return home and share what God has done for him, rather than follow as a traditional disciple. What might be the significance of this for how we think about our own testimonies and callings? ([42:19])
The sermon mentions that God is “the God of option C”—the unexpected, miraculous outcome. How does this idea challenge the way we usually pray or think about difficult situations? ([13:13])

Application Questions

The disciples had to leave their comfort zone and face a storm to reach one hurting person. Is there a “storm” or uncomfortable step God might be asking you to take for the sake of someone else? What is holding you back? ([18:09])
The sermon challenges us to see people as God sees them, not just as they appear. Think of someone in your life who seems “too far gone” or hopeless. How might you begin to pray for them differently this week? ([06:27])
When have you limited your prayers or expectations to only what seems humanly possible? Can you share a time when God surprised you with an “option C”? How can you leave more room for God’s possibilities in your prayers now? ([13:13])
Jesus sent the delivered man back to his own people to share his story. Who in your “Decapolis”—your family, workplace, or neighborhood—needs to hear what God has done in your life? What is one step you can take to share your testimony this month? ([42:19])
The sermon says, “Every act of obedience, every testimony shared, can have ripple effects far beyond what we imagine.” Have you ever seen a small act of faith or obedience lead to unexpected results? How does this encourage you to keep going, even when you don’t see immediate fruit? ([45:16])
Fear kept the disciples from wanting to cross over, and fear can keep us from obeying God’s call. What specific fear do you need to bring to Jesus today? How can your group pray for you in this area? ([18:09])
The man’s story prepared the way for a move of God in Decapolis. What is one way you can prepare the way for God to move in your own circles, even if you don’t see results right away? ([47:53])

Sermon Clips

So maybe you're here today and you know, yes, it's my husband. Or yes, it's my daughter. It's my son. I want to challenge you today. As you see them, I want you to also see your son calling on the name of Jesus. See your husband saved. See your relative healed, walking, renewed, whatever it might be, whatever you're praying for. And don't ever give up. No matter what you see, don't give up. Just be faithful. [00:29:37] (30 seconds) #SeeThemSaved

But here's the thing, brothers and sisters, no matter who it is or what they're going through, we all possess the one true answer to any need in the world. Jesus. That's right. Jesus. Jesus. Sometimes when we're praying on a Wednesday night for many names that flash across the screen, so many names, at some point I just say, Jesus for so-and-so. Oh, Jesus for so-and-so. Jesus for you. Jesus for you. Because sometimes that's all you can say, but it's the greatest thing you can say. Imagine the Father hearing you in faith calling Jesus for someone. Imagine what the Holy Spirit is ready to do when he hears that great name, Jesus, being spoken. [00:35:43] (45 seconds) #JesusIsTheAnswer

Little did the man know that Jesus, the deliverer, was coming. And not even the fiercest storm and all the demonic power in the world could stop him from coming to someone in need. And so he speaks into that storm, peace. Just like he's about to speak into this man's life to bring peace. [00:39:39] (18 seconds) #PeaceInTheStorm

How many of you know, everyone here, if you know Jesus, you are now called a has-been. That's right. You are now a no longer, a not no more kind of person. Because what he has done, the old is gone, behold, all things are made new. Absolutely. Just like this man. Amen. [00:40:49] (19 seconds) #OldIsGoneNewIsHere

But he also says to them, show them or tell them of my compassion. That word compassion means mercy. It means goodness and kindness. It means gentleness. The Bible says of Jesus, a bruised reed he will not break. He's that gentle. And if there's anything he wants us to tell people who are lost in their sin, lost in their wickedness. They don't know what they're doing. They don't know why they do it. Tell them, I am a merciful God. And I forgive sins that I am gracious. Make sure, church, we tell people he's merciful. He calls us all. And there's not a sin he won't forgive. There's not a person far enough that he can't reach and grab a hold of. [00:43:10] (44 seconds) #MercyAndCompassion

Let me answer that in two ways. Number one, everyone, every individual person is worth everything to God. Yes, he looks upon us today as a collective group, and he loves us. But individually, he loves you. And you mean everything to him. Yes, if it was just that one man, it was worth it for the one man. Amen? [00:44:39] (26 seconds) #YouAreWorthEverything

How did all these people who rejected him are suddenly welcoming him? And bringing all the sick to him? Because one man, touched and saved by Jesus, went back to his world. Told them simply, here's what he did for me. And he is a merciful Savior. And the next time Jesus comes back, there they all are. Imagine knowing this man, an animal like he was. And now seeing him clothed and speaking as nothing ever happened. That would amaze me. It amazed the people enough. That when Jesus came back, they wanted to know him. [00:47:31] (36 seconds) #OneManChangedMany

As we are inviting you to the altar here today, as the musicians are going to sing a song, I want to challenge you with this. Come to the altar today, those of you who have a need, or you're praying for somebody who has a need. And when you come here to the altar, and you're closing your eyes, and you're praying, I want you, in your faith, to see the salvation that God will bring. See the healing. See the victory. See that person calling upon Jesus' name. And when you see that in your mind, and your faith is rising up within you, knowing that Jesus is with you in that prayer, then you say, That's it! Yes! Amen! And amen! So shall it be! Praise God! [00:49:55] (44 seconds) #FaithSeesTheImpossible

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does faith enable believers to see spiritually?

How can fear hinder our walk with God?

What is the significance of going to the other side?