SERMONS
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**Standing in the Gap** Standing in the gap is a powerful biblical concept that speaks to intercession, responsibility, and sacrificial love. To stand in the gap means to position yourself between a problem and God’s promise, between judgment and mercy, between brokenness and restoration. In Ezekiel 22:30, God declares, “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” This verse reveals God’s desire for people who are willing to intervene on behalf of others. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of individuals who stood in the gap. Moses stood in the gap for Israel after their rebellion with the golden calf. In Exodus 32:11–14, Moses interceded, pleading with God to turn away His wrath, and God relented. Esther stood in the gap for her people when she risked her life by approaching the king uninvited, declaring, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Her courage saved an entire nation. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of standing in the gap. Humanity was separated from God by sin, but Jesus stood between us and judgment. First Timothy 2:5 reminds us that there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He bridged the gap that sin had created and restored our relationship with the Father. Today, believers are still called to stand in the gap. We do this through prayer, advocacy, and obedience. We stand in the gap for our families by praying for their salvation and protection. We stand in the gap for our communities by confronting injustice and showing compassion. We stand in the gap for the church by remaining faithful and committed, even when it is difficult. Standing in the gap is not always comfortable, but it is always necessary. God is still looking for men and women who are willing to say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”Standing in the gap
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What Do You See is a sermon theme that urges believers to shift from a physical, fear-based perspective to a spiritual, faith-filled view, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 5:7. It challenges individuals to examine whether they see obstacles or opportunities, as illustrated in Numbers 13:26 through 29. The message also asks whether Jesus is viewed as a true Savior or merely as a tool for personal needs. When God asks, What do you see, He is inviting believers to align their vision with His promises. Key Bible verses support this theme. Jeremiah 1:11 through 12 describes how the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah and asked what he saw. When Jeremiah identified an almond branch, God affirmed his vision and declared that He was ready to perform His word. This passage highlights the importance of seeing with faith in God’s promises. Numbers 13:30 through 33 contrasts the twelve spies sent into the land, where ten focused on the giants while Caleb focused on God’s ability to give victory. Mark 8:23 through 25 recounts Jesus healing a blind man and asking what he could see, demonstrating the need for deeper and clearer spiritual vision. Second Corinthians 5:7 establishes the foundation of this message by reminding believers that they walk by faith and not by sight. Isaiah 43:19 declares that God is doing a new thing and challenges believers to perceive His work even in difficult circumstances. Several sermon points reinforce this message. The problem of perspective is seen in the difference between the ten spies and Caleb, as fear caused many to focus on obstacles rather than God’s power. The spiritual lens is illustrated through Jeremiah’s vision of the almond branch, where God tested whether His servant was focused on circumstances or on divine promises. Moving beyond the physical is seen in the account of Bartimaeus, who saw Jesus not as an ordinary man but as the Son of David and a merciful healer. The call to see new things reminds believers that God is always at work, even in the wilderness, and they must not remain trapped by past experiences. Correcting vision is emphasized in Mark 8, where a second touch from Jesus was required to move from blurred sight to clear vision. The key takeaway is that what a person focuses on determines how they respond. Believers are called to choose to see through the lens of God’s power and promises.What did you see
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Growing deeper in God requires establishing deep spiritual roots through daily scripture meditation, prayer, and obedience, moving beyond surface-level faith to a life rooted in Christ's love. Key practices include abiding in the Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, and cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude and surrender to God's will. Key Bible Verses for Growing Deeper • Colossians 2:5 - 7: 5 KJV:For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 KJV:As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 KJV:Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. • "So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him...". • Jeremiah 17:7-8: 7 KJV:Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 KJV:For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. • Describes the person who trusts in the Lord as a tree planted by water, sending out roots to a stream, which does not fear heat or drought. • Ephesians 3:16-17: 16 KJV:That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 KJV:That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love • Prays for inner strength through the Spirit so that "your roots will grow down into God's love". • Psalm 42:1-2: 1 KJV:As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 KJV:My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? • "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, oh God". • John 7:37-39: 37 KJV:In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 