Trusting God's Sovereignty in Life's Challenges

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Still in Control

No matter how chaotic or uncertain life may feel, God’s sovereign hand is always at work behind the scenes. Even when you cannot see His hand or understand His ways, He is guiding, protecting, and providing for you. Just as a driver keeps their hand near the wheel and foot over the brake, God is always ready to intervene and steer your life in the right direction. Trust that He is present in every circumstance, working all things together for your good, and that nothing escapes His notice or power. [01:05:27]

Matthew 17:24-27 (NIV)
After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you feel out of control? Can you surrender it to God today, trusting that He is still in control even when you are not?

Day 2: Keep Your Control When Others Test You

There will always be people and systems that try to provoke you, push your buttons, or tempt you to act outside of your character. When you are picked out to be picked on, remember that your response is not just about you—it reflects the God you serve. Maturity in Christ means holding your composure, refusing to retaliate, and choosing to act with grace and discipline, even when it would be easier to react in anger or frustration. Let God fight your battles and trust that your value comes from Him, not from the opinions or actions of others. [01:14:28]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Reflection: Who or what has been testing your patience or character lately? How can you choose to respond with self-control and grace, trusting God to defend you?

Day 3: God Works in Specifics—Listen for His Unique Direction

God’s guidance in your life is not generic or one-size-fits-all; He gives you specific instructions tailored to your situation, gifts, and needs. Instead of chasing after what everyone else is doing or seeking approval from the crowd, focus on what God is calling you to do. Sometimes, the answer is not in casting a wide net but in following a single, clear direction from the Lord. When you remove distractions and listen for His voice, you will discover that what God has for you is uniquely yours, and He will provide exactly what you need at the right time. [01:29:11]

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 specific area where you sense God is giving you clear direction? How can you focus on following His unique guidance for you today?

Day 4: God Uses Your Gifts and Sets You Up for Success

God does not require you to become someone else in order to be used by Him; He works through the skills, experiences, and gifts you already possess. Just as Peter was told to go fishing—a skill he already had—God will use what is familiar to you to accomplish His purposes. Your background, talents, and even your past struggles can be transformed for God’s glory when you offer them to Him. Trust that God has set you up for success, and that He will use your unique abilities to make a difference right where you are. [01:35:17]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Reflection: What is one gift, skill, or experience you have that God might want to use for His glory this week? How can you offer it to Him in your daily life?

Day 5: God Will Supply All Your Needs

No matter how great the need or how high the cost, God is faithful to provide for you. He knows exactly what you require and is able to supply it in ways you may not expect. Just as Jesus provided the coin in the fish’s mouth for both Peter and Himself, God will meet your needs—physical, emotional, spiritual—while also reminding you that He alone deserves the glory. When you trust Him as your provider, you can rest assured that He will take care of you and use every provision as a testimony to His goodness and faithfulness. [01:39:32]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Where do you feel a sense of lack or need today? Can you bring it to God in prayer, believing that He will supply exactly what you need in His perfect timing?

Sermon Summary

God’s love is the foundation of our lives, and it is evident in the countless ways He cares for us—protecting us, providing for us, and sustaining us through every challenge. Even when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, God’s sovereignty remains unshaken. Just as a driver keeps a steady hand near the wheel and a foot ready over the brake, God is always attentive, ready to intervene, and never absent from our circumstances. No matter what the world suggests—whether it’s economic uncertainty, relational turmoil, or personal setbacks—God is still in control.

The story from Matthew 17:24-27 illustrates this truth. When Peter is confronted about Jesus paying the temple tax, it’s not just a question about money; it’s a test of allegiance and character. Jesus, though exempt as the Son of God, chooses to pay the tax to avoid unnecessary offense, demonstrating maturity and a higher standard. He instructs Peter to catch a fish, and miraculously, the needed coin is found in its mouth. This act is not about the tax itself but about God’s ability to provide specifically, set us up for success, and supply every need—even in the most unexpected ways.

Life will always have “taxing” moments—times when the weight feels too much to bear, when people or systems seem to pick us out to pick on us, or when we’re tempted to lose control and revert to old habits. Yet, God calls us to maintain our composure, to trust in His sovereignty, and to respond with grace and discipline. Our maturity is shown not by what we are capable of doing, but by choosing the higher road, knowing that God is our defender and provider.

