Sunday Morning Worship- "The Reliability of God's Ability"- Dr. Michael O Oyedokun II

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God in the Face of Fear

When fear comes—and it will—God invites us to respond not by denying our emotions, but by choosing to trust Him in the midst of uncertainty. David, though a man after God’s own heart, admitted his fear when surrounded by enemies, yet he shifted his focus from his circumstances to the Lord. Trusting God does not mean the absence of fear, but rather a deliberate act of the will to look to the Redeemer, believing that He is able to deliver, heal, and sustain us no matter what we face. [01:08:21]

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Reflection: What is one specific fear you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally shift your focus from that fear to trusting God with it today?

Day 2: The Reliability of God’s Ability

Unlike the things of this world that fade, break down, or disappoint, God’s character and power remain unchanging and utterly reliable. He is sovereign, omnipotent, and able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think. When we put our trust in God, we are anchoring ourselves to the One whose ability is not limited by human constraints, whose promises never deteriorate, and whose faithfulness endures through every season of life. [01:02:13]

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: Where have you been relying on something or someone other than God for security, and how can you shift your trust to God’s unchanging ability this week?

Day 3: Praising God Before the Breakthrough

David models a faith that praises God not just after deliverance, but in anticipation of it—celebrating God’s faithfulness even before the outcome is known. True praise is not based on circumstances, but on the character and promises of God. When we choose to worship in the midst of uncertainty, we declare our confidence in God’s word and His power to bring us through, allowing praise to become a weapon against despair and a declaration of trust in His unfailing love. [01:29:57]

Psalm 56:10 (ESV)
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise,

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are waiting for God to move? How can you offer Him genuine praise today, even before you see the answer?

Day 4: God Knows Every Tear and Trial

God is intimately aware of every struggle, every tear, and every burden you carry. He does not allow more weight than you can bear, and when the load feels too heavy, He is your spiritual spotter—ready to help, comfort, and sustain you. Trusting in God means believing that He sees your pain, records your tears, and will never leave you to face your trials alone, but will walk with you through every valley and storm. [01:25:32]

Psalm 56:8 (ESV)
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt overwhelmed—how did you experience God’s presence or comfort, and how can you invite Him into your current struggles?

Day 5: Choosing Trust Over the Fear of Man

The fear of people and their opinions can become a snare, but God calls us to place our trust in Him above all else. When we prioritize God’s power and promises over the threats or judgments of others, we find true security and freedom. Even when facing opposition, criticism, or uncertainty, we can stand boldly on God’s word, knowing that He is for us and will turn our enemies away, granting us peace and confidence in His steadfast love. [01:21:54]

Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Reflection: Is there a situation where you are more concerned about what people think than what God says? What would it look like to trust God’s opinion and promises above all others today?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of uncertainties, fears, and moments when we are forced to confront our own limitations. Yet, in the midst of all this, there is a source of unwavering reliability—God’s ability. When everything else in life can fail us—whether it’s our possessions, our health, or even the people we trust—God remains constant, unchanging, and fully able to do what He promises. The world may be in turmoil, and people may scramble to find security in things that are temporary, but true security is found in the One who created all things and holds all power and authority.

David, a man after God’s own heart, knew what it was to be afraid. He faced real threats, not just from circumstances, but from people who sought his life. Yet, in his fear, David chose to trust in God. He didn’t deny his fear or pretend it didn’t exist; instead, he brought it honestly before God and shifted his focus from his problems to his Redeemer. Trusting God doesn’t mean we won’t feel fear, but it means we refuse to let fear have the final word. Our faith is not in our own strength or in the things of this world, but in the God who has proven Himself faithful time and again.

Trust is more than a feeling; it’s an action. It’s putting our full weight on God’s promises, even when the evidence seems contrary. It’s remembering that God knows every tear we’ve cried, every burden we’ve carried, and He will not put more on us than we can bear with His help. Like a spotter in the weight room, God stands ready to lift the load when it becomes too much for us. He is mindful of our struggles and merciful in our weakness.

