Trusting God Through Pain and Miracles
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate the dedication of Matilda, recognizing that children are a gift from God and that raising them is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. As parents and as a community, we commit to raising our children in the ways of the Lord, trusting in His promises to protect, guide, and save them. We acknowledge that while we do our best, it is ultimately God who holds our children and our lives in His hands. This dedication is not just a ceremony, but a declaration of trust and dependence on God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy.
We also reflected on the powerful story depicted in “Miracles from Heaven,” a true account of the Beam family’s journey through suffering, doubt, and ultimately, miraculous healing. Their story reminds us that God is present with us even in our deepest pain, often working in ways we cannot see or understand. Like Christy Beam, we may find ourselves at the end of our strength, questioning God’s presence or purpose, but Scripture assures us that God draws near to the brokenhearted and is closer than our pain. Faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting God when understanding fails, taking the next step even when the path is unclear.
God often works through ordinary people—like Angela, the waitress in the story—who become vessels of His love and kindness in the lives of others. Our small acts of compassion can be part of someone else’s miracle, reminding us that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our everyday lives. Miracles, whether dramatic or subtle, are not just about relief from suffering; they are revelations of God’s glory and invitations to draw closer to Him. Even when we don’t see the answer we’re hoping for, God is still at work, weaving together our stories for our good and His glory.
Wherever you find yourself today—whether in pain, in doubt, in need of a miracle, or being called to be a blessing to others—know that God is with you. He is closer than your pain, faithful in your doubts, and able to do more than you can ask or imagine. Let’s open our hearts to trust Him afresh, to see His miracles in our lives, and to be used by Him for the good of others.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence in Pain: In our lowest moments, when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed, God is not distant. He draws near to the brokenhearted, closer than our pain, and walks with us through every valley. Even when we cannot sense Him, His presence is a promise, not a feeling, and He is the God who sees us, just as He saw Hagar in the wilderness. [01:04:46]
- Faith Beyond Understanding: True faith is not the absence of questions or doubts, but the willingness to trust God when we cannot see the whole picture. We are called to walk by faith, not by sight, and to lean not on our own understanding. Faith persists, keeps showing up, and takes the next step even when the outcome is uncertain or delayed. [01:13:09]
- God Uses Ordinary People: God often chooses to work through everyday acts of kindness and compassion, using ordinary people to be part of extraordinary miracles. Like Angela in the story, our willingness to notice, serve, and love others can be the very answer to someone’s desperate prayer. We don’t need a title or platform—just a heart willing to be used. [01:20:05]
- Miracles Reveal God’s Glory: Miracles are not just about solving our problems; they are about revealing who God is and drawing us closer to Him. When God moves, it is unmistakable, and His works point us and those around us to His power, faithfulness, and love. Even the waiting and the pain are not wasted, but are woven into a greater story for our good and His glory. [01:27:42]
- Invitation to Trust and Respond: Each of us is invited to locate ourselves in God’s story—whether we are in need, in doubt, or being called to serve. God welcomes us with our questions and our pain, and He desires to work miracles in and through us. Our response is to trust Him, to stand in faith, and to be open to how He might use us in the lives of others. [01:34:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[34:51] - Children’s Dedication: Entrusting Our Children to God
[40:22] - Declaration and Prayer Over Matilda
[42:35] - Blessing and Community Support
[49:12] - Announcements and Light the Way Festival Recap
[50:32] - Why We Gather: Our Mission and Summer at the Movies
[52:35] - Introduction to “Miracles from Heaven”
[56:39] - God’s Presence in Our Deepest Pain
[01:02:56] - The God Who Sees: Hagar’s Story
[01:07:05] - Faith Persists When Understanding Fails
[01:13:09] - Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt
[01:14:50] - God Works Through Ordinary People
[01:20:05] - Small Acts, Big Miracles
[01:21:00] - God’s Miracles Reveal His Glory
[01:27:42] - Testimonies of God’s Power Today
[01:32:45] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[01:34:12] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “God’s Presence, Faith, and Miracles”
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 34:18, who does the Lord draw near to, and what does He promise to do for them?
