Faith, Surrender, and Community in Times of Trial

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God When Life Is Out of Control

When life brings suffering and illness, it becomes clear how little we can control, and this realization invites us to place our faith in the God who is both all-powerful and all-loving. In moments of fear and uncertainty, focusing on God’s steadfast love and sovereignty gives us the strength to endure and the assurance that we are never alone. The faith of others who have walked through trials can encourage us to trust more deeply in God’s goodness, even when circumstances are frightening or unclear. Let your heart rest in the truth that God’s hand is both righteous and omnipotent, and He will never fail you. [33:10]

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: When have you recently faced something you could not control, and how did you respond? What would it look like to intentionally place your trust in God’s hands today, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Day 2: Surrendering to God’s Goodness and Plans

True surrender means opening our hands and hearts to God, trusting Him with every outcome—even when we fear loss or pain. In times of weakness or facing the unknown, surrendering to God’s mercy and grace allows Him to refine us, removing what is not of Him and purifying what is. This act of surrender is not passive resignation but an active, faith-filled offering of ourselves, believing that God’s plans are good and His grace is sufficient for every need. [36:52]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one area of your life you are holding onto tightly? How can you practice surrendering it to God today, trusting Him with the outcome?

Day 3: Serving Others with Humility and Love

Jesus calls us to serve others not out of a desire for recognition or control, but with genuine humility and love, following His example of washing the disciples’ feet. True service means letting go of the need to manipulate or compete, and instead, seeking to love and support those around us, even when we feel weak or limited. Sometimes, the most powerful way to serve is simply to pray for others, especially when we cannot do anything else. [39:15]

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today in a humble, practical way—perhaps through prayer, encouragement, or a simple act of kindness?

Day 4: God’s Power Is Made Perfect in Our Weakness

When we are weak, God’s strength and grace become most evident, teaching us to rely on Him rather than our own abilities. In seasons of physical or emotional frailty, God supplies what we need, often through the love and support of others, and shows us that His power is sufficient for every challenge. Embracing our weakness as an opportunity for God’s strength to shine can transform our perspective and deepen our dependence on Him. [36:52]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most weak or inadequate right now? How can you invite God’s strength to be made perfect in that weakness today?

Day 5: Sharing Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness

Sharing stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness encourages others and reminds us of His ongoing work in our lives. When we openly testify to how God has provided, healed, or sustained us, we build up the faith of our community and point others to His love. Every believer’s story—no matter how big or small—can be a powerful witness to God’s grace and a source of hope for those who are struggling. [41:30]

Psalm 107:1-2 (ESV)
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble."

Reflection: What is one way God has shown His faithfulness to you recently? Who can you encourage today by sharing your story of His goodness?

Sermon Summary

Over the past three months, life has taken an unexpected turn, marked by medical challenges and moments of deep uncertainty. What began as unexplained “blips” and blackouts led to a diagnosis of a brain tumor, rapid medical intervention, and ultimately, surgery. Through this journey, God’s hand has been unmistakably present—guiding, providing, and answering prayers in ways that defy ordinary explanation. The speed of appointments, the outpouring of support, and the miraculous timing of every step have all pointed to God’s faithfulness and the power of a praying community.

In the midst of fear and weakness, faith has become more than a concept—it has become a lifeline. When control slips away, the only solid ground is the character of God: His love, His power, and His unchanging promises. Songs of worship and the faith of others have been anchors, reminding that Christ is the firm foundation who never fails. The words of Isaiah 41:10 and the old hymn “How Firm a Foundation” have echoed in the heart, assuring that God’s righteous, omnipotent hand upholds His children, even in the valley of uncertainty.

Surrender has taken on new meaning. Facing surgery and the unknown, there was a call to lay everything—health, future, even identity—into God’s hands. The story of Laura Story and her husband’s journey with a brain tumor became a source of comfort, teaching that God’s goodness is not always seen in the outcome we desire, but in His presence and refining work through suffering. The prayer became, “Lord, consume what is dross, refine what is gold,” trusting that God’s grace is sufficient and His purposes are always loving.