Praise is not reserved for the moments when everything is going well. True praise is born out of trust—it’s the declaration that God is worthy, not just for what He has done, but for who He is and what His word promises. Even before deliverance comes, we can celebrate, knowing that God is for us and that He is able. In uncertain times, the invitation remains: to trust in God, to lean on His word, and to walk with Him, knowing we are never alone.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Reliability Surpasses All Else We often place our trust in things that seem reliable—cars, appliances, even our own resources—but these can and do fail. God, however, never deteriorates in quality or performance. His character and ability are unchanging, making Him the only truly reliable foundation for our trust. [61:23]
2. Fear Is Inevitable, But Trust Is a Choice Everyone faces fear, no matter how strong or experienced they are. The difference lies in what we do with that fear: do we let it control us, or do we bring it to God and choose to trust Him? David’s example shows that fear can be transformed by faith when we focus on God’s strength rather than our own limitations. [68:21]
3. God Knows and Cares for Every Burden God is intimately aware of every struggle, every tear, and every weight we carry. He does not allow us to be overwhelmed beyond what we can bear with His help. Like a spotter, He is present to lift us when the load is too heavy, reminding us that we are never alone in our trials. [86:28]
4. Praise Is an Act of Prophetic Trust David praised God not just for past victories, but for the deliverance he believed God would bring. True praise is rooted in trust—it celebrates God’s word and character even before the outcome is seen. This kind of praise shifts our focus from our circumstances to the One who controls them. [89:57]
5. The Invitation to Trust Is for All Seasons God’s invitation is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a promise of His presence and faithfulness through every season. Whether facing uncertainty, seeking a spiritual home, or needing prayer, the call is to trust in God, respond to His Spirit, and know that He is able to fulfill every promise.

** [101:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[52:15] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[53:49] - Celebrating Youth and Guests
[54:45] - Worship in Uncertain Times
[55:34] - Scripture Reading: Psalm 56
[56:34] - The Reliability in God’s Ability
[57:53] - Trusting in What’s Truly Reliable
[59:10] - Misplaced Trust in Times of Crisis
[61:23] - God’s Unchanging Character
[63:27] - God’s Power and Authority
[64:33] - Facing Fear Honestly
[67:37] - Trusting God in the Midst of Fear
[69:59] - David’s Complaint and God’s Strength
[76:46] - God’s Wake-Up Call in Crisis
[78:49] - Confident Comfort: What Trust Really Means
[82:52] - God’s Mindfulness and Mercy
[86:28] - God as Our Spiritual Spotter
[89:16] - Contradicting Celebration: Praising in Advance
[92:42] - Praise Based on God’s Word
[99:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[101:26] - Invitation to Trust and Respond
[106:29] - Final Encouragement: God Is Able

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV) — > When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
> In God, whose word I praise,
> in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
> What can flesh do to me?

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.

Observation Questions

In Psalm 56:3-4, what does David say he does when he is afraid? How does he describe his trust in God?
According to the sermon, what are some things people often put their trust in that can fail them? ([59:10])
In Ephesians 3:20-21, what does Paul say about God’s ability compared to what we can ask or imagine?
How does David’s response to fear differ from simply pretending he isn’t afraid? ([01:08:21])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think David is honest about his fear instead of hiding it? What does this teach us about bringing our emotions to God? ([01:06:49])
The sermon compares God to a “spotter” in the weight room. What does this analogy say about God’s role in our struggles? ([01:26:28])
The pastor said, “Trust is more than a feeling; it’s an action.” What does it look like to put your “full weight” on God’s promises in real life? ([01:18:49])
Why is praise described as an act of “prophetic trust” in the sermon? How does praising God before deliverance comes change our perspective? ([01:29:57])

Application Questions

The sermon mentioned that people often trust in things like money, possessions, or even their own strength. What is one thing you tend to rely on for security, and how can you shift that trust toward God this week? ([59:10])
David didn’t deny his fear—he brought it to God. Is there a fear or worry you’ve been hiding or ignoring? What would it look like to honestly bring that to God in prayer? ([01:06:49])
The pastor said God knows every tear and every burden we carry. Is there a burden you’re carrying right now that feels too heavy? How might you invite God to be your “spotter” and help you with that load? ([01:26:28])
When was the last time you praised God before seeing the answer to your prayers? What is one area of your life where you can choose to praise God in advance this week? ([01:29:57])
The sermon said, “Trust is a choice.” Think of a current situation where you feel uncertain or afraid. What is one practical step you can take to choose trust over fear? ([01:08:21])
The invitation at the end of the sermon was not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a promise that God will walk with us. How does knowing you are never alone change the way you face challenges? ([01:41:42])
The pastor shared that sometimes God allows things we can’t control to get our attention and draw us back to Him. Has there been a recent situation in your life that made you realize your need for God? How did you respond? ([01:17:31])

