Stepping Forward in Faith: Embracing God's Miracles

Devotional

Day 1: Don’t Limit God—Expect Miracles Beyond Disappointment

When we limit our expectations of what God can do out of fear of disappointment, we rob ourselves of the miracles He wants to perform in our lives. God knows what is best for us and promises that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Even when circumstances don’t align with our desires, we can trust that God is orchestrating everything for our ultimate benefit. Instead of shrinking back in fear, step forward in faith, believing that God will not withhold any good thing from you. [02:11]

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: What is one area where you’ve been afraid to trust God fully because you fear disappointment? Can you take a step today to pray boldly and expect God to move, even if the outcome is uncertain?

Day 2: Movement in Faith Magnifies God’s Power

The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 shows that when we make a decision to move forward in faith, even if it seems small or insignificant, God magnifies our actions in the spiritual realm. The lepers’ willingness to act, rather than remain passive, led to a miracle that not only saved them but also delivered an entire city. When you step out in obedience, God multiplies your faith and brings about results far beyond what you could imagine. [06:12]

2 Kings 7:3-8 (ESV)
Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them.

Reflection: Where have you been “sitting at the gate,” waiting for circumstances to change? What is one step of faith you can take today, trusting God to magnify your obedience?

Day 3: Hearing God’s Voice Changes Your Identity

The woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 demonstrates that hearing and responding to the voice of Jesus transforms not only our circumstances but also our very identity. She moved from being known by her affliction to being called “daughter” because she acted on what she heard about Jesus. When you listen for God’s voice and respond in faith, He calls you His own and invites you into the fullness of your inheritance as His child. [14:03]

Mark 5:25-34 (ESV)
And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Reflection: What label or identity have you carried that God wants to change? How can you listen for His voice today and step into the identity He speaks over you?

Day 4: Obedience Releases Multiplication and Blessing

One act of obedience can set off a chain reaction of blessing and multiplication, not just for you but for generations to come. When you respond to God’s prompting, even in small ways, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think. The impact of your obedience may not be immediately visible, but over time, God’s faithfulness will be revealed in ways you never imagined. [31:41]

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: Can you recall a time when a single act of obedience led to unexpected blessings? What is one area where God is prompting you to obey today, even if you can’t see the outcome?

Day 5: Peace in the Storm Comes from Trusting God’s Word

True peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in trusting God’s word and presence in the midst of them. Even when circumstances are difficult or don’t make sense, God gives peace that surpasses understanding to those who trust Him. When you have peace in the storm, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is with you and will bring you through. [42:06]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What storm are you facing right now? How can you invite God’s peace into your heart today, trusting Him even when the situation hasn’t changed?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of decision points—moments when we must choose whether to stay where we are or step forward in faith. Too often, fear of disappointment causes us to limit our expectations of what God can do, robbing ourselves of the miracles He wants to perform. But God is not a shepherd who withholds good things from His sheep; He knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t. When we trust Him and move forward, even in uncertainty, our small acts of obedience are magnified and multiplied in ways we could never imagine.

The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 illustrates this truth. Facing certain death, they chose not to sit in despair but to move toward the enemy’s camp. Their simple decision to act was met by God’s supernatural intervention—He magnified their footsteps so that the enemy heard the sound of a mighty army and fled, leaving behind all the plunder. What began as a desperate act of survival became a message of hope and deliverance for an entire city. When we step out in faith, God not only meets us but uses our obedience to bless others.

Similarly, the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 made a life-altering decision when she reached out to touch Jesus. Despite her fear and the risk of rejection, she acted on what she heard about Him. Her faith not only brought her healing but also changed her identity—from an outcast to a beloved daughter. When we hear God’s voice and respond, our very identity is transformed, and we step into the fullness of what He has for us.

Obedience in the small things can have generational impact. Decisions made in faith—whether to take a job, make a phone call, or invest in a relationship—can set off a chain reaction of blessing that continues for years. God multiplies our obedience, often in ways we only recognize in hindsight. The enemy may try to discourage us with negative voices, but true peace comes from hearing and trusting God’s word over our lives.