Service, too, has been redefined. Weakness has revealed the futility of control and the beauty of humble, prayerful service. Jesus’ example in John 13–17 and Philippians 2—serving, loving, and laying down privilege—has become the model to follow. Even when strength is gone, prayer remains a powerful way to serve others. The call is simple but profound: trust God, surrender to His will, and love those around you with humility and compassion.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Grows Strongest in Powerlessness When life strips away our sense of control, we are invited to anchor our faith in the God who is both all-powerful and all-loving. Suffering exposes our limitations, but it also positions us to trust more deeply in the One who never fails. The faith of others and the truths of Scripture become lifelines, reminding us that God’s hand is both righteous and omnipotent, upholding us through every trial. [33:10]
2. Surrender Is the Pathway to Peace True surrender is not passive resignation but an active placing of our lives into God’s hands, trusting His wisdom and love even when outcomes are uncertain. Facing surgery and the unknown, the heart learns to pray, “Consume what is dross, refine what is gold,” allowing God to purify and shape us through suffering. This surrender brings a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the assurance of God’s sufficiency and grace. [36:52]
3. God’s Faithfulness Is Often Revealed Through Community The miraculous speed of medical care, the presence of praying friends, and the unexpected connections—like a praying anesthesiologist—are all reminders that God often works through His people. The prayers and support of the church family become tangible expressions of God’s love and faithfulness, sustaining us in our weakest moments. Community is not just a comfort; it is a means by which God answers prayer and demonstrates His care. [35:22]
4. Service Flows from Humility, Not Control Leadership and influence can tempt us to manipulate or control, but Jesus calls us to a different way: humble service. The example of Christ, who laid aside privilege to serve and love, challenges us to let go of striving for power and instead focus on loving others well. Even in weakness, prayer becomes a powerful act of service, reminding us that the greatest impact often comes from humble, unseen acts of love. [39:15]
5. Christ’s Example Redefines Strength and Success Jesus, though fully divine, chose the path of humility, weakness, and sacrificial love. His life and teachings in Philippians 2 and John 13–17 call us to follow in His footsteps—not seeking status, but embracing servanthood. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in what we achieve, but in how we love and serve, especially when we have nothing left but faith and prayer.

** [40:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Health Update and Humor
[02:10] - The Start of the Medical Journey
[04:30] - Recognizing God’s Miraculous Timing
[06:15] - Lesson One: Trusting God in Uncertainty
[08:00] - Worship as an Anchor in Suffering
[10:05] - The Power of God’s Promises
[12:20] - Lesson Two: Surrendering to God’s Will
[14:00] - Community Support and Prayer
[16:10] - God’s Grace in Weakness
[18:00] - Lesson Three: Serving Like Jesus
[20:00] - The Temptation to Control vs. Humble Service
[22:00] - The Power of Prayerful Service
[24:00] - Christ’s Example in Philippians 2
[26:00] - Invitation to Share Testimonies and Baptism

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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."

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) — > "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Observation Questions

According to Isaiah 41:10, what specific promises does God make to His people in times of fear and uncertainty?
In Philippians 2:5-8, what actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility and servanthood?
The sermon described several ways God’s faithfulness was seen during a medical crisis. What were some of the specific examples given? ([31:41])
How did the church community play a role in supporting the speaker and his family during this season? ([35:22])

Interpretation Questions

Why might God allow us to go through situations where we feel powerless or out of control? How does this relate to the idea that “faith grows strongest in powerlessness”? ([33:10])
The speaker mentioned surrendering everything—health, future, even identity—to God. What does true surrender look like in the life of a believer, and how is it different from simply giving up? ([36:52])
How does Jesus’ example in Philippians 2 challenge our usual ideas of strength and success? ([40:29])
The sermon highlighted the importance of community in experiencing God’s faithfulness. Why do you think God often chooses to work through other people in our lives? ([35:22])