Sermon Clips

God trying to get our attention. We've gotten to complacent. We're starting to believe in the stock market rather than the savior. We're starting to shout on gas prices rather than the one who can get us from A to B. We're putting more trust in other stuff of this world. And we've lost our, our life. The reverence to the one who got us to where we are. And can I tell you, the only way God is going to get us back and get our attention is to throw something into our life that we can't handle. We can't control. We can't stop. And then now we got to get back on our knees and say, father, I stretch when the world is panicking. I'm praising when the world is struggling. I'm shouting because I know that God has still the power. The power to deliver.

But the failure is that oftentimes we are reliable in things that cannot always promise reliability. We have more faith and trust in inanimate objects rather than a God who wakes us up every morning. [00:58:59]

I've rarely heard folks say, I'm trusting in God during this season. But they're making their way to the grocery store in order to prepare themselves for what may or may not happen. My mind recalls me. It was God that told the children of Israel, don't take more than what is today. I want to show you that the same God that can bless you today is essential. The same God that can bless you tomorrow. [00:59:52]

Can I tell you something in my life that has not deteriorated in quality or performance? And that is God. God has been the same from the very beginning. And he's still the same right now. Anybody know God is able? He's able. His ability is not limited to any man-made thing. God can do what he wants to do. And his ability is tied to his character. He's sovereign. He's omniscient. He's omnipresent. He's omnipotent. Whatever God wants to do, you nor I can stop God and his will. [01:01:15]

When you lift up your prayers, don't lift them up to the White House. Now unto him. When you lift up your prayers, don't lift it up to the government or to the police. Now unto him. Don't lift up your prayers to the money that you got in the bank. Now unto him. Who is able? [01:02:44]

I serve a God who can not only say what needs to be said, but he can show up and do what needs to be done. I'm not trying to be political, but anybody, any president in the White House can say what they want. But they may not have the power to bring it to pass. But I serve a God that his word says, I'll make you more. Then conquerors, that all things will work together for good to them that love the Lord. Not only will God speak it, but he sure will stand behind it. [01:03:39]

Fear is not a if, but it's a when. I don't care how big, bad, bold. I don't care what you carrying in your pocket. I don't care how much you go to the weight room, how much you can bench press, squat. I don't care how bad your temper is. We all fear something. [01:04:33]

You'll be amazed at what you do when you are fearful. You'll be amazed at what actions you take when there is fear. You remember Abraham when he went into Egypt and he thought that they were going to kill him and take his wife. He said, no, that ain't my booth. Man, that's my sister. Fear will cause us to change our character when we are in the midst of what we are afraid of. But however, when the waves of fear came crashing down on David's life, David chooses to trust. He moves his focus from the situation and he locks in on God. [01:07:17]

For David and for us, trusting God will drive the fear away. The reason why I can face some of the fears in my life is because I trust in God. And so the fear is there, but he expresses this fear in a positive manner. He doesn't feed his fear, nor does he stare at his problem. But he looks to his Redeemer. He will deliver him from what he is faced with. [01:08:06]

I can't come to church on Sunday and shout at a God that I don't believe in in every aspect of my life. The problem is we got too many so-called Christians who are bearing the banner, but when it comes down to pure trust in God, we're running scared. [01:09:03]

The reason why we go through stuff is not because God is trying to always punish us, but he has to prove to us that he can get us out of any situation. Amen. And even if he doesn't get us out, he'll be right there with us through every trial and tribulation. [01:12:13]

How many of us have that type of faith that even in we get ready to get thrown into the fiery furnaces of our life, we can stand boldly on God's word and say, our God is able. [01:13:03]