Ultimately, the greatest decision is to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Every other act of obedience flows from that foundational choice. When we choose to trust and obey, we move from merely surviving to becoming messengers of God’s goodness, carrying hope and restoration to those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Limiting expectations out of fear of disappointment restricts God’s work in our lives. When we refuse to step out because we’re afraid things won’t work out, we rob ourselves of the miracles God wants to perform. Faith requires us to trust that God knows what is best, even when the outcome is uncertain. Release the fear of disappointment and allow God to surprise you with His goodness. [01:10]
2. Small acts of obedience are magnified and multiplied in the spiritual realm. The four lepers’ decision to move forward seemed insignificant, but God turned their footsteps into the sound of a mighty army. When we act on God’s prompting, He amplifies our efforts, often bringing about results far beyond what we could accomplish on our own. Our movement in faith creates ripples that impact not just us, but many others. [06:12]
3. Hearing and responding to God’s voice transforms our identity and destiny. The woman with the issue of blood was changed from an outcast to a daughter because she acted on what she heard about Jesus. Our willingness to listen for God’s voice and respond in faith redefines who we are and opens the door to healing and restoration. God’s word over us is more powerful than any label or limitation. [14:03]
4. Obedience in seemingly small decisions can have generational and exponential impact. A single decision—like making a phone call or accepting a job—can set off a chain of blessings that affect not only us but our families, communities, and even future generations. God continues to multiply the fruit of our obedience long after the initial step is taken. Don’t underestimate the power of one faithful choice. [34:24]
5. True peace is found not in the absence of storms, but in trusting God within them. We often seek peace by asking God to remove our difficulties, but real peace comes from knowing He is with us in the midst of the storm. When we have peace in the storm, we can have peace over the storm. Trusting God’s word and presence brings a deep assurance that transcends circumstances. [42:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Limiting Ourselves Out of Fear
[02:11] - God as Our Shepherd
[06:12] - The Four Lepers’ Decision
[10:49] - Hearing God’s Voice
[14:03] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[18:59] - From Survivor to Messenger
[21:21] - Jesus’ Identity and Ours
[23:21] - The Power of the Spoken Word
[25:16] - The Importance of Life-Changing Decisions
[28:05] - Testimony: The School Decision
[30:22] - Testimony: Acquiring the Land
[34:24] - Testimony: The Power of One Phone Call
[39:21] - Discerning God’s Word Amidst Negativity
[42:06] - Peace in the Storm
[43:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. 2 Kings 7:3-11 (ESV) — > 3 Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 8 And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them. 9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 10 So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, “We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no one to be seen or heard there, nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were.” 11 Then the gatekeepers called out, and it was told within the king’s household.

2. Mark 5:25-34 (ESV) — > 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

3. Psalm 23:1 (ESV) — > The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Observation Questions

In 2 Kings 7, what options did the four lepers consider, and what did they ultimately decide to do? ([06:12])
According to Mark 5, what did the woman with the issue of blood do after she heard about Jesus, and what was the result? ([14:03])
In the sermon, what was the significance of the lepers’ decision happening at “twilight”? ([06:12])
How does Psalm 23:1 describe God’s role in our lives, and how did the pastor connect this to our expectations of God? ([02:11])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the lepers’ small act of moving toward the enemy camp resulted in such a dramatic outcome for the whole city? What does this say about the way God uses our obedience? ([06:12])
The woman with the issue of blood risked rejection and punishment to reach out to Jesus. What does her story teach about the relationship between faith, risk, and identity? ([14:03])
The pastor mentioned that limiting our expectations out of fear of disappointment can rob us of miracles. Why is it so easy to let fear dictate our decisions, even when we know God is our shepherd? ([01:10])
The sermon shared several stories about small decisions (like a phone call or job acceptance) having generational impact. Why do you think God often multiplies the results of our obedience in ways we can’t see at the time? ([34:24])

Application Questions

The lepers asked, “Why are we sitting here until we die?” Is there an area in your life where you feel “stuck” or afraid to move forward? What would it look like to take a small step of faith in that area this week? ([06:12])
The woman with the issue of blood acted on what she heard about Jesus, even though she was afraid. Is there something you feel God is prompting you to do, but fear of rejection or disappointment is holding you back? What’s one way you could respond in faith? ([14:03])
The pastor shared that small acts of obedience can have ripple effects for years, even generations. Can you think of a decision you or someone in your family made that has had a long-term impact? How does that encourage you to be faithful in small things? ([34:24])
The sermon talked about hearing God’s voice above negative voices. What are some “negative voices” in your life that make it hard to trust God’s word? How can you tune in more to what God says about you? ([39:21])
The pastor said, “True peace is found not in the absence of storms, but in trusting God within them.” Are you currently facing a “storm” in your life? What would it look like to seek God’s peace in the middle of it, rather than just asking for the storm to end? ([42:06])
The greatest decision, according to the sermon, is to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you’ve already made that decision, how does it shape your daily choices? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? ([43:30])
The pastor shared personal stories about obedience leading to unexpected blessings. Is there a recent decision you made (big or small) where you saw God work in surprising ways? How can you share that story to encourage someone else? ([34:24])

