Worshiping God Through Trials: The Power of Faith
Summary
God is a good God, and He is worthy of all our praise and worship. Serving Him is not for the faint of heart or for those who are easily discouraged, but for those who are willing to lay aside their troubles and magnify Him above all else. In the presence of God, His gifts—wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, faith, healing, and miracles—are available to those who will reach out in worship, regardless of their circumstances. The story of Job reminds us that what we go through is often only a test, a temporary removal of the hedge of protection, not a sign of God’s absence or punishment.
Lucifer, once the most beautiful and exalted angel, fell not because God created evil, but because pride and self-worship overtook him. Sin transformed a worshiper into an adversary. This serves as a warning: our purpose is not to seek recognition or self-exaltation, but to gather at God’s footstool in humility and worship. God is jealous for our worship, and nothing moves Him more than when we choose to praise Him in the midst of trials.
Satan, the accuser, is relentless in his attempts to destroy faith, joy, and hope. He cannot be redeemed, and his anger is fueled by the mercy and forgiveness God extends to us. He seeks to convince us that our trials are evidence of God’s displeasure or absence, but the truth is that God sometimes allows the hedge to be removed to test and refine us, not to destroy us. The real question is not why we suffer, but whether we will remain faithful, maintain our integrity, and continue to worship.
Job’s story is a testament to the power of steadfast faith. Even when he could not feel, hear, or see God, he refused to charge God with wrongdoing. His greatest testimony was that, though shaken, he would not be moved. On the other side of the test, God restored and blessed Job more than before. The challenge for each of us is to step outside our trials, refuse to give the enemy credit, and draw near to God in worship. Miracles are found not in complaining or self-pity, but in the presence of God, at His altar, where faith is renewed and chains are broken.
Key Takeaways
- True worship is born in adversity, not comfort. When the hedge is removed and trials come, the opportunity arises to worship God not for His blessings, but for who He is. This kind of worship is what moves the heart of God and brings about spiritual breakthrough. [24:55]
- Pride and self-exaltation are the roots of spiritual downfall. Lucifer’s transformation into Satan began when he shifted his focus from worshiping God to worshiping himself. We must guard our hearts against seeking recognition or validation from others, remembering that God alone is worthy of our praise. [34:30]
- The enemy’s attacks are not always a sign of God’s displeasure, but often a test of our faithfulness. Satan cannot destroy us unless we surrender our faith, joy, and hope. Our response in the trial—maintaining integrity, refusing to accuse God, and continuing to worship—determines the outcome. [50:11]
- God’s mercy and forgiveness are what set us apart from the enemy. Satan is enraged because he cannot be redeemed, while we, even in our failures, can find restoration through repentance and faith. This truth should fuel our gratitude and deepen our commitment to God, especially in difficult seasons. [47:54]
- Miracles are found at the altar, not in the pew of complacency. Stepping out of our comfort zone and into the presence of God, even when we don’t understand our circumstances, positions us for breakthrough. Complaining and self-pity never produce miracles, but worship in the midst of the storm invites God’s power to move. [01:01:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[22:54] - Entering God’s Presence
[24:55] - The Test of Job
[26:52] - Exposing the Enemy
[34:30] - The Fall of Lucifer
[42:42] - Faith in the Valley
[47:54] - The Hedge of Protection
[48:50] - Job’s Blessings and Trials
[50:11] - Remaining Faithful in the Test
[52:08] - Three Questions in the Trial
[53:11] - Worship in the Valley
[54:13] - Job’s Honest Questions
[55:39] - Job’s Integrity and Testimony
[56:16] - Maintaining Integrity
[57:28] - Faith Over Fear
[59:05] - The End of the Test
[01:01:40] - Stepping Out for a Miracle
[01:09:47] - Trusting God’s Voice in the Storm
[01:12:01] - The Power of the Altar
[01:13:23] - Chains Broken in God’s Presence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Job 1:6-12 (ESV)
> Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Isaiah 14:12-15 (ESV)
> How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Job 1:6-12, what was Satan’s accusation about Job’s faithfulness, and what did he claim would happen if Job lost his blessings?
