Faith: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding

 

Summary

Today, we explored the nature of faith through the story of Abraham and Isaac, focusing on what it means to trust God when His instructions seem impossible or even illogical. Faith is not about turning off our minds or ignoring reality; rather, it’s about engaging our redeemed minds and imaginations, making a conscious decision to judge God as faithful based on His track record. Abraham’s journey teaches us that faith is rooted in the facts of God’s character—He can create something from nothing and bring dead things back to life. These truths eliminate any problem we might face, because if God can create and resurrect, there is nothing beyond His reach.

We looked at how God’s promises often require us to step out in faith, sometimes sacrificing what we hold most dear. The story of Abraham being asked to offer Isaac is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God must always take precedence over the gifts or promises He gives us. When we are willing to surrender even the blessings God has given, we discover that He is our true source and provider—Jehovah Jireh. God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways, and His blessings are not just for our benefit, but so that we can be a blessing to others.

We are heirs of Abraham’s promise, adopted into God’s family through Jesus, and called to bless the nations. This means living out our faith in practical ways—serving our community, dreaming big dreams for God’s kingdom, and refusing to settle for comfort or complacency. God delights in our individuality and unity, calling us to shine uniquely while building a foundation together. Our faith is not just for Sunday mornings; it’s meant to impact our daily lives and the world around us.

No matter your age or stage of life, God has a purpose for you. As long as you have breath, you are called to dream, to grow, and to leave a legacy of God’s goodness. The challenge is to keep your relationship with God at the center, trusting Him to provide, to restore, and to multiply what you surrender to Him. Let’s be a people who walk by faith, dream with God, and bless our community for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

- Faith Engages Both Mind and Action
Faith is not the absence of reason or the suspension of thought. God redeems our minds and imaginations, inviting us to make a conscious decision to trust Him based on His faithfulness in the past. True faith involves both believing and acting, as seen in Sarah’s and Abraham’s stories, where their determination to trust God led to miraculous strength and provision. [06:14]

- God’s Promises Require Surrender, Not Possession
The blessings and promises God gives are never meant to replace our relationship with Him. When God asked Abraham to offer Isaac, it was a test to see if Abraham valued the Giver above the gift. We must be willing to surrender even our most cherished blessings, knowing that God never takes without the intention to provide something greater or to deepen our relationship with Him. [23:44]

- God’s Provision Is Timely and Often Surprising
God’s provision may not appear until the moment of greatest need, and it often comes in ways we could not anticipate. Abraham did not see the ram until he had fully obeyed, teaching us that provision follows faithfulness, not the other way around. Sometimes, God blesses us with things we never even knew we needed, simply because He is a good Father who delights in surprising His children. [29:33]

- We Are Blessed to Be a Blessing
Our inheritance as children of Abraham is not just for personal comfort or spiritual pride. God’s purpose is that we would be a blessing to the nations—serving, giving, and building up our communities. The gifts and resources God entrusts to us are meant to flow outward, leaving a legacy of God’s goodness and making His glory known in practical, tangible ways. [37:07]

- Dreaming with God Is a Lifelong Calling
No matter your age or circumstances, God calls you to dream, to envision new possibilities for His kingdom, and to step out in faith. The dreams and visions God gives are not limited by our resources or past experiences; He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. As long as you have breath, you have purpose—so keep dreaming, keep growing, and keep trusting God to multiply what you surrender to Him. [46:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:21] - Testimony of Provision for Church Upgrades
[06:14] - Faith: Engaging Mind and Action
[08:23] - Jesus’ Ongoing Intercession
[10:17] - Abraham’s Test: The Call to Sacrifice
[12:09] - God Creates from Nothing
[13:33] - God Brings Dead Things to Life
[15:48] - The Promise and the Test
[16:27] - God Addresses Us by His Promise
[18:04] - Abraham’s Obedience and the Journey
[20:04] - Faith in God’s Provision
[21:40] - Building the Altar: The Process of Testing
[23:44] - Surrendering the Promise
[26:36] - The Ram: God’s Surprising Provision
[29:33] - God’s Goodness and Unexpected Blessings
[31:50] - No Shame in God’s Family
[33:17] - Individuality and Unity in God’s People
[35:13] - Adopted into the Promise
[37:07] - Faith in Action: Blessing the Community
[40:29] - Dreaming Big for God’s Kingdom
[46:22] - Purpose and Vision at Every Age
[48:42] - Vision for Community Impact
[51:14] - Embracing God’s Promise and Relationship
[53:26] - Prayer and Blessing
[55:24] - Fellowship and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only son; it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

- Genesis 22:1-18
(The story of Abraham being asked to offer Isaac and God’s provision of the ram.)

