Going to Where You Don’t Want to Go

Nov 09, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Able—Trust in His Power

No matter what you are facing—sickness, financial trouble, or heartache—God is able to bring you through. When you look back over your life, you can see moments when you thought you wouldn’t make it, but God stepped in and made a way out of no way. Even when you feel alone or misunderstood, remember that God has not given up on you, and He never will. Let your faith rise up and declare that God is able, and let that assurance give you hope and strength for today and tomorrow. [17:20]

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: Think of a situation in your life right now that feels impossible. How can you trust God’s ability to work in that area today, even if you can’t see the outcome?

Day 2: You Are Somebody—Your Worth in God

You are a child of God, created in His image, unique and precious in His sight. Your value is not determined by others’ opinions, your past mistakes, or your current struggles. God made you with purpose, and He did not make any junk. When you know who you are in Christ, you don’t need to seek affirmation from the world or broadcast your worth—God’s love and design for you are enough. Stand tall in your identity as God’s beloved, and let no one diminish your self-worth. [41:53]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed others’ opinions or your own doubts to define your worth? What would it look like to embrace your identity as God’s beloved child today?

Day 3: Some Challenges Are Divinely Designed

There are seasons in life when you must go to your own “Jerusalem”—places of pain, trial, or discomfort that cannot be avoided. These challenges are not signs of God’s absence but are often divinely designed for your growth. Just as Jesus had to go to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s purpose, you too may have to walk through difficult spaces. It is in these moments that you learn, grow, and discover God’s faithfulness in new ways. Trust that God is using even your hardest days to shape you into who He has called you to be. [48:42]

Matthew 16:21 (ESV)
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Reflection: What is a “Jerusalem” you are facing or have faced? How might God be using that experience to teach or transform you?

Day 4: Don’t Let Critics Distract You from God’s Path

When you are walking through your own trials, there will always be voices—like Peter’s—that try to discourage you or offer advice that distracts from God’s will. It is easy to get caught up in what others think or say, but you must learn to tune out the critics and trust God’s direction for your life. Even when others don’t understand your journey, God does, and He is with you every step of the way. Be still, wait on the Lord, and let Him guide you through every challenge. [54:40]

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Reflection: Whose voices have you been listening to lately? What would it look like to turn down the volume on critics and tune in to God’s guidance today?

Day 5: Through It All, Trust in God’s Faithfulness

Life is not always easy, and following Jesus does not guarantee a trouble-free path. But through every storm, every pain, and every mistake, God is working to make you stronger and draw you closer to Him. The very places that could have broken you are the places where God’s grace has kept you. When you look back, you can see that what you went through made you who you are today. So don’t give up—trust in God, for He will never leave you, and together, you and the Lord can overcome anything. [01:03:34]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Looking back on a difficult season, how have you seen God’s faithfulness at work? How can you thank Him today for the ways He has brought you through?

Sermon Summary

Life brings us to places we never wanted to go—places of pain, discomfort, and challenge. Yet, God’s power and love remain steadfast through it all. We began today by declaring that God is able—able to heal, to provide, to sustain, and to bring us through every trial. This isn’t just something we’ve heard; it’s something we’ve experienced. When we look back over our lives, we see that God has shown up in our darkest moments, and for that, we give Him praise. Our worship is not just a song, but a testimony that we love God more than anything, because He first loved us and has proven Himself faithful time and again.

We celebrated the faithfulness of those who serve behind the scenes, and the legacy of our church, founded by those who endured much but pressed on in faith. Their perseverance is a reminder that the church—and our lives—are built to endure, not because of our own strength, but because of God’s sustaining hand.

Turning to Matthew 16, we see Jesus Himself facing a journey He did not desire: the road to Jerusalem, the place of suffering and death. Even as the Son of God, Jesus had to go to a place of pain, and He did so willingly, knowing it was necessary for God’s greater purpose. This teaches us that being a child of God does not exempt us from hardship. In fact, some challenges are divinely designed for our growth. Our “Jerusalem” moments—those seasons of trial and discomfort—are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for us to learn, to trust, and to be transformed.

We are reminded not to let others’ opinions or criticisms distract us from what God is doing in our lives. Like Jesus, we must sometimes rebuke the voices that would have us avoid the hard places, because it is in those very places that God’s power is revealed. Through every trial, God is with us, making a way out of no way, strengthening us, and shaping us into who we are meant to be.