KJV:He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 KJV:(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) • Jesus invites the thirsty to come and drink, promising streams of living water (the Spirit) to flow from them. • 1 Peter 2:2: 2 KJV:As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: • Encourages longing for the "pure milk of the word" to grow in salvation. Themes on Deepening Faith • Becoming Rooted: Moving from "entry-level belief to all-access trust," letting Christ settle into the heart and "remodel" areas of life. • Deepening Roots, Not Just Tall Branches: Focus on inward spiritual growth ("burrowing down") rather than outward performance ("dancing in the breeze"). • Cultivating Intimacy: Moving from shallow admiration to passionate adoration, and developing discernment to sense God's movements. • Accessing God's Power: Utilizing God's "glorious, unlimited resources" for strength rather than relying on human effort. • The Power of Obedience: Shifting from "hotel guest" treatment of Christ to treating Him as the homeowner of your life. Practical Steps to Go Deeper • Meditation: Meditating on Scripture day and night to become like a fruitful tree. • Surrender: Allowing God to remove "stained carpets" of sin. • Spiritual Disciplines: Consistent prayer, studying the Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit.Growing deeper in God
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LEAN ON GOD AND PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD Main Text: Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) «“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”» Supporting Scriptures: - Isaiah 40:31 - Jeremiah 17:7–8 - Psalm 37:5 - Psalm 42:5 - Psalm 46:1 - Psalm 62:5–8 - Romans 15:13 - Psalm 125:1 - Lamentations 3:21–24 - Hebrews 10:23 --- INTRODUCTION Beloved, one of the greatest lessons a believer must learn is how to depend completely on God. There are times in life when everything seems uncertain. We may not know what tomorrow will bring. We may face financial difficulties, family challenges, disappointment, delay, rejection, sickness, unanswered prayers, or situations that are completely beyond our control. At such moments, the natural tendency is to depend on our own wisdom, connections, money, experience, or strength. But the Word of God tells us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 God is saying, “Do not carry everything by yourself. Do not depend entirely on what you can see. Do not make your understanding your final authority. Lean on Me.” There is a difference between knowing about God and depending on God. You can know that God is powerful and still struggle to trust Him. You can know that God provides and still be afraid about tomorrow. You can know that God answers prayers and still become discouraged when your answer is delayed. But genuine faith says: “I may not understand what God is doing, but I know who God is.” --- 1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LEAN ON GOD? To lean means to rest your weight upon something because you trust that it will support you. When a person leans against a wall, they are trusting the wall to hold them. Spiritually, leaning on God means: - Depending on God's wisdom. - Depending on God's strength. - Depending on God's provision. - Depending on God's protection. - Depending on God's timing. - Depending on God's promises. - Depending on God's direction. It means saying: “Lord, I cannot do this by myself. I need You.” Psalm 46:1 says: «“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”» God does not merely help us when everything is going well. He is also our help in trouble. When your strength finishes, God's strength has not finished. When your wisdom ends, God's wisdom has not ended. When your resources are exhausted, God's resources are not exhausted. When you don't know what to do, God already knows what to do. --- 2. DO NOT LEAN ONLY ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING Proverbs 3:5 says: «“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”» Notice that Scripture does not say we should have no understanding. God wants us to think, plan, learn, and make wise decisions. But He does not want us to make our understanding greater than His Word. Sometimes what we see is not the complete picture. Abraham did not know everything. God told Abraham to leave his country and go to a place He would show him. Hebrews 11:8 says: «“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”» Abraham did not know all the details. But he knew God. And sometimes that is all faith requires. You may not know: - How God will provide. - When the door will open. - How the situation will change. - Where the opportunity will come from. - How your prayer will be answered. But you can still say: “I don't know how, but I know God.” --- 3. GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW One of the reasons we become anxious is because we want to know everything. We want to know tomorrow today. We want to know the outcome before we begin. We want to know how every problem will be solved. But God says: Isaiah 55:8–9 «“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”» God sees what you cannot see. God knows what you do not know. God understands what you cannot understand. There are things happening behind the scenes that you may never see. That is why you must learn to trust God. --- 4. PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31: «“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles...”» Notice the Scripture says: “They that wait upon the LORD.” Your hope must not be based only on your circumstances. If your hope is based on money, what happens when money disappears? If your hope is based on people, what happens when people disappoint you? If your hope is based on your job, what happens when the job ends? If your hope is based on your position, what happens when the position changes? But