God uses the unique gifts and experiences He’s given us, not asking us to become someone else, but to serve Him right where we are. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community, our skills are instruments for His glory. Ultimately, God’s control is seen most clearly in the cross and resurrection of Jesus—He paid the price for us, covered our shortcomings, and now invites us to trust Him with every detail of our lives. In every season, God is still in control.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Sovereignty Is Constant, Even When Unseen God’s hand is always near, even when we can’t perceive it. Like a driver ready to intervene, God is attentive to every detail of our journey, ensuring that nothing escapes His notice or care. Our circumstances may feel chaotic, but His sovereignty is never threatened, and He remains the ultimate authority over all things. [65:27]
2. Maturity Means Choosing the Higher Road True spiritual maturity is not about always asserting our rights or reacting to provocation, but about knowing when to yield, when to remain silent, and when to act with grace. Jesus paid the temple tax not because He had to, but to avoid unnecessary offense and to demonstrate a higher standard. Our growth is measured by our willingness to let God defend us and to trust His wisdom over our impulses. [81:18]
3. God Provides in Specific and Unexpected Ways God’s provision is not generic; it is tailored to our needs and circumstances. Just as Peter was told to catch a single fish with a coin in its mouth, God orchestrates solutions that are uniquely suited to us. We don’t need to understand how He will provide—only that He will, often using the very skills and experiences we already possess. [88:44]
4. Your Gifts and Experiences Are Instruments for God’s Glory God does not require us to abandon our backgrounds or talents; instead, He redeems and utilizes them for His purposes. Whether you are a teacher, a businessperson, or someone with a complicated past, God can use your unique story and skills to impact others and advance His kingdom. Our calling is to serve faithfully wherever we are, knowing that nothing in our lives is wasted. [95:17]
5. God Supplies Our Needs and Covers Our Shortcomings God’s provision extends beyond material needs—He supplies grace, forgiveness, and purpose. Jesus not only paid the tax for Himself but also for Peter, symbolizing how He covers our deficiencies and pays the price we cannot. In Christ, our needs are met, our failures are covered, and our future is secure, because God is always in control. [99:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[56:18] - God’s Love Shown in Everyday Life
[57:49] - Honoring Leaders and Community
[58:39] - Introduction to Matthew 17
[60:51] - God Is Still in Control
[62:25] - Prayer for Open Hearts
[63:06] - The Autopilot Analogy: Trusting God’s Control
[65:03] - When Life Feels Out of Control
[69:16] - Peter’s Test: Picked Out to Be Picked On
[71:41] - Keeping Your Composure Under Pressure
[77:29] - Jesus Knows Even When We’re “Outside the House”
[79:44] - Jesus’ Response: Going Above and Beyond
[83:10] - The Real Test: Control, Not Just Taxes
[87:44] - God Works in Specifics
[91:27] - God Sets You Up for Success
[97:41] - God Supplies All Your Needs
[100:09] - The Cross: God’s Ultimate Control
[103:19] - Who’s Really in Control?
[104:53] - Invitation to Salvation and Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 17:24-27 — “After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’ ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. ‘What do you think, Simon?’ he asked. ‘From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?’ ‘From others,’ Peter answered. ‘Then the children are exempt,’ Jesus said to him. ‘But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.’”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 17:24-27, what unusual instruction does Jesus give Peter to solve the problem of the temple tax? What is surprising about the way the need is met?
According to the sermon, why did Jesus choose to pay the temple tax even though he was technically exempt? [[01:20:14]]
What does the sermon say about the reason Peter was singled out by the tax collectors? [[01:09:40]]
How does the analogy of the autopilot car help us understand God’s involvement in our lives, according to the sermon? [[01:04:27]]

Interpretation Questions

What does Jesus’ willingness to pay the tax, even though he didn’t have to, reveal about his character and his approach to conflict? [[01:21:18]]
The sermon says that “taxing” moments in life are not just about money, but about tests of control and character. How does this story challenge our usual responses to pressure or being singled out? [[01:23:10]]
The sermon points out that God’s provision is specific and often uses our existing skills and experiences. What does this suggest about how God works in our everyday lives? [[01:34:12]]
How does the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth point to the bigger picture of God’s sovereignty and provision, especially in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection? [[01:40:09]]