2. In the sermon, what was said about the original role and fall of Lucifer? ([34:30])
3. What does the sermon say about the “hedge of protection” around Job, and what happened when it was removed? ([47:54])
4. How did Job respond when he could not feel, hear, or see God during his trials? ([55:39])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of Job teach about the relationship between suffering and God’s presence or approval? How does this challenge common assumptions about trials? ([48:50])
2. The sermon describes pride and self-exaltation as the root of Lucifer’s downfall. Why is pride so dangerous in the context of worship and serving God? ([34:30])
3. According to the sermon, why is Satan so intent on attacking believers, and how does God’s mercy toward us make a difference? ([47:54])
4. The sermon says, “True worship is born in adversity, not comfort.” What does it mean to worship God for who He is, rather than for His blessings? ([24:55])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to worship God even when we don’t feel blessed or comfortable. Can you think of a recent time when you found it hard to worship? What did you do, and what could you do differently next time? ([24:55])
2. Pride and the desire for recognition can sneak into our hearts, even in church. Are there ways you’ve noticed pride or self-focus affecting your worship or service? What practical steps can you take to humble yourself before God? ([34:30])
3. When you face trials, do you tend to see them as punishment, or as a test and opportunity for growth? How might your perspective change if you believed God was using the trial to refine you, not to destroy you? ([48:50])
4. The sermon says that Satan wants to steal our faith, joy, and hope. What are some specific things in your life right now that threaten your faith or joy? How can you guard against these attacks? ([47:54])
5. Job maintained his integrity and refused to accuse God, even when he didn’t understand. Is there a situation in your life where you’re tempted to blame God or give up? What would it look like to remain faithful and keep worshiping in that situation? ([50:11])
6. The pastor said, “Miracles are found at the altar, not in the pew of complacency.” What does it mean for you to “step out” and seek God’s presence, especially when you’re struggling? ([01:01:40])
7. God’s mercy and forgiveness are available to us, even when we fail. How does this truth affect your gratitude and your willingness to come back to God after a mistake? ([47:54])
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End of Guide
Devotional
Day 1: Remaining Faithful in the Test
There are seasons when it feels as though the hedge of God’s protection has been lifted, and trials come crashing in from every side. In these moments, it is not a sign of God’s absence or punishment, but rather a test—a refining of faith and character. The story of Job reminds us that God sometimes allows trials not to destroy us, but to reveal the depth of our faith and to prepare us for greater blessings ahead. Even when you cannot see or feel God, He is right by your side, and your steadfastness in the valley is precious to Him. [50:11]
Job 1:6-12 (ESV)
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Reflection: When you face a trial that shakes your world, what is one way you can choose to remain faithful to God today, even if you don’t understand why you’re going through it?
Day 2: Worship Belongs to God Alone
Lucifer’s fall began when he shifted his worship from God to himself, letting pride and rebellion take root. God is jealous for your worship and will not share His glory with another. True worship is not about being seen or praised by others, but about humbling yourself before God’s throne and exalting Him above all else. When you gather to worship, let your heart be set on magnifying the Lord, not on seeking attention or validation from people. God exalts the worshiper who comes with humility and sincerity. [34:30]
Isaiah 66:1 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?”
Reflection: Is there any area in your life where you are seeking recognition or validation from others instead of giving all the glory to God? How can you intentionally shift your focus to worship Him alone today?
Day 3: The Power of Integrity in the Valley
Job’s testimony was not that he never questioned or struggled, but that he maintained his integrity and did not accuse God falsely, even when everything was stripped away. Integrity is revealed not in times of blessing, but in the valley—when you choose to worship, to stand firm, and to trust God’s character despite your circumstances. Like Job, you may have questions and pain, but your unwavering integrity and refusal to blame God become a powerful testimony of faith. [53:11]
Job 1:20-22 (ESV)
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Reflection: In what specific way can you demonstrate integrity and trust in God today, even if your circumstances are difficult or confusing?
Day 4: Stepping Outside the Trial to Worship
Miracles are not found in complaining or focusing on the trial, but in stepping outside of your pain to worship God. When you choose to worship in the midst of your storm, you invite God’s presence and power into your situation. Worship shifts your perspective from the problem to the greatness of God, and it is often in these moments of surrendered praise that breakthrough and healing come—not just for you, but for those around you. [01:01:40]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Reflection: What is one practical way you can step outside of your trial today and choose to worship God, even if your circumstances haven’t changed?
Day 5: God’s Voice in the Storm
There are times when life feels like a turbulent flight through a storm, and fear threatens to overtake you. But just as a child trusts the pilot’s voice, you can trust the voice and authority of God to carry you through. God’s promise is that He will never leave you nor forsake you, and His presence is your anchor in every storm. When you draw near to where the Spirit of God is moving, you open yourself to healing, deliverance, and blessings beyond what you can imagine. [01:12:01]
Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 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: When you feel anxious or afraid, what is one way you can intentionally listen for and trust God’s voice above the noise of your circumstances today?
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