Trusting God's Faithfulness Through Our Stories
Summary
Today’s focus is on the faithfulness and goodness of God, and how our stories—both personal and communal—bear witness to His ongoing work in our lives. We began by pausing to worship and remember God’s goodness, encouraging everyone to recall specific moments of His faithfulness, healing, and restoration. This act of remembrance is not just for our own encouragement, but also a way to give God glory and to strengthen our trust in Him, especially in times of uncertainty or pain. We also took time to intercede for those suffering in Texas, asking God to bring comfort, peace, and miraculous intervention, reminding ourselves that prayer is both a privilege and a responsibility.
The importance of giving was highlighted, not just as a financial transaction, but as an act of worship and a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts to reflect God’s generous nature. We introduced the Legacy Team, inviting those with a gift of giving to partner more intentionally in the vision God has for our church, emphasizing that generosity paces the vision and impact of our community.
Transitioning into the new “Our Stories” series, we reflected on the value of testimony. While open mic testimony services of the past sometimes lost their focus, the need to share stories of God’s faithfulness remains vital. Testimonies connect us, build faith, and remind us that God’s work is ongoing and personal. Especially in a multi-campus church, sharing stories bridges gaps and unites us as one body.
Drawing from Pastor Justin and Jayla’s journey, we explored what it means to trust God in the “middle”—those seasons of uncertainty where the path isn’t clear. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, not relying on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways. Three key insights emerged: First, “large doors swing on small hinges”—God often uses seemingly insignificant relationships to open significant opportunities. Second, God is always moving, even when we can’t see it; His past faithfulness assures us of His present activity. Third, if we focus on walking in God’s ways—on who He calls us to be—He will lead us into His will for our lives.
The challenge is to examine our relationships, our areas of trust, and our focus on God’s ways versus simply seeking His will. As we respond in worship and prayer, may we be attentive to the Spirit’s prompting, trusting that as we walk in His ways, He will direct our paths.
Key Takeaways
- Seemingly insignificant relationships can be the very hinges upon which God opens major doors in our lives. Faithfulness in small, overlooked connections often precedes greater opportunities, so it’s vital not to dismiss or neglect the people God places around us. God’s kingdom advances through relationships, and every connection has potential for divine purpose. [01:01:50]
- God is always at work, even when His activity is hidden from our view. When we look back on our lives, we often see how God was orchestrating events and relationships for our good, even in seasons of confusion or waiting. Trusting God means believing He is moving on our behalf, even when we cannot see the evidence in the moment. [01:04:00]
- The pursuit of God’s will is best approached by focusing on His ways—on who He calls us to be, rather than just what He wants us to do. When we prioritize character, obedience, and spiritual fruit, we naturally find ourselves aligned with His purposes. God is more interested in our transformation than our location or occupation. [01:06:06]
- Generosity is not merely about giving money, but about participating in God’s nature and mission. When we give, we are not just supporting a vision; we are being shaped into people who reflect God’s heart. Our giving sets the pace for what God can do through us collectively, and it is an act of worship that deepens our trust in His provision. [38:46]
- Honest self-examination in prayer opens us to God’s guidance and correction. When we ask God to reveal neglected relationships, areas where we lack trust, or ways we need to grow, He is faithful to speak and lead us. Responding to His prompting requires humility and a willingness to change, but it is the pathway to deeper intimacy and fruitfulness. [01:11:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:18] - Worship and Remembrance of God’s Goodness
[30:00] - Prayer for Texas and Intercession
[32:00] - Offering as Worship and Introduction to Legacy Team
[36:00] - Instructions for Giving and Legacy Team Sign-Up
[38:46] - Introduction to “Our Stories” Series
[40:02] - The Value and Pitfalls of Testimony Services
[42:18] - Building Unity Across Campuses Through Stories
[51:22] - Trusting God in the Middle of Uncertainty
[52:45] - Proverbs 3:5-6 and the Call to Trust
[01:01:50] - Large Doors Swing on Small Hinges: The Power of Relationships
[01:04:00] - God is Moving Even When We Can’t See It
[01:06:06] - Walking in God’s Ways vs. Seeking His Will
[01:08:40] - Reflecting on Relationships, Trust, and Obedience
[01:11:06] - Prayer of Response and Closing Worship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Our Stories: Trusting God’s Faithfulness”
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### Bible Reading
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
> And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we told to do with our hearts and understanding? What is the promise if we do this?
2. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the importance of sharing our stories and testimonies with each other? [42:18]
3. What phrase did the pastor use to describe how God often works through relationships, and what does it mean? [01:01:50]
4. How did the pastor describe the difference between focusing on God’s will and focusing on God’s ways? [01:06:06]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean on our own understanding? What might happen if we do?
