Trusting God: Surrendering Control for Divine Provision
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and trusting Him completely. He acknowledges that as humans, we often try to fix things on our own and rely on our own abilities. However, he asserts that God's supernatural work in our lives can only happen when we let go and stop trying to fix everything ourselves. The pastor uses the example of the Widow who had to trust God completely in order to receive His help. He encourages the congregation to give up their own control and trust God in every area of their lives, whether it be in their health, finances, relationships, or any other need.
The pastor shares a personal anecdote about forgetting to send himself a message and trying to reach his wife, Kim, on the phone. He was so focused on getting his backpack from her that he forgot to greet her properly. He then transitions to sharing some good news with the congregation - the church will be getting a new associate pastor who can also do music. He expresses gratitude to Kim for filling in as the music leader for the past few months.
The pastor reflects on the story of a widow who was preparing a meal for herself and her son before they expected to die. He draws a parallel between the bleak situation of the widow and the state of our hearts before surrendering to Christ. He emphasizes that when we are at the end of our own resources and ways, it is common for us to try to fix things ourselves. However, he encourages the congregation to recognize that God is always present and waiting to help us.
The pastor shares a story about Emperor Charles I trying to assassinate John Bren, a friend of Martin Luther. Bren managed to escape and hide in his neighbor's Hay Loft for 14 days with only a loaf of bread. However, the Lord sent a hen that laid an egg each day to sustain Bren's life. On the 15th day, the hen did not come, but Bren heard the calvary men leaving the streets below, indicating that the danger was over. The pastor emphasizes that God cares for His people and provides for them even in the midst of trouble.
The pastor focuses on the story of the Widow at Zaraphath from 1 Kings 17. He highlights three opportunities that God gave to the Widow. The first opportunity is the opportunity to be saved, emphasizing the importance of submitting to the authority and leadership of Christ. The second opportunity is the opportunity to witness, emphasizing the need to share the good news of Christ with others. Finally, the pastor focuses on the third opportunity, which is the opportunity to give. However, he clarifies that this opportunity is not just about giving money or tithes, but about giving of ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and trusting Him completely. He asserts that God's supernatural work in our lives can only happen when we let go and stop trying to fix everything ourselves. This is a reminder that we should not rely solely on our own abilities but trust in God's power and wisdom. [49:33]
- The pastor shares a personal anecdote about forgetting to send himself a message and trying to reach his wife, Kim, on the phone. This story serves as a reminder that we often get so caught up in our own needs and wants that we forget to show love and appreciation to those around us. [52:45]
- The pastor reflects on the story of a widow who was preparing a meal for herself and her son before they expected to die. This story serves as a reminder that when we are at the end of our own resources and ways, it is common for us to try to fix things ourselves. However, we should recognize that God is always present and waiting to help us. [55:12]
- The pastor shares a story about Emperor Charles I trying to assassinate John Bren, a friend of Martin Luther. This story serves as a reminder that God cares for His people and provides for them even in the midst of trouble. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to provide for us in unexpected ways. [58:30]
- The pastor focuses on the story of the Widow at Zaraphath from 1 Kings 17. He highlights three opportunities that God gave to the Widow. This story serves as a reminder that God often presents us with opportunities to grow in our faith and to serve others. We should be open to these opportunities and be willing to give of ourselves. [1:01:15]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Kings 17:13-16 [21:36]
2. 1 Kings 17:7-16 [28:07]
3. 1 Kings 17:12 [37:33]
Observation Questions:
1. What was the widow's initial reaction when Elijah asked her to make him a small loaf of bread before she and her son ate?
2. How did the widow's circumstances change after she obeyed Elijah's request?
3. What was the widow's situation before she met Elijah?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the widow's action of giving Elijah the last of her food tell us about her faith and trust in God's provision?
2. How does the widow's situation reflect our own spiritual condition before we come to know Christ?
3. How does God's provision for the widow reflect His character and His promises to us?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt like you were at the end of your resources, like the widow, and how did you respond to that situation?
2. How can you demonstrate faith and trust in God's provision in a practical way in your life this week?
3. How can you encourage someone in your life who may be feeling like they are at the end of their resources?
4. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and provision in times of scarcity or fear?
5. How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity, like the widow, even in times of personal need?
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering to Christ
Surrendering to Christ is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. It involves letting go of our own desires and priorities, and allowing God to take control. This surrender allows God to use us in ways we could never imagine, as we let go of the things that have been holding us back ([53:23]).
Bible Passage: Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto that you need to surrender to Christ?
Day 2: Trusting God's Provision
The story of the widow in Zarephath teaches us about trusting God's provision. Even in her dire circumstances, she was willing to give her last meal to Elijah, trusting in God's promise of provision. This act of faith resulted in a miracle of abundance ([28:07]).
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate trust in God's provision in your life today?
Day 3: Reckless Giving
The widow's act of giving her last meal to Elijah can be seen as reckless. However, it was her faith and trust in God that led her to give with reckless abandon. This kind of giving is not about the amount, but the heart behind it ([29:31]).
Bible Passage: Luke 21:4 - "All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Reflection: How can you practice reckless giving in your life?
Day 4: God's Unshakeable Love
God's love for us is unshakeable. No matter what we've done or where we've been, His love remains constant. When we understand this, we can let go of our guilt and shame, and embrace His love fully ([56:38]).
Bible Passage: Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: How does knowing God's unshakeable love for you change how you live your life?
Day 5: God's Faithfulness
God is always faithful. Even when things don't look good, we can trust that He is working behind the scenes for our good. His faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances, but on His unchanging character ([18:34]).
Bible Passage: Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life?
Quotes
"God's Supernatural work in our lives can't begin until we let it. We stop trying to fix it...God goes watch this." [40:17]
"The Widow in order to be helped by God had to trust God...it wasn't until she trusted and let God help she found her answer." [41:01]
"The only way that you and I are going to get God's very best in our lives is when we decide to give up on our own and trust God." [43:16]
"Is there an area in your life that you need to just let go of and turn it over to God? Is there something that you and I are holding on to that we say, 'man it's mine, it's mine, it's mine,' and it doesn't matter why we're holding on to it, but is there something that we're holding on to that we've said God you can't have access to that?" [49:51]
"God can use ordinary people in their ordinary situations and say look I want to use you get ready and that's what God did if he can use a widow like this then he can use you and he can use me in spite of our hurts in spite of our Hang-Ups in spite of all the stuff that we have going on." [34:37]
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