Trusting God's Plan: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, I shared my personal journey of faith, highlighting the transformative power of God's guidance and provision. As a child, I felt a strong calling to be a missionary, but fear held me back. My life took a different path, filled with selfish pursuits and even criminal activities, which led to my arrest at 19. It was during this low point that I cried out to God, seeking a fresh start. Despite my reluctance to become a missionary or minister, God had other plans for me.
My journey took a significant turn in 2009 when a severe head injury and subsequent heart issues forced me to reevaluate my life. During this period, Proverbs 3:5-6 became a cornerstone of my faith: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." This verse guided me through financial struggles and health crises, teaching me to rely entirely on God's provision.
One of the most profound lessons came when I started fixing phones as a means to support my family. This humble beginning turned into a business, but God continually reminded me to keep my focus on Him rather than on financial gain. When faced with the decision to sell my business, I chose integrity over immediate financial relief, trusting that God would provide.
Throughout these experiences, I learned the importance of obedience and faith. Whether it was giving notice to leave a comfortable situation without knowing the next step or trusting God to provide a building for my business, each act of faith was met with God's faithfulness. My story is a testament to the fact that when we surrender our plans to God and follow His guidance, He provides in ways we could never imagine.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Timing and Provision: My journey has shown that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed or uncertain. Trusting in His provision, as highlighted in Proverbs 3:5-6, can lead to miraculous outcomes. When I was in the hospital, this verse appeared on my breakfast tray, reinforcing the need to trust God completely. [06:44]
2. Obedience Over Comfort: Obedience to God's call often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. When I felt led to give notice at my current location without knowing where I would go next, it was a test of faith. God honored that obedience by providing a new place, demonstrating that His plans are always for our good. [23:43]
3. Integrity in Business and Life: Choosing integrity over immediate gain is crucial. When I had the opportunity to sell my business for a higher price, I chose to honor my commitment to someone who offered less. This decision was guided by the principle of integrity, and God blessed it in the long run. [13:18]
4. God's Faithfulness in Uncertainty: Even in the face of doubt and unbelief, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. My experience of receiving a building for free, despite my initial skepticism, is a powerful reminder that God can do the impossible when we trust Him. [24:57]
5. Surrender and Dependence on God: Surrendering our plans and depending entirely on God can lead to extraordinary outcomes. When I was overwhelmed by the challenges of setting up a new business, God provided not only the resources but also the people to help me. This journey taught me to rely on Him fully. [32:59]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:30] - Childhood Calling and Fear
3. [03:45] - Arrest and Crying Out to God
4. [05:14] - Marriage and Confession
5. [06:44] - Health Crisis and Proverbs 3:5-6
6. [09:16] - Starting the Phone Repair Business
7. [10:29] - Daily Provision and Trust
8. [11:54] - Selling the Business with Integrity
9. [13:18] - Integrity and God's Guidance
10. [14:54] - Leasing a New Building
11. [16:13] - Trusting God for Provision
12. [17:43] - Sharing Stories and Building Faith
13. [19:50] - Competitors and God's Plan
14. [21:02] - David and Goliath Analogy
15. [22:21] - Obedience and Moving Forward
16. [23:43] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
17. [24:57] - Receiving the Building
18. [26:16] - Quitting Job and Entering Promised Land
19. [27:31] - Honoring Your Spouse
20. [28:38] - New Life and Partnership
21. [29:44] - Gentleman's Handshake
22. [30:46] - Final Confirmation and Provision
23. [31:52] - Renovation on a Budget
24. [32:59] - Surrendering to God's Plan
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. 1 Peter 3:7: "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
3. 2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the key Bible verse that appeared on the pastor's breakfast tray while he was in the hospital? How did this verse impact his faith journey? [06:44]
2. What significant life event led the pastor to cry out to God and seek a fresh start? [03:45]
3. How did the pastor demonstrate integrity in his business dealings, and what was the outcome? [13:18]
4. What was the pastor's initial reaction to the idea of becoming a missionary or minister, and how did his perspective change over time? [05:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage believers to trust in God's guidance rather than their own understanding? How did this verse play a role in the pastor's life during his health crisis? [06:44]
2. In what ways did the pastor's obedience to God's call require him to step out of his comfort zone? How did God honor this obedience? [23:43]
3. How does 1 Peter 3:7 relate to the pastor's relationship with his wife and their decision to work together? What does this verse suggest about the importance of mutual respect in marriage? [27:31]