But even in the midst of my fear, I still trust in God in order to put me in the right place at the right time, in order to make it through whatever I'm afraid of. My mama taught me at a young age, boy, you better fight. You better stand up and not run. And so I've learned that in the face of opposition, I don't have to run from my storms, but I can stand on the promise of God. And God will get me through any storm in my life. [01:15:11]

When we are afraid is when we trust in God, not in easy times, not when things are going smooth, not when the sun shines, but when the tempest blows and the wind howls is when we start to trust in God. [01:16:25]

Trust is saying I'm putting my weight on whatever I'm putting my weight on. Going to put my trust in the very thing that I'm looking for to secure me in dark times. Trust is not exactly the same as faith, which is the gift from God, which we see in Ephesians two, eight and nine. But rather trusting is what we do because of the faith that we've been given. Trusting is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances. Even in those where the evidence seems to be contrary, trust is saying I'm going to put my weight on it. Even if it don't look like it can hold me up, I'm going to put my trust in God. [01:18:59]

If God can feed 15,000 folk with two fish and five loaves of bread, he can handle the virus. If he can cause Daniel to lay with a hungry lion, he can handle. If God can wake up a dead Jesus on resurrection Sunday morning. Don't you think? He can handle whatever we're faced. [01:20:22]

If I'm going to put my weight on something, I'm going to put it on the Lord. I had trusted in the Lord and his word says everything is going to be all right. David said the reason he can trust in God is because he know how mindful God is. [01:22:13]

How many of you can testify it wasn't anybody else and it wasn't of your own resources that got you where you are right now? Somebody here, you're going to lose your mind because when you think back over your life and you said if it had not been for the Lord. Oh my, some of y'all was on the sick bed, but God delivered you. Some of y'all lost your life. God brought you back. Some of y'all could have lost everything and been on skid row, but God turned your situation around. Is there anybody in here that'll testify it wasn't my money that got me where I am right now, but because God been good to me, he showed favor in my life. I am where I am because of the Lord. [01:23:38]

God said, David, I know what you've been through. He said, I'm not trying to put more on you to make you crumble. He said, but the more weight I put on you is because I already know you can handle the weight. Yeah. Before you even get up under. God is not going to put more on you that's going to cause you to hurt. But when you trust in God, he said the more I put on you, I already know that you can handle any weight or burden in your life. [01:25:20]

God said, I know what you've been through. I know what tears have fallen in your life. He said, but I'm still here. To wipe every tear from your eyes. I'm still here to move all of the fears out of your life. I'm still here. [01:27:03]

David said, when I cry, you'll cause what's bringing me pain to turn and leave me alone. Is there anybody in here that know that God can call? Your enemies to leave you alone. Maybe it's just me, but I've had some haters in my life I ain't have to do nothing toward my haters. God has a way of moving haters out of my life. God has a way if you just stay on the word of God. God can move and tell your enemies to leave you alone. [01:27:55]

He tells God what's wrong, but he tells God, I'm going to trust in you. And then he starts to shout at the futuristic prophetic deliverance of God. Amen. David says, I'm going to praise you even before I know how you're going to pull me out. [01:29:44]

David's praise was in good times and the bad times. David wasn't one of those that just praised when he needed to. Some of us, when we need deliverance in our life, that's when we come to church on Sunday morning. And we giving him. And above average. We're trying to show God, God, if I do more for you, maybe you'll do more for me. I tell you, God doesn't work like that. God wants to see how you praise when things are good, not just when they're bad. [01:30:40]

But David's praise was not based on the outcome. But based on the one who controlled the outcome. He said, in God, I will praise his word. David prays based on not what God has done. But he based on what his word will do. David said, I can praise God even for his word. [01:32:42]

Is there anybody in here? Your faith is strong enough that you can praise God on his word. And not just for his works. Is there anybody that know by his word? Gideon moved to get the victory through the hands of God. By his word, the Lord healed a man lame at the gate called beautiful. By his word, the greatest fishing trip took place in the holy river. By his word, he told lepers to walk. And every step that he took, their leprosy was healed. By his word, he told a man to stretch forth your hand. And as his hand was stretching, he was being healed. [01:33:26]

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