2. In the sermon, what promise from Isaiah 49:25 was highlighted for parents dedicating their children to God? [34:51]
3. What role did Angela, the waitress, play in the Beam family’s story, and how did her actions reflect God’s love? [01:14:50]
4. What was the outcome for Anna after her fall, and how did her experience point to God’s glory? [01:21:48]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that God is “closer than your pain,” and how might this change the way someone views their suffering? [59:03]
2. The sermon says, “Faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting God when understanding fails.” How does this idea challenge or encourage someone who is struggling with doubt? [01:12:04]
3. Why do you think God often chooses to work through ordinary people, like Angela or Dorcas, instead of only through dramatic miracles? [01:19:03]
4. How do miracles, whether big or small, reveal God’s glory and invite us to draw closer to Him? [01:26:38]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about God being near in our pain, even when we can’t feel Him. Can you think of a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed, but looking back, you can see God was with you? What helped you realize His presence? [59:03]
2. When have you faced a situation where you didn’t understand what God was doing, but you chose to trust Him anyway? What did that look like for you? [01:12:04]
3. Angela’s simple kindness became part of a miracle for the Beam family. Who is someone in your life right now who might need a small act of compassion? What is one thing you could do for them this week? [01:14:50]
4. The sermon mentioned that miracles are not just about relief from suffering, but about revealing who God is. How can you look for God’s hand at work in your life, even in situations that haven’t turned out the way you hoped? [01:26:38]
5. The dedication of Matilda was described as a declaration of trust and dependence on God. If you are a parent, what does it look like for you to entrust your children to God daily? If you’re not a parent, how can you support families in your church community? [34:51]
6. The story of Hagar in Genesis 16 was used to show that God sees us in our pain. Is there an area of your life where you need to remember that God sees you and cares? How can you remind yourself of this truth? [01:04:46]
7. The sermon ended with an invitation to trust God afresh and be open to how He might use us. What is one area where you sense God inviting you to trust Him more or to step out and serve others? [01:34:12]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for those who are in a season of pain, doubt, or waiting for a miracle. Ask God to help each person trust Him, see His presence, and be open to being used as a vessel of His love.
Devotional
Day 1: God is present even in our deepest pain
No matter how overwhelming our pain or confusion may be, God promises to draw near to us in our lowest moments. He is not distant or detached, but closer than even the pain itself—present, compassionate, and attentive to every tear and every cry. Even when we cannot see or feel Him, He is walking with us through the valley, never leaving us to face our struggles alone. Like Hagar in the wilderness, we can trust that the God who sees us is with us, offering comfort and hope when we feel forgotten or invisible. [01:07:05]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: When have you felt most alone in your pain, and how might you open your heart today to sense God’s nearness—even if you can’t see or feel Him right now?
Day 2: Faith persists even when understanding fails
Faith is not about having all the answers or understanding every detail of our journey; it is about trusting God’s heart when we cannot trace His hand. Even when our prayers seem unanswered and our understanding falls short, God invites us to lean not on our own insight but to trust Him fully. Real faith can include questions and doubts, but it keeps showing up, keeps trusting, and keeps taking the next step, believing that God is working even when we cannot see the outcome. [01:13:09]
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to understand God’s plan, and how can you choose to trust Him with it today, even without answers?
Day 3: God works through ordinary people to show His love
God often uses everyday people and simple acts of kindness to reveal His love and bring about miracles in the lives of others. You don’t need a title or special qualifications to be used by God; your willingness to notice, care, and serve can be the very answer to someone’s prayer. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a small gesture of hospitality, God’s love flows through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. [01:20:05]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show kindness to this week, and what specific act of love can you offer them as God’s hands and feet?
Day 4: God’s miracles reveal His glory and draw us closer
Miracles are not just about relief from suffering—they are moments where God’s power and glory break through, drawing us closer to Him and deepening our faith. Sometimes the answer comes in ways we do not expect, but every miracle—big or small—points us to the faithfulness and greatness of God. Even when we are waiting for our own breakthrough, we can look for and celebrate the miracles God is working all around us, knowing that He is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. [01:27:42]
Ephesians 3:20 (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,"
Reflection: Where have you seen God’s miraculous work—big or small—in your life or in the lives of others, and how can you give Him glory for it today?
Day 5: God welcomes us, doubts and all, and invites us to trust Him
God does not turn away from us when we have doubts or questions; instead, He draws near and invites us to bring our honest struggles to Him. He welcomes us in our weakness and uncertainty, offering grace and strength to keep moving forward. No matter where you find yourself—whether in pain, doubt, or waiting for a miracle—God is ready to meet you, walk with you, and use your story for His glory. [01:33:33]
Jude 1:22 (ESV)
"And have mercy on those who doubt;"
Reflection: What honest doubts or questions are you carrying today, and how can you bring them to God in prayer, trusting that He welcomes you just as you are?
Quotes
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