Transformative Faith: Surrendering to God's Will

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is the Assurance of Things Hoped For

Faith is not a vague belief but a firm assurance and confidence in the things we hope for, even when we do not yet possess them. This assurance steadies our walk with God, giving us a joyful anticipation that, as we do His will, He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. When doubts arise, remember that faith and doubt often coexist, but faith is what keeps us anchored, trusting that God is for us and not against us. Even when we cannot see the outcome, faith assures us that God is working on our behalf, and we can rest in His promises. [44:03]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you are hoping for but have not yet seen fulfilled? How can you choose to trust Him with it today, even in the face of doubt?

Day 2: Faith Is the Conviction of Things Not Seen

Faith is also the conviction and proof of realities that already exist, even though they are invisible to us. We believe that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, that we are forgiven and loved, and that we have a glorious inheritance, even when we do not feel or see these truths. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is often unseen, but its effects are real and transformative. Faith enables us to live in the reality of God’s love, forgiveness, and presence, trusting in what He has revealed rather than what we can perceive with our senses. [53:01]

2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe in God’s unseen reality? How can you remind yourself today of the truth of His presence and promises, even when you cannot see them?

Day 3: God Is Faithful to Complete What He Begins

God, who began a good work in you, is faithful to bring it to completion. Even when you feel like you are starting over or facing new challenges, you can trust that God’s hand is at work in your life and in the lives of those you love. He calls you to endure, to stick it out, and to trust that after you have done His will, you will receive His promise. The process may involve waiting, growing, and even being broken before Him, but He is the Master Potter who lovingly puts you back together and shapes you for His purposes. [38:57]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel unfinished or discouraged? How can you surrender that area to God today and trust Him to continue His good work in you?

Day 4: Faith Believes What God Has Revealed

Faith is not just trusting in God’s promises for the future, but also believing what He has revealed about the past and present—even when we did not witness it ourselves. We believe that God created the universe by His word, not because we saw it, but because He revealed it to us through Scripture. Faith comes by hearing the word of God, and it is by faith that we understand and accept the truths He has made known, even when they defy human understanding or experience. [01:12:57]

Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Reflection: Is there a truth from Scripture that you find hard to accept because you cannot see or prove it? What would it look like to trust God’s revelation over your own understanding today?

Day 5: Faith Is a Personal Trust Based on God’s Invitation

Faith is not a natural talent or something some people are born with; it is a personal trust in God that grows as He reveals Himself to us. God invites each of us to follow Him, to know Him, and to experience His faithfulness firsthand. Our faith is strengthened as we remember the evidence of His work in our lives and as we choose to trust Him, even when past hurts or disappointments make it difficult. God is not like those who have failed us—He is trustworthy, and He invites us to believe, to follow, and to receive the blessing of faith in things not seen. [01:23:20]

John 20:29 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Reflection: Think of a time when you struggled to trust God because of past disappointments or hurts. What step can you take today to open your heart to His invitation and trust Him more deeply?

Sermon Summary

When the Holy Spirit breathes upon our lives, something within us must change. There are moments when we cry out for circumstances to break, for chains to fall, for obstacles to move, but often, what truly needs to break is our own hearts before God. Surrender is the beginning of transformation. Just as the loaves and fish were broken and multiplied, so too must we allow ourselves to be broken before Christ, trusting Him to remake us according to His will.

Jesus warned us that tribulation is inevitable, but He also commanded us not to let our hearts be troubled. This is not a denial of reality, but a call to fight against fear, doubt, and worry with the spiritual weapons He has given us. Guarding our hearts is foundational to our faith journey. Faith itself is not a vague optimism or a natural talent, but a living assurance and conviction rooted in God’s promises and revelations.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The first promise of faith was given in the garden, after the fall, when God spoke of a Redeemer. Before that, Adam and Eve walked with God by sight, not by faith. After sin entered, faith became necessary—trusting in what God has promised and what He has revealed, even when we cannot see it. Our faith is not based on feelings or visible evidence, but on the unchanging Word of God.

There are present realities we cannot see: Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, our forgiveness, our inheritance, the work of the Holy Spirit, and our position in heavenly places with Christ. These are not mere hopes, but truths established by God, even if invisible to our senses. Faith is not something we are born with or a gift given to a select few; it is offered to all, and it grows as we respond to God’s invitation and revelation.

God does not demand blind belief. He reveals Himself, invites us to follow, and provides evidence of His faithfulness. Our trust in Him is personal, but it is also reasonable, grounded in His Word and in the ways He has worked in our lives. Even when we struggle with doubt, we are called to bring our unbelief to Him, trusting that He is able to strengthen our faith. Ultimately, faith is a lifelong journey of knowing God, loving Him, and making Him known, anchored in the assurance of His promises and the conviction of His unseen realities.

