Walking by Faith: Trusting God's Promises and Power

Devotional

Day 1: Wholehearted Commitment to God

Faith is more than just mental agreement; it is a wholehearted commitment to God. While belief acknowledges God's existence, faith trusts in His promises and acts on them. This distinction is crucial in our spiritual journey, as faith leads to experiencing God's miracles and blessings. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It requires us to step out in trust, even when we cannot see the outcome.

As Christians, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. This means that our actions and decisions should be guided by our trust in God's promises rather than our immediate circumstances. When we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to God, we open the door for His power to work in our lives. This kind of faith is transformative and allows us to experience the fullness of God's blessings. [50:23]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God fully? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?

Day 2: God's Presence in Our Struggles

Even in our most challenging moments, God is with us. Our struggles are not a sign of God's absence but an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His power and love. Trusting God in difficult times strengthens our faith and reveals His faithfulness. When we face pain and obstacles, it is essential to remember that God uses these experiences to draw us closer to Him.

In times of hardship, it is easy to feel abandoned or question God's presence. However, these are the moments when God is closest to us, working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. By trusting Him and continuing to walk in faith, we can experience His comfort and strength. Our struggles can become testimonies of God's goodness and faithfulness. [57:15]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Think of a recent struggle you faced. How did you see God's presence and faithfulness during that time? How can this experience strengthen your faith in future challenges?

Day 3: Witnessing Miracles in the Nations

In travels to places like Pakistan and Africa, the miraculous power of God has been witnessed firsthand. Thousands have come to Christ, and many have experienced physical healings and deliverance from demonic possession. These miracles are a testament to the power of Jesus' name and the importance of faith.

Seeing God's work in different parts of the world can be incredibly faith-affirming. It reminds us that God is not limited by geography or culture; His power and love extend to all people. These experiences also highlight the importance of sharing the gospel and praying for others, as we have the authority to bring God's healing and deliverance to those in need. [01:03:37]

Acts 8:6-7 (ESV): "And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed."

Reflection: How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith and praying for others? What steps can you take to be a vessel of God's power and love in your community?

Day 4: Authority of Believers

As believers, we have the authority to pray for healing and to see God's power at work. The Bible tells us that we can tread on serpents and scorpions and have power over all the enemy. This authority is given to us through Jesus, and we must exercise it with faith and confidence.

Understanding and exercising this authority is crucial for living a victorious Christian life. It means recognizing that we are not powerless in the face of challenges but have been given the tools to overcome them. By praying with faith and confidence, we can see God's power manifest in our lives and the lives of others. [01:32:56]

Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you by Jesus? How can you begin to pray with more faith and confidence in those areas?

Day 5: Increasing Our Faith

God calls us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. Even a small amount of faith can move mountains and bring about miraculous changes in our lives. Trust in God's promises, believe in His power, and stand firm in your faith, knowing that all things are possible in the name of Jesus.

Faith is not about the size but the quality. A small, genuine faith can have a significant impact. It is about trusting God completely and believing that He can do the impossible. By nurturing and growing our faith, we can see God's power at work in ways we never imagined. [01:35:42]

Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to increase your faith? How can you take practical steps to nurture and grow your faith in that area today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church. Today, I want to share with you the incredible works that God is doing in the nations and the power of faith and belief in our lives. Reflecting on my journey and the miracles I've witnessed, I am reminded of the profound difference between belief and faith. Belief often refers to mental agreement, while faith is a wholehearted commitment. As Christians, we walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome.

The Bible is filled with powerful verses about faith. For instance, 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, "We walk by faith, not by sight," and Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." These scriptures remind us that faith is essential in our relationship with God. It is through faith that we experience His miracles and blessings.

I shared my testimony of how God has worked in my life, particularly during a challenging time when I broke my foot. Despite the pain and the obstacles, I chose to trust God and continue my ministry. This experience taught me that God is always with us, even in our most difficult moments. He uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him and to demonstrate His power and love.