Application Questions

The sermon compares God’s control to a driver with a steady hand and foot ready over the brake, even when we can’t see it. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt out of control? Looking back, can you see any signs that God was still present and working? [[01:05:27]]
Jesus chose to pay the tax to avoid unnecessary offense, even though he didn’t have to. Is there a situation in your life right now where you could choose the higher road, even if you feel justified to do otherwise? What would it look like to respond with maturity and grace? [[01:21:18]]
The sermon says God often provides in specific and unexpected ways, using the skills and experiences we already have. What is one skill, talent, or experience you have that God might want to use right where you are—at work, at home, or in your community? [[01:34:12]]
When have you felt “picked out to be picked on” like Peter? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently if you remembered that God is your defender? [[01:09:40]]
The sermon challenges us to keep our composure and not revert to old habits when under pressure. What is one practical step you can take this week to maintain your composure and trust God’s control when you feel provoked? [[01:14:28]]
Jesus paid the tax for both himself and Peter, symbolizing how he covers our shortcomings. Is there an area in your life where you need to accept God’s grace and stop trying to “pay your own way”? [[01:39:01]]
The sermon says God uses our unique gifts and backgrounds for his glory. Is there a part of your story or background you’ve been hesitant to let God use? What would it look like to offer that to him? [[01:35:17]]

Sermon Clips

God always keeps his foot over the brake and his hand is always close enough to the wheel because there is no situation you're in where our God is not in control. That's a message. You may not see it. You may not understand it. You may not even believe it. But trust me, God is still in control. Uh you might not hear that announced through the news. You might not always feel that based on what you were going through. You might not always see it based on what movies, TV, or a genre of music you listen to. But I'm here to tell you that our God still sits high, looks low. [01:05:24]

No matter what the economy does, God is in control. No matter what the government does, God is in control. No matter what happens on your job, whether you have it or you've lost it or you looking for it, God is in control. Doesn't matter how rocky your relationships are, God is still in control. And if you're in a vehicle of life right now and it feels like you're riding down rough rivers or you have mountains that seem like they won't move, obstacles that you need to overcome. The one message you ought to leave with today is just because you don't see his foot over the brake, just because you don't see his hand behind the wheel does not mean that God can't snatch it back and align it. [01:06:39]

And that's important because often times the world we live in might suggest to us that things are not moving as quick or as fast as we would like them to. Hip hop heads know that they can convince you that your future is only going to be dumb, dumb, and dumber. But trust me, we serve a God who has already gone before us to make crooked places straight. We serve a God who's already gone before us to make all things work together for good. We serve a God who's already gone before us. And just because you don't know what curves are coming, you don't know what road to take, it does not mean that God has not already aligned what will be good for you. [01:07:08]

And just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it can't be success through him. Our God is still in control. And today I come to tell you based on Matthew 17 that no matter what you're going through, God's got his hand on the wheel. Uh come on, look at this text. It's really interesting. If I could give you a summary, it goes something like this. Peter, who we often call Pete, has showed up with the disciples. Look at it. Verse 24 is Jesus and all of the disciples. They show up to a city called Capernia. Uh when they get out of their Uber car, some of them were in a lift. They put their sandals on the ground. The cars pull off. It's 13 of them. [01:09:10]

There will always be people and systems uh that will pick you out to pick on you to cause problems uh and try to get you to act outside of your character. But you've got to keep control. You cannot allow people picking you out to pick on you to push your buttons in such a way where you lose who you are and go back to who you used to be. You are a new creature in Christ Jesus. And I see you looking at me like you don't know what I'm talking about. But God knows that you got saved and still have some choice words in your vocabulary. God knows that you can be anointed and still have a bad attitude. God knows uh that you can love the Messiah but still be moody. [01:10:24]

They're not picking on you because of you. They're picking on you because of who you serve. And what they knew is that if they could ask Peter a question that could get Peter to go back to fuss and cussing, pulling out his Smith and Wesson knife like he's prone to do, uh, then they could not just discredit Peter, they could discredit Peter and Jesus and the God he served. Uh, and I'm here to tell you that since our God is in control, listen, boo, you got to keep control, too. Uh you cannot allow somebody talking about you, scrambling uh your name or murmuring about you to cause you to lose your composure. [01:11:20]

You do not have to know everything. You need to know what God is asking you to do. You do not have to understand everyone's perspective. Uh you just have to know what God is calling you to do. Instead of casting out the net, he says, "This time, I want you to draw a line. Instead of getting a whole lot of fish information, I need you to just find one fish. Because if you can stay caught up in the one thing I've called you to do and remove all of the distractions, remove all of the things that take your focus, remove all of the people that are causing you to be wishy-washy. Then what you will discover is that what God has for you, it is for you. [01:29:11]