So, don’t give up. Don’t quit. Whatever you’re facing, God is able, and He will bring you through. Your pain has purpose, and your Jerusalem is not the end—it’s the place where resurrection and new life begin.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Power Is Proven in Our Trials God’s ability is not just a theological idea; it is something we experience in the midst of our struggles. When we face sickness, financial hardship, or emotional pain, we discover firsthand that God is able to sustain and deliver us. Our worship and testimony are rooted in these lived experiences, not just in what we’ve heard from others. [18:03]
2. Some Challenges Are Divinely Designed Not every hardship is a detour; some are necessary stops on our journey. Like Jesus going to Jerusalem, we too must face places of discomfort and pain. These moments are not evidence of God’s absence, but of His intention to teach, refine, and strengthen us through adversity. [48:42]
3. Identity in God Frees Us from Needing Approval Jesus knew who He was and did not need to broadcast it or seek affirmation from others. When we are secure in our identity as God’s beloved children, we are freed from the need for external validation. This allows us to walk confidently through life’s challenges, trusting God’s purpose over people’s opinions. [43:57]
4. Don’t Let Critics Distract You from God’s Path There will always be voices—like Peter’s—that try to steer us away from difficult but necessary paths. We must learn to discern God’s voice above the noise, rebuking distractions and trusting that God’s plan, though sometimes painful, leads to resurrection and new life. [54:40]
5. Pain and Trouble Are Tools for Growth Our most difficult experiences often become the very places where we learn the most about God’s faithfulness and our own resilience. Pain teaches us to trust, to wait, and to see God make a way where there seems to be none. Through it all, we are made stronger and more compassionate. [59:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:01] - Declaration: God Is Able
[17:20] - Don’t Give Up on God
[18:03] - Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness
[19:26] - Joy and Worship in God’s House
[20:08] - Loving God Above All
[21:20] - Worship: “I Love You More Than Anything”
[26:06] - Gratitude for Volunteers and Legacy
[28:42] - The Enduring Black Church
[30:08] - Celebrating the Next Generation
[32:57] - Birthday Celebrations and Thankfulness
[34:50] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:20-23
[38:22] - Going Where You Don’t Want to Go
[41:10] - You Are Somebody in God
[45:11] - Trials Are Part of the Journey
[48:42] - Challenges Are Divinely Designed
[54:40] - Don’t Listen to the Critics
[59:42] - Lessons Learned Through Pain
[64:14] - Your Jerusalem Is Necessary
[67:22] - Encouragement: Don’t Quit, Trust God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 16:20-23 (ESV)
> Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 16:21, what did Jesus say he “must” do, and what did that mean for his journey?
In the sermon, what are some examples of “Jerusalem” moments that people might face in their own lives? [[48:02]]
How did Jesus respond to Peter when Peter tried to talk him out of going to Jerusalem? What does this show us about Jesus’ focus? [[54:40]]
The pastor mentioned that some challenges are “divinely designed.” What does that mean, and how did he connect it to Jesus’ journey? [[48:42]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ at that moment? What does this say about his understanding of his identity and mission? [[43:57]]
The sermon says that being a child of God does not exempt us from hardship. How does Jesus’ willingness to go to Jerusalem help us understand the purpose of suffering in the Christian life? [[45:11]]
When Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem, Jesus rebuked him. What does this teach us about listening to the right voices during difficult times? [[54:40]]
The pastor said, “Your pain has purpose, and your Jerusalem is not the end—it’s the place where resurrection and new life begin.” What does this mean for how we view our own struggles? [[59:42]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Don’t give up on God, because he won’t give up on you.” Can you think of a time when you wanted to give up, but God brought you through? What did you learn from that experience? [[17:20]]
Are you currently facing a “Jerusalem” in your life—a place or situation you don’t want to go through? How might God be using this season to teach or shape you? [[48:42]]
The sermon talked about not letting critics or other people’s opinions distract you from God’s path. Is there someone or something in your life right now that is making it hard for you to follow what God is calling you to do? How can you respond like Jesus did? [[54:40]]
The pastor reminded us that our identity is in God, not in what others say about us. Are there areas where you are seeking approval from people instead of resting in who God says you are? What would it look like to let go of that need for approval? [[43:57]]
Think about a painful or challenging experience from your past. Looking back, can you see how God used that time to grow your faith or character? Would you be willing to share that with the group? [[59:42]]
The sermon encouraged us to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to worship out of our own testimony. What is one way you can share your story of God’s faithfulness with someone this week? [[18:03]]
The pastor said, “Don’t quit. Don’t throw in the towel. Whatever you’re facing, God is able, and He will bring you through.” What is one practical step you can take this week to trust God more in your current situation? [[01:07:22]]

Sermon Clips

“There may be some spaces in life, some places in life that are unavoidable, no matter how much pain they may cause. And I I I want to preach this message to those of us particularly to counter those of us that have the false ideal that serving God is always comfortable, that serving God means you don't have no trials and tribulations, that serving God uh is always equated with having the good life. uh and to be in a realm of comfort. I want to remind you that uh sometimes serving God may mean going to some places and being in some spaces that make you feel uncomfortable.”