In my travels to Pakistan and Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the miraculous power of God. In Pakistan, I have seen thousands come to Christ, and in Africa, I have seen 100% of the people I minister to accept Jesus. These experiences have strengthened my faith and shown me that God is actively working in the lives of people around the world.

I shared several stories of miraculous healings, including a woman who was set free from demonic possession, a girl who was healed of deafness, and a woman whose eyesight was restored. These miracles are a testament to the power of Jesus' name and the importance of faith. As believers, we have the authority to pray for healing and to see God's power at work in our lives and the lives of others.

Today, I encourage you to increase your faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed. Trust in God's promises and believe that He can do the impossible. Whether you are facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, know that God is with you and wants to heal and restore you. Let us stand together in faith and believe that all things are possible in the powerful name of Jesus.

###

Key Takeaways

1. **Faith vs. Belief**: Faith is more than just mental agreement; it is a wholehearted commitment to God. While belief acknowledges God's existence, faith trusts in His promises and acts on them. This distinction is crucial in our spiritual journey, as faith leads to experiencing God's miracles and blessings. [50:23]
2. God's Presence in Our Struggles: Even in our most challenging moments, God is with us. My experience of breaking my foot and continuing my ministry despite the pain taught me that God uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him and to demonstrate His power and love. Trusting God in difficult times strengthens our faith and reveals His faithfulness. [57:15]
3. Miracles in the Nations: In my travels to Pakistan and Africa, I have witnessed the miraculous power of God. Thousands have come to Christ, and many have experienced physical healings and deliverance from demonic possession. These miracles are a testament to the power of Jesus' name and the importance of faith. [63:37]
4. Authority of Believers: As believers, we have the authority to pray for healing and to see God's power at work. The Bible tells us that we can tread on serpents and scorpions and have power over all the enemy. This authority is given to us through Jesus, and we must exercise it with faith and confidence. [92:56]
5. Increasing Our Faith: God calls us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. Even a small amount of faith can move mountains and bring about miraculous changes in our lives. Trust in God's promises, believe in His power, and stand firm in your faith, knowing that all things are possible in the name of Jesus. [01:35:42]
### [95:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[48:18] - Introduction and Testimony
[49:48] - Faith vs. Belief
[50:51] - Biblical Foundations of Faith
[52:20] - Creation and God's Power
[53:22] - The Gift of Grace
[54:26] - Personal Journey from Islam to Christianity
[56:08] - Miracles in Pakistan
[63:37] - Miracles in Africa
[67:18] - Jesus' Healing Ministry
[69:50] - Personal Healing Testimony
[70:09] - Medical Clinic in Tanzania
[74:24] - Healing of Deafness
[75:26] - Healing of Blindness
[77:59] - Healing of Lameness
[78:56] - Muslims Accepting Jesus
[80:09] - Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by a Spirit
[84:51] - Deliverance from Demonic Possession
[92:56] - Authority of Believers
[95:42] - Call to Increase Faith
[102:12] - Prayer for Healing and Restoration
[110:32] - Personal Prayer and Ministry

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What is the difference between belief and faith as described in the sermon? ([50:23])
How did the speaker's experience of breaking her foot impact her ministry and faith? ([57:15])
What miracles did the speaker witness in Pakistan and Africa, and how did these experiences strengthen her faith? ([01:03:37])
According to the sermon, what authority do believers have in Jesus' name? ([01:32:56])

Interpretation Questions

How does 2 Corinthians 5:7 challenge the way we approach our daily lives and decisions?
In what ways does Hebrews 11:1 encourage believers to trust in God's promises even when outcomes are not visible?
How can Luke 10:19 empower believers to face spiritual challenges with confidence?
Reflecting on the speaker's testimony, how can personal struggles and challenges serve to deepen one's faith and reliance on God? ([57:15])

Application Questions

Think of a situation in your life where you have relied more on belief (mental agreement) rather than faith (wholehearted commitment). How can you shift towards a more faith-driven approach? ([50:23])
When facing a difficult situation, how can you remind yourself of God's presence and promises to strengthen your faith? ([57:15])
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle that strengthened your faith? Share your experience and how it impacted your relationship with God. ([01:03:37])
How can you exercise the authority given to you as a believer to pray for healing and see God's power at work in your life and the lives of others? ([01:32:56])
What steps can you take to increase your faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed, in your current challenges? ([01:35:42])
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What practical actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in His promises?
How can you support and encourage others in your small group to grow in their faith and trust in God's miraculous power?