And can I tell you uh that whenever you're trying to figure out how God is moving in your life uh so that you can't keep control, you must understand uh that it will not be uh in learning and understanding what the majority does. It will not be in getting as much information as possible. It will be based on you getting specific information that is designed for you. You do not have to know everything. You need to know what God is asking you to do. You do not have to understand everyone's perspective. Uh you just have to know what God is calling you to do. [01:29:37]

If I could, I would tell you, whatever skill you have, whatever experience you possess, whatever gifts you use, you got to know you using them for the glory of God. Uh, wherever you work, God wants you to work right there for him. If you in the shipyard, work for the Lord. If you're in the classroom, work for the Lord. If you're in business offices, work for the Lord. If you're in nursing or in medicine, work for the Lord. If you are a custodian, work for the Lord. If you are a a a bondsman, work for the Lord. Or whatever you do, you've got to do it as if your skill and your gift is being used for the glory of God. [01:35:48]

I believe God will bring drug dealers and make them good trustees. Uh uh they already know how to flip the money and build the building. Come work uh for the Lord. I believe God uh will take pimps and prostitutes uh and turn them into preachers. Uh they already know how to talk. Uh we just got to teach them what to say. I believe God will take a pole work uh and make them a praise dancer because they already know how to move. Uh they just need to know what to move to. You ought to look at your neighbor and say, "You haven't always been where you are, but I thank God he used your gifts." [01:36:32]

And this is how I close by telling you that God does specifics. God sets you up for success, but then God will supply your needs. That's it. Don't care too much about how high the taxes go, how high the tariffs are, how much you got to pay for eggs, how much the gas prices going to be. Don't really care too much uh what they say is going to happen with inflation or the interest rates. I'm not too concerned about how much it's going to cost. Why? because God will supply your needs. [01:37:48]

Notice Pete grabs the fish with the coin and the Bible says Jesus says, "Now Pete, go pay taxes for you and me." That's the part that got me excited because the initial question was, "Does Jesus pay taxes?" Jesus says, "Not only can I take care of me, but I'm going to take care of you, too." And as I close, may I tell somebody that since God is still in control, you got to believe that he'll take care of you and he'll get the glory. He'll make sure you got food on the table and he'll get credit for being the bread of life. [01:38:24]

He'll make sure that your needs are supplied while making sure that he gets all of the hallelujah. He'll make sure that your relationships are held together by reminding you that he is the prince of peace. He'll make sure that you've got money in the bank by reminding you that he will supply your needs. He'll make sure that your body is healed by reminding you that he is a bomb in Gilead. He will make sure that your children are covered by reminding you that by his stripes uh that we have been saved. Uh God will supply your need. [01:38:52]

I believe that God who's listening and watching when you can't see him. I believe God who's got his foot over the brake and can stop it anytime he wants and has his hand by the wheel and can steer it whatever direction he desires is still in control. So, I'm on the interstate flying on auto drive. But as we started to get off the interstate, take the exit. The way the auto drive works is it doesn't drive by itself when there's a lot of traffic. It only does it on straight streets, long streets. So, as we got off the exit, the car started to shake. [01:43:19]

The wheel turned red. And the script says, "Take control. Take control. Take control." Because true story. I can show it to you. True story. And and and the traffic got heavy. We had more cars and uh traffic lights that we had to stop at. So I had to put my hand on the wheel because the autopilot was never designed to go on forever. There will always be a moment where somebody had to have their hands on the control and their foot on the pedal. And I'm only saying that to you because if you heard all of this, you said, "Well, I'm doing good on autopilot right now. Autopilot is give me where I got to go." [01:43:46]

Listen, I'm telling you, there's going to be a moment, if it hasn't happened yet, where you going to need somebody to grab hold and control what you can't control. And I want to offer you Jesus. He's the best Uber lift driver you will ever find. I recommend Jesus. He can get you there. [01:44:26]

If you in the shipyard, work for the Lord. If you're in the classroom, work for the Lord. If you're in business offices, work for the Lord. If you're in nursing or in medicine, work for the Lord. If you are a custodian, work for the Lord. If you are a a a bondsman, work for the Lord. Or whatever you do, you've got to do it as if your skill and your gift is being used for the glory of God. And I know about 10 of y'all saying, "Yeah, pastor, but you don't know what my gifts and skill are." Listen, bro, boo, I don't care. [01:36:22]

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