Trusting God's Sovereignty: Embracing Our Unique Callings
Summary
God’s faithfulness is not just a story of the past—it is a living reality for each of us today. The God who delivered, provided, and guided in ancient times is the same unchanging God who moves in our lives now. We are reminded that God’s ways are deeper than His acts; to truly know Him is to trust His character, even when we don’t see immediate results. Just as a spouse knows the ways of their beloved beyond their actions, so we are called to know God’s heart and trust His goodness, especially when life is hard and circumstances seem anything but good.
God’s sovereignty is a central truth: He is free to do whatever He wills, with whomever He chooses, whenever and however He desires. He does not need our permission, nor does He require our qualifications. Throughout history, God has used unlikely people—flawed men and women, the overlooked and the broken—to accomplish His purposes. The story of Deborah and Jael in Judges 4 is a powerful example. Deborah, a woman in a male-dominated society, was chosen as a judge and prophetess, leading Israel with wisdom and courage. Jael, another “hidden figure,” was instrumental in delivering Israel by using what she had—a tent peg and a hammer—to defeat the enemy Sisera.
These stories teach us that God will use anyone, but He doesn’t need anyone. If we refuse to step into our calling, God’s purposes will still be accomplished—He can raise up another, even from the most unexpected places. Our responsibility is not to assume authority, but to respond in obedience and faith, trusting that God’s plan is bigger than our limitations. When we are “planted” in difficult circumstances, God calls us to “bloom” right where we are, using whatever is in our hands, however ordinary it may seem.
Women, especially, are honored in these stories—not as afterthoughts, but as central to God’s redemptive work. Whether leading, nurturing, or standing firm in faith, their obedience and courage are a testimony to God’s ability to use anyone and anything for His glory. The call is for all of us—men and women, young and old—to trust God’s sovereignty, to be available, and to use what we have, knowing that God can turn even the most hidden figures into heroes of faith.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing God’s ways is deeper than knowing His acts. It’s easy to praise God for what He does, but true intimacy comes from trusting His character when He seems silent or when life is hard. Like Moses, we are invited to move beyond surface-level faith and seek to understand the heart and ways of God, which gives us strength to persevere through trials. [04:27]
- God’s sovereignty means He is not bound by our expectations, traditions, or limitations. He chooses whom He wills, often surprising us by using the overlooked, the broken, or the unlikely. Our role is not to question His choices, but to marvel at His freedom and submit to His will, knowing He rules, supervises, and overrules as He sees fit. [21:26]
- God will use anyone, but He doesn’t need anyone. Our participation in God’s work is a privilege, not a necessity for Him. If we refuse to obey, God’s purposes will still be accomplished—He can raise up another, even from the most unexpected places. This humbles us and calls us to faithful obedience rather than prideful self-importance. [27:10]
- God can use anything that is surrendered to Him. Jael’s tent peg, Moses’ staff, or even a bottle of Crisco oil in a desperate moment—God delights in using the ordinary and the overlooked to accomplish extraordinary things. The question is not what we have, but whether we are willing to place it in God’s hands and trust Him to use it for His glory. [38:04]
- Women are not afterthoughts in God’s story; they are often the hidden figures through whom God brings deliverance and blessing. Whether leading like Deborah, acting decisively like Jael, or persevering in faith through hardship, women are called to stand firm, honor God, and use their gifts boldly. Their stories remind us that God’s kingdom advances through the faithfulness of all His people, regardless of gender or status. [43:28]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[02:34] - Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1
[03:22] - Knowing God’s Ways vs. Acts
[04:27] - The Immutable Nature of God
[06:42] - God’s Design: Male and Female
[09:50] - Hidden Figures: Introduction
[10:40] - Deborah: The Woman Judge
[11:13] - Key Characters: Deborah, Barak, Sisera, Jael
[21:26] - The Sovereignty of God
[25:17] - The Call for Godly Men
[27:10] - God Will Use Anyone, But Needs No One
[32:01] - Jael’s Courage and Wisdom
[36:52] - God Can Use Anything
[40:02] - Testimony: Blooming Where You’re Planted
[43:28] - The Power of a Praying Woman
[46:00] - Closing Encouragement and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Hidden Figures—Trusting God’s Sovereignty and Using What’s in Your Hand
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."
- Judges 4:1-24
(The story of Deborah and Jael—God using unexpected people to accomplish His purposes.)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, what kind of people does God often choose to accomplish His purposes? Why do you think He does this?
2. In Judges 4, who are the main characters God uses to deliver Israel, and what makes them “hidden figures” or unexpected heroes?