“I do want to remind you that he is the son of God. He is co-equal with God. That is he is the same as God is. He is co-eternal with God. He is as old as God is. He is God all by himself. This just ain't nobody. This is the man that this is this is Jesus. and and uh and the Bible says that God has designed it so that even Jesus must go through this place.”

“No matter who we are, you first of all let me remind you, you are somebody. You you are a child of God. You are a child of a king. You are special to God. And I do want you to know that God loves you. And don't you let anybody tell you that you are not somebody. You are created in the image of God. Marvelous are the works of God with your individual personality, your individual talents, your individual unique ways. Listen, you are somebody and I like that. God did not make any junk. You are just who God wants you to be.”

“And I just need to remind you that when you know who you are and you know that you know that you know you don't have to worry about getting your own shine on. You don't have to worry about people uttering your name. You don't have to show off your name. As a matter of fact, Jesus says, "I know who I am and you don't have to worry about broadcasting who I am. Just tell no man."”

“This text teaches us, you and I, and I know we're going into the holiday season, that life will have trials and tribulations. It teaches us that there are some troubles as we study Job in our Bible study. There are some troubles that are meant to be faced and that God can use that trouble to make you a better person.”

“Psalm 119:71 says, "But it is good for you to have trouble because God teaches you through your trouble." In other words, you've got to go to Jerusalem. That's why the Bible says in verse number 21 that from that time Jesus began to show unto his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem.”

“I want you to look back over your life, every last one of you, and I don't know what has transpired in your life, but what I do know is that there have probably been some dark spaces. There have probably been some difficult places. There have probably been some painful spots in your life that you can look back over them now and say, "I'm glad I went there."”

“I'm glad I had to experience that space in my life because that was the trouble that taught me. I'm a better person. I'm a better woman. I'm a better man because I went through something that God allowed me to grow from.”

“What I am telling you is that no matter how tough the day gets, no matter how difficult might be before you, I know somebody that though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, it will not destroy you. It will not kill you. As a matter of fact, you will walk through it. Can I get a witness?”

“Jerusalem is necessary because it is in Jerusalem that we learn that some spaces are divinely designed. Jerusalem was the place where Jesus would meet his critics. Jerusalem was the place where Jesus would meet those who would turn against him. But it was all the will of God because verse number 21 says, "And he must be killed." But I'm glad the verse didn't stop there because the same verse that says he must be killed is also the same verse that says but he will be raised up.”

“And so, listen, you going to have some people that will come along in your life and and try to get all up in your business, saying you don't need to go through this and and and you need to turn around and and they always got their advice, especially when you're going through something. Can I get a witness? You going to get Peter talking to you on Facebook. you going to get Peter uh giving you some likes or dislikes and getting involved in what is going on in your life. But the Bible says that Jesus then turned to Peter and said, "Mind your own business."”

“Listen, you ain't got to turn to nobody. You don't need to hear what Peter says. As a matter of fact, Jesus says, "Peter, I rebuke you." Can I get a witness? You you don't know what God is doing in my life. You don't know why I'm going through what I'm going through. And if I have to choose between trusting you and trusting God, I'm going to look to the heels. From which cometh my help? Because my help comes from God.”

“I need to remind somebody today that even in life's difficult moments because you are in a Jerusalem experience, it does not mean that the Lord has abandoned you because you are in a troubled financial condition. doesn't mean that the Lord has abandoned you because you're going through some trouble in your relationships or or with your children or or in your body, that doesn't mean that the Lord has abandoned you. As a matter of fact, when trouble comes, that's just God's way of saying that no matter how difficult it gets, I am with you. I'm in your corner.”

“Thank you for the trouble. Thank you for the pain. Thank you for the mistakes. Thank you for the misery. Thank you for the gray clouds." because it was in my Jerusalem that I learned a few things about God. Well, somebody says, "What do you learn about God from pain?" Pain teaches me that God can make a way out of nowhere. Pain teaches me that if I be still and trust in God, he'll wipe all the tears away.”

“If it don't kill me, I got a second chance. If it don't kill myself, there is no problem and no Jerusalem that me and the Lord cannot overcome. I'm telling you, what you went through made you who you are, and you learn from it and you grow from it and it's necessary.”

“I wish I could tell you that you join the church, that you'll have no more problems, but that's not realistic. But what I will tell you is that if you get right with God, God can make a way out of no way. And there is no problem that you and the Lord cannot navigate together.”

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