2. The pastor said, “large doors swing on small hinges.” How does this idea challenge the way we view the people and relationships in our lives? [01:01:50]
3. Why is it important to remember and share stories of God’s faithfulness, especially during uncertain or painful times? [42:18]
4. What does it look like to focus on “who God wants us to be” instead of just “what God wants us to do”? How might this change our daily decisions? [01:06:06]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor encouraged everyone to recall specific moments of God’s faithfulness, healing, or restoration. Can you share a time when you saw God come through for you or someone you know? How did that impact your trust in Him? [29:18]
2. Are there any relationships in your life right now that you might be overlooking or taking for granted? What is one step you could take this week to invest in or strengthen that relationship? [01:01:50]
3. The sermon talked about trusting God “in the middle”—when things are uncertain or unclear. Is there an area of your life where you feel “in the middle” right now? What would it look like to trust God with that situation? [51:22]
4. When you look back on your life, can you see times when God was working behind the scenes, even if you didn’t notice it at the time? How does remembering those times help you trust Him today? [3840s]
5. The pastor said that generosity is not just about giving money, but about being shaped into people who reflect God’s heart. What is one way you can practice generosity this week—whether with your time, resources, or encouragement? [2326s]
6. In your prayer life, do you take time to ask God to show you areas where you need to grow or trust Him more? What is one area you sense God might be highlighting for you right now? [01:11:06]
7. The sermon challenged us to focus on walking in God’s ways—character, obedience, spiritual fruit—rather than just seeking His will for our lives. What is one specific “way” of God (like kindness, patience, honesty) you want to focus on this week? How will you do it? [01:06:06]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust Him more, invest in relationships, and walk in His ways this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, even when you cannot see the way forward.
There are seasons in life when we find ourselves in the “middle”—not where we started, not yet where we hope to be, and often surrounded by uncertainty. In these moments, God calls us to trust Him fully, not relying on our own understanding or trying to figure everything out ourselves. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to direct our paths, even when the road ahead is unclear. Trust is not about having all the answers, but about believing that God is faithful and will guide us step by step as we seek Him. [52:45]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV):
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God fully? How can you surrender that area to Him today and invite Him to direct your path?
Day 2: The Power of Testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
Sharing stories of God’s faithfulness is not just a tradition—it is a spiritual weapon. When we tell of what God has done, it builds faith in others and reminds us that He is still at work. Testimonies connect us as a community, helping us see that we are not alone in our struggles and victories. Even when circumstances are difficult, recalling and sharing God’s goodness shifts our focus from problems to praise, and from fear to hope. [42:18]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV):
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection: Think of a time when God was faithful to you. Who can you share that story with this week to encourage their faith?
Day 3: Do Not Overlook Small Relationships
Large doors swing on small hinges—God uses even the most unlikely connections.
God often opens significant doors in our lives through relationships that may seem insignificant at first glance. Every connection, no matter how small, can be a hinge on which God swings open new opportunities. Faithfulness in nurturing these relationships, rather than overlooking or dismissing them, positions us to receive what God has prepared. Sometimes, the breakthrough we are praying for comes through a person we least expect. [01:01:50]
Luke 16:10 (ESV):
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that you have overlooked or neglected? What is one step you can take this week to strengthen or honor that connection?
Day 4: God Is Working Even When We Cannot See
God is always moving, even when His work is hidden from our eyes.
There are times when it feels like God is silent or distant, but He is always at work behind the scenes. Looking back on past seasons, we can often see how God was orchestrating events for our good, even when we didn’t recognize it in the moment. Trusting God means believing that He is moving on our behalf, preparing the way, and working all things together for our good—even when we cannot see the evidence right now. [01:04:00]
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: Recall a time when you realized, after the fact, that God had been working in your life. How does that memory help you trust Him with what you cannot see today?
Day 5: Walking in God’s Ways Leads to His Will
Focus on being who God calls you to be, not just doing what He calls you to do.
We often become preoccupied with discovering God’s specific will for our lives—where to go, what to do, whom to marry. But God’s greater concern is that we walk in His ways: living with integrity, loving others, and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. When we focus on being the person God desires, we naturally find ourselves in the center of His will. The journey is less about the destination and more about the transformation that happens as we walk with Him daily. [01:07:32]
Micah 6:8 (ESV):
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Reflection: In what area of your character or daily habits is God inviting you to grow so that you can better walk in His ways? What is one practical change you can make this week?
Quotes
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