3. The sermon mentioned that God’s ways are deeper than His acts. What’s the difference between knowing God’s ways and knowing His acts? ([04:27])
4. What ordinary object did Jael use to defeat Sisera, and why is this detail important in the story? ([36:52])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God delights in using people who are overlooked, broken, or considered “foolish” by the world? How does this challenge our own ideas about who is qualified to serve God? ([11:13])
2. The sermon says, “God will use anyone, but He doesn’t need anyone.” What does this teach us about our role in God’s plan and how we should view ourselves? ([27:10])
3. How does the story of Deborah and Jael show God’s sovereignty—His freedom to choose whomever He wants, however He wants? ([21:26])
4. What does it mean to “bloom where you’re planted,” especially when you feel like your circumstances are hard or you don’t have much to offer? ([40:02])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about knowing God’s ways, not just His acts. When was a time in your life when you had to trust God’s character even when you didn’t see immediate results? How did that experience shape your faith? ([04:27])
2. God used Deborah and Jael—women in a male-dominated society—to lead and deliver Israel. Are there areas in your life where you feel overlooked or underestimated? How might God want to use you right where you are? ([10:40])
3. Jael used what she had—a tent peg and a hammer—to do something extraordinary. What “ordinary” things or gifts do you have that you might be overlooking? How can you surrender them to God for His use? ([38:04])
4. The sermon said, “God will use anyone, but He doesn’t need anyone.” Does this truth humble you or make you feel less important? How can you see your participation in God’s work as a privilege rather than a burden or a right? ([27:10])
5. The story of the woman anointing her car with Crisco oil was about using what you have and trusting God in desperate moments. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to “bloom where you’re planted”? What would it look like to trust God with what’s in your hand? ([40:02])
6. The sermon honored women as central to God’s redemptive work. Who are some “hidden figures” in your own life or faith journey—people who may not get much recognition but have made a big impact? How can you encourage or thank them this week? ([43:28])
7. The pastor said, “Our responsibility is not to assume authority, but to respond in obedience and faith.” Is there an area where you’ve been waiting for more authority or recognition before stepping out? What’s one step of obedience you can take this week, even if it feels small? ([27:10])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person trust His character, surrender what’s in their hand, and be willing to “bloom” wherever He has planted them—no matter how ordinary or hidden their role may seem.
Devotional
Day 1: God Uses the Unlikely to Accomplish His Purposes
God often chooses those the world overlooks or deems unqualified to fulfill His plans, demonstrating that His standards are not based on human wisdom, power, or status. He delights in using the humble, the broken, and the unexpected to shame the proud and reveal His glory, so that no one can boast except in Him. If you have ever felt inadequate or unworthy, remember that God’s call is not about your qualifications but about His purpose and power working through you. [02:34]
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT):
"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel unqualified or overlooked, and how might God be inviting you to trust Him to use you right where you are today?
Day 2: God’s Unchanging Nature Gives Us Confidence
God is immutable—He does not change. His character, His promises, and His purposes remain constant through every season and circumstance. When life is uncertain and the world around us shifts, we can anchor our faith in the truth that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even when our experiences are painful or confusing, we can trust that God’s goodness will ultimately prevail, and anything connected to Him will be transformed for good. [05:09]
Malachi 3:6 (ESV):
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rest in the unchanging goodness of God, even when your circumstances don’t make sense?
Day 3: God’s Sovereignty Means He Can Use Anyone, Anytime
God is sovereign—He can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, with whomever He wants, and He doesn’t need anyone’s permission or approval. He chooses people not because of their perfection but because of His purpose, and He delights in displaying His power through unlikely vessels. No matter your past mistakes or present struggles, God’s sovereignty means He can still call, equip, and use you for His glory. [21:26]
Job 38:4-7 (ESV):
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you have doubted God’s ability to use you? How can you surrender to His sovereignty and say “yes” to His call today?
Day 4: Obedience Is Better Than Position—God Doesn’t Need Us, But He Invites Us
God does not need anyone to accomplish His will, but He graciously invites us to participate in His work. Our role is not to assume authority or control, but to respond in obedience and faithfulness to His leading. When we refuse to step up, God will raise up someone else—He can make even the rocks cry out if necessary. The honor is not in the position we hold, but in our willingness to obey God’s voice and trust His plan. [27:10]
Judges 4:8-9 (NLT):
"Barak told her, 'I will go, but only if you go with me.' 'Very well,' she replied, 'I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.' So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh."
Reflection: What step of obedience is God asking you to take today, even if it means letting go of your pride or expectations about how things should happen?
Day 5: God Can Use Anything You Surrender to Him
God is not limited by what you have or don’t have—He can use anything you place in His hands to accomplish His purposes. Whether it’s a tent peg, a jar of oil, or a simple act of faith, God can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary when you trust Him. Like Jael, who used what was available to her to bring victory, you are called to bloom where you are planted and let God use every part of your life for His glory. [38:04]
Exodus 4:2 (ESV):
"The Lord said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' He said, 'A staff.'"
Reflection: What is in your hand today—what skill, resource, or opportunity can you surrender to God and allow Him to use for His purpose?