Application Questions

The speaker shared how worship songs and the faith of others became anchors during his trial. Is there a song, verse, or person that has helped anchor your faith in a difficult season? How did it help you? ([33:10])
When was a time you felt completely out of control? How did you respond, and what did you learn about God or yourself through that experience? ([33:10])
The prayer “Lord, consume what is dross, refine what is gold” became a personal prayer of surrender. What is one area of your life you sense God might want to refine or purify right now? ([36:52])
The sermon described how even in weakness, prayer is a powerful way to serve others. Who is someone you can commit to pray for this week, especially if you feel limited in other ways to help? ([39:15])
Jesus modeled humble service by washing His disciples’ feet. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your life this week, especially if it means letting go of control or status? ([40:29])
The church community became a tangible expression of God’s love through meals, prayers, and presence. How can you be more intentional about supporting someone in your church family who is going through a hard time? ([35:22])
The speaker mentioned learning to surrender not just outcomes, but even identity, to God. Is there an aspect of your identity or future you find hard to trust God with? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? ([36:52])

Sermon Clips

The first was all about faith, trusting completely in Him. When you realize how little you can control, focus your faith on the God who loves you. Suffering and illness help us open our eyes to the fact that we are not in control, and that positions us to exercise the muscle of faith, focusing on the one who is in control and who always loves us. [00:33:05] (27 seconds) #FaithInTheOneWhoControls

That phrase resounded over and over in my mind, upheld by God's righteous, omnipotent hand. Aren't you so glad that God's hand is both righteous and omnipotent? Our God is both all-powerful and all-loving. So we've learned to trust more deeply in the power and goodness of the Lord. [00:35:04] (23 seconds) #PowerAndLoveInGod

The more we experience God's love, the more we should commit ourselves to Him as Romans 12 1 exhorts us to present your bodies as a living sacrifice. I'll tell you this, there's nothing like brain surgery to help one realize that your entire life is in God's hand, not yours. [00:35:28] (18 seconds) #LifeInGodsHands

And that's when this other verse from the old hymn came to mind, thy dross to consume, thy gold to refine. Truthfully, I didn't remember all the words of the verse. I had to look it up later. Just that phrase, thy dross to consume, thy gold to refine. And that became my prayer of surrender in that MRI. Lord, whatever in me is dross, whatever is selfish and sinful, whatever does not glorify you, take it away. Consume it. Whatever is gold, whatever is from you, whatever does please you, refine it and make it pure so it glorifies and pleases you even more. [00:37:57] (38 seconds) #RefineMeLord

The rest of the verse proves so true and meaningful for us that God's all-sufficient grace has been our supply. Some of that came from you supplying our dinner meals for the whole month of July, but also just teaching us and modeling for us what it looks like to lean on God's strength and guidance every day, knowing that his power is made perfect in our weakness. [00:38:35] (23 seconds) #GracePerfectInWeakness

One more lesson that we are learning is about service. You can't control people. You can pray for them and lovingly help them. You can see the verse in Philippians 2. Most of you know I'm an idea guy. The newer and crazier the idea, the better. One of the dangers of being a leader is the temptation to manipulate people instead of serving them. [00:38:58] (24 seconds) #ServeWithLoveNotControl

And as surgery approached, and I was so weak through recovery, it just brought out Jesus' teachings in John 13 to 17 more clearly than ever and how he summed up his whole message, just love each other. And then he modeled it by washing their feet. That's what it's about. Don't fight. Don't posture. Don't compete over power and stature. Just love. It really is as simple as that. [00:39:35] (24 seconds) #LoveLikeJesusModeled

Paul highlights Jesus' attitude and mission in Philippians 2. Even though he was the fully divine son of God, he didn't cling to his status or privilege, but humbled himself to become weak and fragile like us. Lived a life of humble service that led him to the cross. That's our model. That's our example. Just serve. [00:40:29] (19 seconds) #HumbleServiceLikeJesus

We have been learning to trust, to surrender, to serve. Those are not lessons you graduate from, but once you just keep growing in, what has the Lord been teaching you? How has he been proving to you his goodness, his faithfulness, and his love? [00:41:12] (15 seconds) #GrowingInTrustAndSurrender

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