when your hope is in God, your foundation remains firm. Psalm 42:5 says: «“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God.”» David was speaking to his own soul. In other words: “Soul, don't give up. Hope in God.” Sometimes you have to preach to yourself. When fear says, “It is over,” you must say: “My hope is in God.” When disappointment says, “Nothing will change,” say: “My hope is in God.” When circumstances say, “There is no way,” say: “My God will make a way.” --- 5. PEOPLE CAN FAIL, BUT GOD WILL NEVER FAIL Human beings can disappoint us. Friends can change. Family members can disappoint us. Business partners can fail us. People can make promises and break them. But God is different. Numbers 23:19 says: «“God is not a man, that he should lie.”» God's Word is dependable. His promises are dependable. His character is dependable. His faithfulness is dependable. That is why Hebrews 10:23 says: «“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”» Our confidence is not based on the perfection of our circumstances. Our confidence is based on the faithfulness of God. --- 6. WHEN YOU LEAN ON GOD, YOU DON'T HAVE TO CARRY EVERYTHING YOURSELF Many people are physically present in church but emotionally carrying burdens that God never asked them to carry alone. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: «“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”» Jesus is calling the tired. He is calling the discouraged. He is calling the brokenhearted. He is calling those who have been carrying burdens for too long. He says: “Come unto Me.” Not, “Figure everything out yourself.” Not, “Carry everything yourself.” Not, “Depend completely on your own strength.” He says: “Come unto Me.” --- 7. LEAN ON GOD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE Anybody can praise God when everything is working. But one of the greatest demonstrations of faith is trusting God when things are difficult. Job lost many things, yet he continued to trust God. Job 13:15 says: «“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”» That is deep faith. It means: “Even when I don't understand God, I will not abandon God.” Your situation may change. Your emotions may change. People may change. But God remains God. --- 8. LEAN ON GOD IN YOUR DECISIONS Proverbs 3:6 says: «“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”» Notice the word “all.” Not some. All. Acknowledge God in: - Your marriage. - Your family. - Your career. - Your business. - Your ministry. - Your finances. - Your relationships. - Your future. - Your decisions. Before you ask, “What do I want?” Ask: “Lord, what do You want?” Before you ask, “What is popular?” Ask: “What is pleasing to God?” Before you make the decision, pray. Before you open the door, ask God for direction. Before you enter the relationship, ask God. Before you start the business, ask God. Before you make the move, ask God. Because a good opportunity is not necessarily a God opportunity. --- 9. WAITING ON GOD DOES NOT MEAN GOD HAS FORGOTTEN YOU One of the hardest things for believers is waiting. Sometimes we pray: “Lord, when?” But God's silence does not mean God's absence. A delay does not necessarily mean denial. God may be preparing you while you are waiting for the promise. Consider Joseph. God gave Joseph a dream, but there was a long journey before the dream became reality. He went through: - Rejection. - Betrayal. - Slavery. - False accusation. - Prison. But eventually, God's purpose was fulfilled. Genesis 50:20 says: «“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”» What people intended for evil, God was able to turn into something good. So don't give up because your journey is taking longer than expected. God's timing is not the same as your timing. --- 10. YOUR HOPE MUST BE STRONGER THAN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES Jeremiah 17:7–8 says: «“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”» Then the Bible compares that person to a tree planted by the waters. What a powerful picture. A tree planted by water does not depend entirely on the weather. When the dry season comes, it still has a source. That is what happens when your hope is in God. You may experience a dry season, but you still have a source. You may experience difficulty, but you still have a source. You may experience rejection, but you still have a source. You may experience delay, but you still have a source. God is your source. --- 11. DO NOT MAKE PEOPLE YOUR SOURCE People can be instruments in God's hands, but they should never become your ultimate source. God may use your employer. God may use your friend. God may use your family. God may use your church. God may use a stranger. But remember: The person is only the instrument. God is the Source. If you make the instrument your source, you will become disappointed when the instrument changes. But if God is your source, you can say: “If this door closes, God can open another door.” “If this person cannot help me, God can raise somebody else.” “If this opportunity disappears, God can create another opportunity.” Because your hope is not in people. Your hope is in God. --- 12. GOD IS YOUR STRENGTH Psalm 62:5–6 says: «“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation.”» Look at that statement: “My expectation is from Him.” Where is your expectation? Is it in your bank account? Is it in your connections? Is it in your education? Is it in your position? Is it in your ability? All these things can be useful, but they are not your ultimate hope. David says: “My expectation is from Him.” --- 13. FAITH MEANS TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN YOU CANNOT SEE THE ROAD Faith does not mean that you know everything. Faith means you trust the One who knows everything. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says: «“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”» Sight says: “I don't see a way.” Faith says: “God will make a way.” Sight says: “I don't have enough.” Faith says: “God is my provider.” Sight says: “The situation is impossible.” Faith says: “Nothing is impossible with God.” Sight looks at the problem. Faith looks at God. --- 14. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE LEAN ON GOD? A. God gives us direction Proverbs 3:6: «“He shall direct thy paths.”» B. God gives us strength Isaiah 40:31: «“They shall renew their strength.”» C. God gives us peace Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us to bring our requests to God in prayer, and God's peace will guard our hearts and minds. D. God gives us courage Psalm 27:14 says: «“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.”» E. God gives us stability Psalm 125:1 says: «“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.”» When your trust is in God, circumstances may shake you, but they do not have to destroy you. --- 15. HOW DO WE PRACTICALLY LEAN ON GOD? 1. Pray before you panic When something happens, don't allow fear to be your first response. Pray. Philippians 4:6 says: «“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”» Take your problem to God before you take it everywhere else. --- 2. Read God's Word You cannot trust God's promises if you don't know His Word. The Bible gives you something to stand on when your emotions are unstable. Romans 10:17 says: «“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”» --- 3. Remember what God has already done When David faced Goliath, he remembered what God had done before. He remembered the lion. He remembered the bear. Then he believed God could help him face Goliath. Your testimony from yesterday can become your confidence for tomorrow. Remember: “If God did it before, He can do it again.” --- 4. Stop allowing fear to control your decisions Fear will tell you: “Run.” Faith says: “Trust God.” Fear says: “It will never work.” Faith says: “God is able.” Fear says: “You are alone.” Faith says: “God is with me.” --- 5. Obey God even when you don't understand Sometimes the instruction of God will not make sense to human reasoning. But obedience is an expression of trust. You don't have to understand everything before obeying God. Sometimes understanding comes after obedience. --- 16. WHEN YOUR HOPE IS IN GOD, YOU CAN HAVE JOY IN DIFFICULT TIMES Romans 15:13 says: «“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing...”» Notice that God is called: “The God of hope.” This means your hope is not merely an emotion. Your hope has a person. God Himself is your hope. When God is your hope, your joy does not have to disappear because circumstances change. --- 17. GOD HAS NOT FINISHED WITH YOU Maybe somebody listening to this sermon is saying: “I have tried everything.” Maybe you are tired. Maybe you have prayed for a long time. Maybe you are waiting for an answer. Maybe something has not happened the way you expected. I want to encourage you: Don't give up on God. Your present situation is not the final chapter of your story. Lamentations 3:21–23 says: «“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed... They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”» Every morning is evidence that God's mercy is still working. Every new day is another opportunity to trust Him. --- CONCLUSION: LEAN COMPLETELY ON GOD Beloved, the greatest question is not: “Do I have problems?” Everyone has problems. The question is: “Where am I putting my trust?” If your trust is in yourself, you will eventually become exhausted. If your trust is in people, you will eventually become disappointed. If your trust is in money, circumstances can change. If your trust is in position, position can change. But if your trust is in God, you have a foundation that cannot be shaken. Proverbs 3:5–6 again: «“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”» Therefore: Lean on God. When you don't know what to do—lean on God. When you are afraid—lean on God. When you are waiting—lean on God. When people disappoint you—lean on God. When the door closes—lean on God. When you don't understand—lean on God. When your strength is gone—lean on God. When your resources are limited—lean on God. When the future looks uncertain—lean on God. And above everything: PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD. Because God is faithful. God is dependable. God is your strength. God is your provider. God is your defender. God is your helper. God is your refuge. God is your way maker. And God will never abandon those who put their trust in Him. --- DECLARATION OF FAITH I declare that my trust is in the Lord. I will not depend solely on my own understanding. I will not allow fear to control my decisions. I will not put my ultimate hope in people. My hope is in God. My strength is in God. My future is in God's hands. The Lord will direct my path. The Lord will renew my strength. The Lord will give me wisdom. The Lord will give me peace. The Lord will sustain me in difficult seasons. Every closed door that is not according to God's purpose will not destroy me. Every delay will not make me give up. Every disappointment will not destroy my faith. I will continue to trust God. I will continue to pray. I will continue to believe. I will continue to hope. Because my God is faithful. And I declare that my hope is in the Lord, and I will not be ashamed. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. PRAYER Heavenly Father, we thank You because You are our refuge, our strength, and our hope. Teach us to trust You completely. Forgive us for the times we have depended more on our own understanding than on Your wisdom. Help us to surrender our fears, worries, plans, families, businesses, ministries, careers, and future into Your hands. When we are weak, strengthen us. When we are confused, direct us. When we are discouraged, encourage us. When we are afraid, give us courage. When we are waiting, give us patience. When we are facing impossible situations, help us to remember that nothing is impossible with You. Let our faith become stronger. Let our hope become deeper. Let our confidence in You become unshakable. May everyone who has been waiting for an answer receive divine encouragement. May those who are facing difficult seasons receive strength. May those who have lost hope receive new hope. And may our lives continually testify that those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame. We put our hope in You. We lean on You. We trust You. And we declare that our future is secure in Your hands. In Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.Lean on God and put your Hope in God