Key Takeaways

1. Surrender is the starting point for breakthrough. Often, we pray for external circumstances to change, but God calls us to let our own hearts be broken and surrendered before Him. True transformation begins when we allow ourselves to be shaped and remade by the Master Potter, trusting Him with every piece of our lives. [33:10]
2. Faith is not a natural talent or a vague feeling, but a living assurance and conviction. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen—rooted in God’s promises and revelations, not in our emotions or circumstances. This faith is available to all who respond to God’s invitation, not just a select few. [51:10]
3. The realities of God’s kingdom are often invisible but no less true. Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, we are forgiven and loved, and we are seated with Him in heavenly places—these are present realities established by God, even if we cannot see or feel them. Faith holds fast to these truths, trusting God’s Word above our senses. [54:18]
4. God’s sovereignty means that all things—good and bad—are ultimately worked together for the good of those who love Him. Even when we cannot see the outcome or understand the process, faith clings to the conviction that God is at work, orchestrating our lives according to His purpose and for our ultimate good. [66:58]
5. Faith grows through relationship and revelation, not through striving or comparison. God invites us to follow Him, reveals Himself through His Word and Spirit, and provides evidence of His faithfulness in our lives. When we struggle with doubt, we are called to bring it honestly before Him, trusting that He will strengthen our faith as we continue to seek and know Him. [83:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:58] - Worship: “Something Has to Break”
[31:18] - Jesus’ Words on Troubled Hearts
[33:10] - The Need for Personal Surrender
[34:27] - Announcements and Celebrations
[40:13] - Introduction to Faith Series
[41:33] - The Importance and Growth of Faith
[44:03] - Assurance of Things Hoped For
[45:19] - Wrestling with Doubt and Unbelief
[47:57] - The Origin of Faith in Genesis
[51:10] - Faith as Conviction of Unseen Realities
[54:18] - Christ at the Right Hand of the Father
[57:40] - Forgiveness, Love, and Inheritance
[61:08] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
[66:58] - God’s Sovereignty in All Things
[72:17] - Faith and the Creation Account
[78:55] - Faith Is Not a Natural Talent
[83:59] - Faith Grows Through Relationship
[89:51] - Invitation to Trust and Believe
[93:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) — > Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2. 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.

3. Genesis 3:15 (ESV)
> I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 11:1, what two things does faith give us: assurance of what, and conviction of what?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is often the first thing that needs to “break” when we are seeking breakthrough in our lives? [[33:10]]
What promise did God give to Adam and Eve after the fall, and why is this considered the beginning of faith? [[48:36]]
According to Romans 8:28, who are the people that God works all things together for good?

Interpretation Questions

The pastor says that surrender is the starting point for breakthrough, not just a change in circumstances. Why might God want our hearts to be broken and surrendered before Him, rather than just fixing our problems? [[33:10]]
The sermon explains that faith is not a natural talent or a vague feeling, but a living assurance and conviction. How does this understanding of faith challenge the way people usually think about “having faith”? [[51:10]]
The realities of God’s kingdom—like Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, our forgiveness, and our inheritance—are described as “present realities” even though we can’t see them. Why is it important for believers to hold onto these unseen truths? [[54:18]]
The pastor mentions that faith grows through relationship and revelation, not striving or comparison. What does it look like to let faith grow in this way, and how is it different from trying to “work up” faith on our own? [[01:23:59]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that often we pray for our circumstances to change, but what really needs to change is our own hearts. Is there a situation in your life right now where you sense God is asking you to surrender or “break” before Him? What would it look like to do that this week? [[33:10]]
When you face fear, doubt, or worry, how do you usually respond? The pastor says Jesus commands us not to let our hearts be troubled, but to fight with the spiritual weapons He’s given us. What is one practical way you can guard your heart this week? [[31:18]]
The sermon teaches that faith is not based on feelings or visible evidence, but on God’s unchanging Word. Can you think of a time when you had to trust God’s promises even when you didn’t feel or see any evidence? How did that experience shape your faith? [[51:10]]
The pastor says that God’s sovereignty means all things—good and bad—are worked together for our good. Is there a difficult situation in your life where you struggle to see how God could use it for good? How might you remind yourself of Romans 8:28 in that situation? [[01:06:58]]
Faith grows through relationship and revelation, not comparison. Are there ways you’ve compared your faith to others and felt discouraged? What is one step you can take to focus on your own relationship with God this week, rather than comparing yourself to others? [[01:23:59]]
The pastor encourages us to bring our doubts honestly before God, trusting Him to strengthen our faith. Is there an area of unbelief or doubt you need to talk to God about? What would it look like to bring that honestly to Him in prayer? [[45:19]]
The sermon says that faith is a lifelong journey of knowing God, loving Him, and making Him known. What is one way you can intentionally grow in knowing or loving God this month? How might you share what you’re learning with someone else? [[01:02:26]]

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