4. How did the pastor's experience with fear and faith align with the message of 2 Timothy 1:7? What does this verse teach about the nature of the Spirit God gives us? [23:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing and provision. How did you see His faithfulness in that situation? How can Proverbs 3:5-6 guide you in future challenges? [06:44]
2. Have you ever had to make a decision that required you to step out of your comfort zone in obedience to God? What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith? [23:43]
3. In your personal or professional life, how do you prioritize integrity over immediate gain? Can you share an example where choosing integrity led to a positive outcome? [13:18]
4. How do you handle fear and uncertainty in your life? What steps can you take to rely more on the power, love, and self-discipline that God provides, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7? [23:43]
5. Think about your relationship with your spouse or a close family member. How can you show them more respect and consideration, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:7? What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen that relationship? [27:31]
6. The pastor shared stories of God's provision and faithfulness with his customers. How can you incorporate sharing your faith and God's work in your life into your daily interactions? [19:50]
7. When faced with a difficult decision, how do you discern God's will and ensure that your actions align with His guidance? What practices can you implement to seek His direction more consistently? [24:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
In life, we often find ourselves questioning the timing of events, especially when things don't go as planned. Trusting in God's timing means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when we face delays or uncertainties. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." This verse encourages us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own. When we trust in His provision, we can experience miraculous outcomes, as seen when a verse appeared on a breakfast tray during a hospital stay, reinforcing the need to trust God completely. [06:44]
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: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling with timing. How can you actively choose to trust God's timing and provision in this area today?
Day 2: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Obedience to God's call often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. This can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth. When we feel led to make a change or take a risk without knowing the outcome, it is a test of faith. God honors our obedience by providing for us in ways we might not expect. For instance, giving notice at a current location without knowing the next step can be daunting, but God can provide a new place, demonstrating that His plans are always for our good. [23:43]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone. What steps can you take today to act in obedience and trust in His plan?
Day 3: Integrity in All Things
Integrity is crucial in both business and life. It means making decisions based on what is right, even if it means sacrificing immediate gain. Choosing integrity over financial relief can be challenging, but it aligns with God's principles and leads to long-term blessings. For example, selling a business for a lower price to honor a commitment demonstrates integrity, and God blesses such decisions. This principle is a reminder that our actions should reflect our faith and trust in God's provision. [13:18]
Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it align with the principle of integrity? How can you ensure that your future decisions reflect your commitment to integrity?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Faithfulness
Even in the face of doubt and unbelief, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. Trusting in God's provision can lead to extraordinary outcomes, such as receiving a building for free despite initial skepticism. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that God can do the impossible when we trust Him. It encourages us to rely on His faithfulness, especially during uncertain times, and to believe that He will provide for our needs in ways we cannot imagine. [24:57]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you doubted God's provision. How did He show His faithfulness to you? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Surrendering to God's Plan
Surrendering our plans and depending entirely on God can lead to extraordinary outcomes. When overwhelmed by challenges, such as setting up a new business, God can provide not only the resources but also the people to help. This journey teaches us to rely fully on Him and to trust that His plans are better than our own. Surrendering to God's plan means letting go of our control and allowing Him to guide us, knowing that He will provide for our needs. [32:59]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just thought of it it's like oh my god i'm not like god provided for me my daily bread he provided for me today i didn't have to worry about tomorrow because the verse says don't worry about tomorrow tomorrow will have its own worries today's enough worries of its own and so it's like i made a joke that i'm going to start fixing phones um to make money and in his journey of of what god had done with me getting the excavator and how how it was so unreal and uh and the stories that were starting to come and the lord was saying i need you to to uh acknowledge me in all your ways and i was so afraid to share the stories of people of what god had really what he was really doing but i started sharing with people and and i started