Quotes
I've often wondered about that scripture that says all things work together for good to those that love God. But when you lose a loved one or when you've lost your job or when things aren't going well in your relationship, it's not good. How can this be good? It's not because what's going on with you is good. It's because God is good. And anything that you connect with God that's bad has to turn into good because God can't be anything other than good. [00:05:09] (27 seconds)
can't tell God who to use God is God how does God decide who to use for what one simple word another attribute of God that I really strongly encourage you to learn about this attribute it is my favorite attribute of God but it is a powerful attribute and is a simple word called soft well what does that mean that sounds like a nice big churchy word but what does it mean well I'm gonna break it down for you sovereign means that God can do whatever he wants whenever he wants with whomever he wants why ever he wants and he doesn't have to send you a memo he didn't send Job a memo God why you put me through all this I ain't got to tell you nothing boy I just need you to be there and represent God will not send you a text message he won't send you a memo he will give you riches and he will cause you to go down in the depths of poverty and not one time check in with you he's sign [00:23:31] (69 seconds)
He doesn't need no permission. God doesn't form meetings that say all in favor say aye. God don't work like that. God doesn't say it say aye. He says I am. He is sovereign. Let's chalk it out. Let's chalk it out. So what God says is I rule. I'm God. I rule. That's what I do. And then I create creation, animals, trees, earth, the planet, the moon, the scars, the sun. He told Job. What did he say to Job? He said where were you when I told the Russians to come this far and no further? He said I rule. And then he says I supervise what I rule. So God says not only do I rule, I supervise what I rule. And then when people, watch this now, when people in government or in political positions or in churches or at your job, your supervisor, your manager, your CEO, when they get out of hand and they start thinking that they're bigger and better than God, God says not only do I rule, not only do I super rule, but when I have to, I will overrule. [00:25:12] (73 seconds)
Oh, y 'all listen to me. God doesn't need anyone. If you don't want to go, he will find somebody else. I wish I had a witness in here. He does not need us to do his will. He has succumbed to us. He has acquiesceded and said, I want to show my power through you. But. don't get it twisted and get the big head or the church can't hang without me or that auxiliaries gonna go down without me we are gonna make it without my tiding off and I promise you Jesus said listen here don't get it twisted if y 'all don't shout I will make inanimate objects shout out for me I will make rocks cry out he said I can make a donkey talk he doesn't need anyone Barack I need you to understand God is not sitting there asking you to do him a favor he says I want you to obey oh I know the brothers have a problem with this especially today but in this situation remember I told you it's not what God ordains is what he chooses he had a problem with obeying the command that came from his superior which was Deborah brothers please don't hate me I used to think that I had authority [00:27:44] (77 seconds)
She didn't know what to use. The third thing that I want you to understand that I learned from this story is that not only doesn't God need anybody, God can use anything. He can use. He asked Moses. Moses was given excuses. The Lord said to Moses, what's that in your hand? What is that in your hand? So not only can God use anybody, God will use anything in order to do his will and to service what he's called us to do. Jael put that nail through his head, nailed him to the floor. The Bible says that when Barack came looking for Cicera, Jael went out to meet him. She said, come and I will show you the man you are looking for. Oh, here comes Barack. The one that was supposed to be there. He's coming in there. Where, where, where, where you seen, you seen Cicera? You seen Cicera? She's like, yeah, come here, I'll show you where he is. Come here. He's right here. Nailed to the ground. I'm going to match it. All came clear to Barack at that point. Oh, I thought Deborah was going to be the one in which this man would be delivered into my hands. No, it's you, Jael, with the tent peg in his hand. He came to look for him and Cicera saw him there. And the Bible says that from that time on, Israel became stronger and stronger against King Jabin until they finally destroyed him. [00:38:04] (86 seconds)
she said hey car ain't gonna start you mean you call a tow truck I'm trying to figure out how I can help her with a tow truck she stood ahead she kicked the head of it oh she got out the car and went in to her grocery bag and pulled out some Crisco oil that she had just bought and then I heard her say you not gonna get me today devil you not today you messing with the real sister i'm here i'm planted and it's time for me to bloom she opened that crisco oil i said what is she doing this woman crazy is 95 degrees out here she took that crisco oil and poured it on the hood of her car and begin anointing she said in the name of jesus christ i need for this car to start lord you are my god and i am your child and i'm stuck right here which means i'm planted right here but i'm about to bloom [00:42:14] (74 seconds)
it was so hot the oil was drying up she kept pouring and praying she went around the whole car everybody was looking at her like she was crazy including me people like what's she doing she was she it looked like the car had a wax job she was just and praying i mean have you ever heard of have y 'all never heard a woman pray i mean a woman that is praying i'm not talking about one of them cute prayers i'm not talking about one of them sophisticated prayers i'm talking about prayers where you look ugly you got all that on your face you you're singing that song i need thee lord right now she wasn't worried about who was looking at her but i need a blessing lady lady when you need a blessing sister when you need a blessing from god you ain't got time to worry about what he or she or they think [00:43:08] (49 seconds)
she finished anointing car she just wanted had a crowd now a crowd look i should have been out there trying to help i'm sitting here doubting she got back in that car she went before she sat down she said lord into your hands oh jesus she sat down steve and on the first try that car said the room you got to use what you got she didn't have time to go get holy oil she didn't have time to go get blessed oil she had some crystal oil sit it in her bag and anointed that car and drove off the lord slapped me on my bald head and said now [00:44:36] (58 seconds)
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