- Galatians 4:28
Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Hebrews 11:17-19, what does it say Abraham believed about God’s power when he was asked to offer Isaac?
2. According to Genesis 22, what was Abraham’s response when God told him to sacrifice Isaac? What details show his trust or struggle?
3. In the sermon, what two things did the pastor say God can do that “eliminate any problem you might face”? ([12:09])
4. What did Abraham call the place where God provided the ram, and what does that name mean? ([27:40])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God asked Abraham to surrender Isaac, the very promise He had given? What does this reveal about the relationship God wants with us? ([23:44])
2. The sermon says faith is not about “turning off our minds” but engaging our redeemed minds and imaginations. How does this challenge or encourage your understanding of faith? ([06:14])
3. The pastor mentioned that God’s provision often comes “in ways we could not anticipate.” Why do you think God sometimes waits until the last moment to provide? ([26:36])
4. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be “blessed to be a blessing,” and how does this connect to our identity as heirs of Abraham’s promise? ([37:07])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about making a conscious decision to judge God as faithful based on His track record. Is there a specific situation in your life right now where you need to remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness? How can you do that this week? ([06:14])
2. Abraham was willing to surrender even his most cherished blessing. Is there something in your life—maybe a dream, a relationship, or a possession—that you sense God might be asking you to hold with open hands? What would it look like to surrender it to Him? ([23:44])
3. The pastor said, “God’s provision may not appear until the moment of greatest need.” Can you share a time when God provided for you in a surprising or last-minute way? How did that impact your faith? ([29:33])
4. The sermon emphasized that our blessings are not just for us, but so we can bless others. What is one practical way you can use what God has given you—time, resources, skills—to serve or bless someone in your community this month? ([37:07])
5. The idea of “dreaming with God” was highlighted as a lifelong calling. Are there dreams or visions for God’s kingdom that you’ve set aside because of age, fear, or past disappointments? What would it look like to pick one of those dreams back up and trust God with it? ([46:22])
6. The pastor challenged the church not to settle for comfort or complacency. Is there an area in your spiritual life where you’ve become comfortable? What is one step you could take to stretch your faith this week? ([40:29])
7. The sermon said, “As long as you have breath, you have purpose.” How does this truth encourage you in your current season of life? What legacy of God’s goodness do you hope to leave behind? ([46:22])

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Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is Rooted in Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Faith is not about ignoring reason or turning off your mind, but about making a determined choice to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible. Like Sarah, who judged God faithful and received strength to conceive in her old age, we are called to base our faith on the facts of God’s character and His proven track record. When you remember what God has done before, it empowers you to trust Him for what He promises now, knowing that He is always working for your good and will never fail you. [06:14]

Hebrews 11:11 (NASB 2020)
"By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a conscious decision to trust God’s faithfulness, even if it doesn’t make sense right now?


Day 2: God Can Create Something from Nothing and Bring Life to What Is Dead
God’s power is not limited by what you see or what currently exists; He can create something out of nothing and resurrect what seems dead in your life. Just as He created the world by His word and brought descendants from Abraham and Sarah when it seemed impossible, God is able to bring new beginnings and restoration to any situation. No matter how hopeless things may appear, God’s creative and resurrecting power is greater than any obstacle you face. [13:33]

Hebrews 11:3, 12 (NASB 2020)
"By faith we understand that the worlds have been prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible... Therefore even from one man, and him as good as dead at that, there were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore."

Reflection: Is there a dream, relationship, or hope in your life that feels dead or nonexistent? Ask God today to speak life and possibility into that area.


Day 3: Obedience Flows from Prioritizing Relationship with God Over His Promises
When God asks you to surrender something precious, it’s not to deprive you but to deepen your relationship with Him and show you His greater provision. Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated that his trust was in God, not just in the promise. God’s heart is for you to value Him above all else, knowing that He will never leave you empty-handed and always has something better in store when you trust Him fully. [23:44]

Genesis 22:1-14 (NKJV)
"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' Then He said, 'Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.' ... But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, 'Abraham, Abraham!' So he said, 'Here I am.' And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.' ... And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, 'In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'"

Reflection: Is there something God is asking you to surrender or trust Him with today? How can you make your relationship with Him your highest priority?