sharing more and more in my house of as they come in and fix phones um how what god was doing in in the day and how he done with my heart and just sharing the stories and not being afraid to share one and one with whoever it was and uh just sharing the stories and not being afraid to share one and one with whoever it was more and more work would come" [10:29] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I said, Lord, if you're asking me to do this, take away all my fear. I said, I want one ounce of fear. If it have peace, you're a God of peace. Give me peace. I'll take this step. And all my fear was gone. And I said, I knew that that had opened up because it's like, you can't go from being very anxious to a hundred percent peace within a minute. And I went in and signed the documents and the joy that just the unbelievable joy that came, uh, was unbelievable. I had no idea where we were going to go, but I knew that God was going to make this, this journey was going to be unbelievable." [23:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I said, Lord, what's our, what's our budget for 2000 square feet? And I got $500. Wow. $500 to, to renovate 2000 square feet. And, uh, so I said, Lord, I have no idea how I'm going to do this, how I'm going to set this up. And as it came here to, to set up the building, my wife says to me, like, just, just set it up. And I said, well, I'm going to do this in the front. And, uh, I never was comfortable with the business in the front as a bunch of other stuff that led to it. But, but, uh, anyway, I went to, went home and I'm praying about Lord, show me, show me how I'm supposed to do this. What do you want to do with this space? I need to know what's the plan. It's your building. I surrendered all to you, but what's your, what's your way?" [32:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I said, Lord, just give me another chance here and so I made a deal with the Lord I says Lord if you keep me out of jail marry Roxanne keep me together for as long as I live and keep me alive I'll do anything for you just don't make me a missionary or minister and I was so clear and in the time of court when it was all resolved I never spent a day in jail I had been engaged to Roxanne four days before I got arrested and she had no idea of my lifestyle before five years into our marriage I was unfaithful to her 19 years ago I confessed that to her she forgave me she's still my wife today we've been married almost 28 years wonderful marriage she's actually my boss and we enjoy working together" [05:14] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I said, Lord, if you're asking me to do this, take away all my fear. I said, I want one ounce of fear. If it have peace, you're a God of peace. Give me peace. I'll take this step. And all my fear was gone. And I said, I knew that that had opened up because it's like, you can't go from being very anxious to a hundred percent peace within a minute. And I went in and signed the documents and the joy that just the unbelievable joy that came, uh, was unbelievable. I had no idea where we were going to go, but I knew that God was going to make this, this journey was going to be unbelievable." [23:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I said, Lord, what's our, what's our budget for 2000 square feet? And I got $500. Wow. $500 to, to renovate 2000 square feet. And, uh, so I said, Lord, I have no idea how I'm going to do this, how I'm going to set this up. And as it came here to, to set up the building, my wife says to me, like, just, just set it up. And I said, well, I'm going to do this in the front. And, uh, I never was comfortable with the business in the front as a bunch of other stuff that led to it. But, but, uh, anyway, I went to, went home and I'm praying about Lord, show me, show me how I'm supposed to do this. What do you want to do with this space? I need to know what's the plan. It's your building. I surrendered all to you, but what's your, what's your way?" [32:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I said, Lord, what's our, what's our budget for 2000 square feet? And I got $500. Wow. $500 to, to renovate 2000 square feet. And, uh, so I said, Lord, I have no idea how I'm going to do this, how I'm going to set this up. And as it came here to, to set up the building, my wife says to me, like, just, just set it up. And I said, well, I'm going to do this in the front. And, uh, I never was comfortable with the business in the front as a bunch of other stuff that led to it. But, but, uh, anyway, I went to, went home and I'm praying about Lord, show me, show me how I'm supposed to do this. What do you want to do with this space? I need to know what's the plan. It's your building. I surrendered all to you, but what's your, what's your way?" [32:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I said, Lord, what's our, what's our budget for 2000 square feet? And I got $500. Wow. $500 to, to renovate 2000 square feet. And, uh, so I said, Lord, I have no idea how I'm going to do this, how I'm going to set this up. And as it came here to, to set up the building, my wife says to me, like, just, just set it up. And I said, well, I'm going to do this in the front. And, uh, I never was comfortable with the business in the front as a bunch of other stuff that led to it. But, but, uh, anyway, I went to, went home and I'm praying about Lord, show me, show me how I'm supposed to do this. What do you want to do with this space? I need to know what's the plan. It's your building. I surrendered all to you, but what's your, what's your way?" [32:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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