Sermon Clips

Why sit here if we're going to die? Let's just try to at least do something. And so they got up. And the Bible says they got up to go to the Syrian camp. And this is where the story takes us. And the Bible says in verse 5, and they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. And when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise, nobody was there. [00:06:18] (27 seconds) #RiseAndAct

I'm here to tell you today that we are God's sheep and we know his voice. I know it gets cloudy sometimes and I know that sometimes we don't know if we're hearing from the Lord or not because we can make a hundred different decisions that doesn't make any really impact in our life. But sometimes in our life, we will make a handful of decisions and I'm here to tell you that will completely change your life forever. Do you believe it? There's impact decisions that you would make and because you did it, because you heard something. [00:11:57] (31 seconds) #HearingGodsVoice

She wasn't supposed to be out there. She could have been stoned. She could have been destroyed. She could have, everything in the world, everything there could have happened to her. But what did she make? She made a decision. And because she made a decision and she reached out and she touched, she touched him, her entire identity changed. She went from being the woman with the, issue to being called daughter should begin to change i'm here to tell you that if we can make a decision today if we can make a decision that you know what whatever god is i'm just i just feel like god is speaking to somebody in this room today because he did it in the first service he's already done it to me this week that if you're just sitting on something because you're afraid you're gonna be disappointed but if you're not sitting on because you're going to be disappointed what you're doing is robbing yourself of a miracle don't rob yourself of a miracle realize if i just trust god for this if i believe god for this i'm telling you he's going to magnify your decision and to magnify something is to multiply it and i'm getting ready to see something great happen in my life just because i believe that god's going to do it. [00:13:52] (64 seconds) #DecisionTransforms

Be careful whenever you take God out of the equation and realize no matter where I am, no matter where I sit my tent at, if God is in it, then I'm going to be blessed because of who I am. And Lot's thinking, I can't be blessed unless I can work the land and get the land to be a blessing. It is also whenever we realize that God's decision is, if we just be obedient to God and trust him, then he will be the one who blesses us, not the things of our hands, not the thing in this world, that he's the one that's going to bless us. [00:20:08] (34 seconds) #BlessedByObedience

We've got to hear what the Word says about us, and when we realize there's a Word spoken over us that is about me, I'm going to prosper and be in good health. He's going to save me in my household. I'm the head and not the tail. I'm above, not beneath. I'm going over. I'm not going under. God is with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there. He will never leave me from always to the ends of the earth. He is always there. And we realize that is the Word that is spoken over us. And the more we hear it, the more we become it. And the enemy could care less what we do, but he's petrified over who we're going to be. [00:24:17] (43 seconds) #SpeakLifeOverYou

We've got to make a decision. He's there. So I'll deal with that next week. But we've got to make a decision about God. But there's a decision. I said a while ago, we can make a hundred different decisions that don't really mean anything, but then we can make a decision that will completely change the course of our lives. [00:25:49] (19 seconds) #LifeChangingDecisions

If I would have said, no, I'm not going over there. We can't do that. That's not for me. Uh -uh. Don't be afraid to be disappointed and rob yourself of a miracle. If God doesn't do it, you don't want to be disappointed. What if he does? [00:31:41] (21 seconds) #ExpectMiracles

He did help me. He is helping me. He just that one ounce of obedience it doesn't stop. He just didn't help me that day. He didn't help me just that week. He didn't help me just that He continues there. 10 years later. 20 years later. 30 years later. Why? Because it keeps multiplying. It keeps multiplying. It keeps multiplying. The devil can't stop it. And what the devil thought is a little small church on the corner of 17 Redbugs to the enemy is the sound of a mighty army coming in to take over every situation that the enemy has. [00:37:08] (46 seconds) #MultiplyingGrace

What's that sound? What's that sound? Everybody stand up. What's that sound? What's that sound? It might be one person in a room like this that's going from survivor oh don't ever don't ever despise small people don't ever despise I'm just a survivor yes you are I said yes you are because you know what I've gone through no you're a survivor but God loves turning survivors into messengers. [00:37:55] (39 seconds) #MightyArmyRising

You will never have peace over a storm that you don't have peace in. You're in the storm, but you got peace in it. We want peace over the storm, but we don't have peace in the storm. So we want God to take the storm out of the way so we can have peace. He said, it don't work that way. You have peace over the storm because you have peace in the storm. In the storm. [00:41:56] (39 seconds) #SurvivorToMessenger

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