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are all on a faith journey. Do you agree with that? Every day we wake up and we believe by faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we walk in him, in his protection, in the power and the blessings that come from knowing the name of our Lord Jesus, knowing the knowing Jesus as the Lord of our life." [49:48] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The best thing is that the Lord is with us. He said he will never leave us or forsake us. So let's look at the word of God. What does it say about these words? So in the word of God, I put some scriptures up there for you. We're going to go look through a lot of scriptures. I have them here on the PowerPoint, but if you would like to write them down for your reference, it would be good for you as well." [50:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I want to tell you, our faith will come and our belief will come right away. Just say, Jesus, only you can heal this person and set them free. Only you can. There's power in Jesus. Jesus was there in the very beginning of time with God. He came into this world from a miracle of God, from the spirit of God. He did powerful miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, just speaking the words from his mouth." [01:32:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Brothers and sisters, I'm here to tell you our God is alive. He is real. He's actively working in the lives of people, and he wants to do the same for all of you. So today, will we increase our faith even as small as a mustard seed? Just mustard seed. That's what God is looking for. How small is that? So today, brothers and sisters, is a day that I believe that God wants to heal you and set you free." [01:35:42] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It's almost like, here's a plate. Put all your stuff on this plate. Imagine everything on this plate, and just say, Lord, take it. I leave it at the foot of the cross right now, and I walk away from it, because I cannot control the situation anymore. Lord, I give it to you. Can you do that today? Because you have to. We're not made to carry things ourselves. That's why the Lord gives us His Spirit to live inside of us, to carry it for us." [01:57:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When I came out, I was standing in the back and after I, I shared my testimony, you all really encouraged me, uh, blessed me so much with your kind words, your gracious spirit. And this is what the body of Christ is really, you know, you're coming out with the light and the love of Jesus of overflowing from all of you. And, um, this is what is attractive to the people in the nations." [48:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I come from a religion of rules and regulations. The emphasis was not the way Genesis is written in the word of God, but when I read the word of God in the very beginning, I saw that by God speaking, the creation was made. Wow, it's powerful. It's powerful that just by speaking, God's creation is made and it's so beautiful. I get to travel to so many countries and see the beauty of our Lord's creation, just little things like flowers and insects." [52:20] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I believe that was the time I needed with God. There was times when I had to keep my foot elevated, could not do much. And that was the times when I read the word of God. I prayed to God. I cried to God. I just said, God, why, why is this happening? I just spoke to people. They encouraged me. And that's the time that God wanted me to have with him. And that was the best time I had with my Lord." [01:01:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I want to tell you, I am seeing truly miraculous move of God working and I I'm amazed myself but may I tell you my faith got so strong to this point where she was um by the time that she was free my faith got so strong that I could have spoken to the mountain and it would have moved this is where my faith was so brothers and sisters I just want to tell you that's what God is looking for." [01:27:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I mean, you know, like you're saying, the situation gets out of control. So, today is the day. You will just give it all to the Lord today. You've got to walk. Walk away. And believe that God is going to take it from you, and He wants you to walk in freedom in the name of Jesus. The chains are breaking in you as speak it. Chains of bondage, chains of control, chain of anxiety, chains of fear, chains of anger, chains of bitterness, chains even of unforgiveness, chains of control is breaking right now in you, right now in Jesus' name." [01:58:35] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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