Day 4: You Are Blessed to Be a Blessing—Individually and Together
God’s promise to Abraham was not just for personal blessing, but so that all nations and people groups would be blessed through his descendants. Each person is uniquely created to shine with God’s glory, yet we are also called to come together as a community, forming a foundation for others and multiplying God’s blessing in the world. Your individuality is a gift, but your purpose is fulfilled as you join with others to serve, love, and bless your community. [35:55]

Genesis 22:15-18 (NKJV)
"Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: 'By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.'"

Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your unique gifts to bless someone in your community this week?


Day 5: Dream Big—God’s Vision Is Greater Than Your Limitations
God calls you to dream with Him, to envision what He can do in and through your life and your church, no matter your age or circumstances. The dreams and visions God gives are not just for you, but to expand His kingdom and leave a legacy of His goodness for generations to come. Don’t let past limitations or present challenges hold you back—God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or imagine when you step out in faith and pursue His vision. [46:22]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one God-sized dream or vision you’ve been hesitant to pursue? Take a step today—write it down, pray over it, and ask God for the courage to move forward.

Quotes

See, Sarah, we, so we have to make a determination in our mind that God is faithful. So, we base our faith on facts. And the fact is, A, God brought Jesus back to life. We talked about this on Easter Sunday. That is, there have been people brought back to life before Jesus, but they still died. But Jesus is the only one that was brought back to life, and He had a resurrected body, and He never died. He's still alive, seated at the right hand of the Father, ever making intercession for you and I. Let's put a little pen right there. I've been thinking about this. Think about it. Jesus is constantly praying for you. [00:08:26] (44 seconds)


But see, God can bring dead things to life. He can make something out of nothing, and He can bring dead things alive. So, that pretty much eliminates any problem you'll ever have. That eliminates it. So, if it doesn't exist, He'll create it. And if it's dead, if it's something that has died in you, something in your heart that has died, He can resurrect that thing. Amen. [00:14:30] (23 seconds)


And when He calls you, He is going to, He's going to strengthen you, and He knows what He has put inside of you. Listen, He knows more than you know what's inside of you. Because how many of you have gone through some very difficult times and come out at the end and said, I didn't know I had that in me? [00:11:14] (17 seconds)


And he said, do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son from me. In other words, you were willing to give up what I told you you could have for me. So, what we're learning from this is we got to make God the priority. Not the promise. The promise is not the priority. The relationship with God is the priority. [00:23:53] (26 seconds)


Because, see, God in the scripture, and I don't know how much I agree with this, but, you know, and Job said, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Job was going through some extraordinary circumstances. Okay? But we can go with that anyway and say, okay, God's given this to me. But you understand when God removes something from you, he never removes something from you and leaves you empty handed. [00:24:20] (29 seconds)


So he says, by myself I have sworn. That's how much he's invested in you. He said, I'll invest it on my reputation, on who I am, who my character is. I have sworn by myself, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, not withheld your son, your only son. He keeps saying that, your only son, because God only looks at your good. He only looks at you. He never looks at your bad. He never remembers your sins against you anymore. The enemy, if you, if you go through things feeling unworthy, if you go through things feeling shame, that's not God, that's the enemy. Throw it away and say, no, no, no, wait a minute. I've been washed in the blood of Jesus. I've been forgiven. He has put my sins as far away as the east is from the west, never to be remembered me against me anymore. So that is not God telling me, God does not shame you into doing anything. God will never, I'm making a declaration, pay attention to me. God will never shame you into doing anything. [00:30:50] (61 seconds)


You are one of a gajillion, but you are an individual that shines. You are an individual. Your personality, the way you're made up, that's your individuality. God made it that way. He revels in diversity and individuality. God does not revel in uniformity. He revels in unity. He commands a blessing when we come into unity, not uniformity. He doesn't like it when we come together and try to look like everybody else. He doesn't, it hurts his heart because he made you individual. He wants you to stand out. [00:33:17] (39 seconds)


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Transcript
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