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SERMON: GOD ALWAYS SHOWS UP Main Text: Isaiah 41:10 > “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” Theme: God Always Shows Up Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 46:1 Deuteronomy 31:8 Psalm 34:17–18 Jeremiah 32:27 Exodus 14:13–14 Daniel 3:16–25 2 Chronicles 20:15–17 Romans 8:28 Hebrews 13:5 Psalm 23:4 --- INTRODUCTION There are moments in life when we ask ourselves: “Where is God?” We pray, but the answer seems delayed. We cry, but heaven appears silent. We call upon God, but the situation seems to become worse. Sometimes you may look around and say: “Lord, I have trusted You. When will You show up?” But I came to remind somebody today: GOD ALWAYS SHOWS UP! God may not show up when you expect Him, but He will show up when His purpose requires Him to show up. His timing may be different from our timing, but His faithfulness never changes. --- 1. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE Psalm 46:1 > “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Notice the Bible does not say God is a future help in trouble. It says He is a very present help. That means when trouble arrives, God is already there. When sickness comes, God is there. When financial difficulties come, God is there. When family problems arise, God is there. When doors close, God is there. When people disappoint you, God is there. When you don't know what to do next, God is there. You may not see Him, but His presence is there. Your situation may be difficult, but you are not alone. --- 2. GOD MAY ALLOW THE STORM, BUT HE WILL SHOW UP IN THE STORM Look at the disciples in Mark 4:35–41. Jesus told them to get into the boat. They obeyed. But while they were travelling, a great storm arose. This teaches us something important: Being in God's will does not mean you will never experience storms. Sometimes you can be exactly where God wants you to be and still experience difficulties. The disciples were not in the boat because they disobeyed. They were there because Jesus told them to go. And Jesus was in the boat with them. When the storm became violent, Jesus stood up and calmed the sea. The disciples discovered that the One who was with them was greater than the storm around them. The storm may be loud, but God's presence is greater. --- 3. GOD SHOWS UP AT THE RED SEA Exodus 14:13–14 Moses told the Israelites: > “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” Imagine their situation. Behind them was Pharaoh's army. In front of them was the Red Sea. They had nowhere to run. They could not fight Pharaoh. They could not cross the sea. Humanly speaking, there was no solution. But when there was no way, Go13d made a way. God opened the Red Sea. When you reach the end of your ability, you have not reached the end of God's ability. You may say: “I don't know how this will work out.” God says: “You don't have to know how. Trust Me.” --- 4. GOD SHOWS UP IN THE FIRE One of the greatest examples is found in Daniel 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Because of their faithfulness, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. But something amazing happened. The king looked into the fire and said there were four men walking in the flames. The three Hebrew men went into the fire with God on their side. And God showed up inside the fire. God did not prevent them from entering the fire, but He entered the fire with them. Somebody needs to hear this: The fire will not destroy you. The pressure will not finish you. The trial will not bury you. The God who was with you before the fire will be with you inside the fire. And when you come out, you will come out with a testimony. --- 5. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE HAS LEFT There are times when people who promised to stand with you may disappear. People can change. Friends can disappoint you. Family members may misunderstand you. People may abandon you. But God says in Hebrews 13:5: > “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” People may leave. God will remain. People may forget you. God will remember you. People may reject you. God will receive you. People may close their doors. God can open another door. Never measure God's presence by the number of people standing around you. Sometimes God separates people from you because He wants you to discover that He is enough. --- 6. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN YOU HAVE WAITED A LONG TIME One of the hardest things for a believer is waiting. We want God to answer immediately. But sometimes God says: “Wait.” Consider Lazarus in John 11. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus because Lazarus was sick. They expected Jesus to come quickly. But Jesus delayed. Lazarus died. They buried him. Days passed. Then Jesus arrived. Martha said: > “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” It looked like Jesus was late. But Jesus was not late. He was working according to a greater purpose. Jesus went to the tomb and said: “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had been dead came back to life. God's delay is not God's denial. Sometimes God waits because He is preparing a testimony bigger than the answer you originally requested. You asked God for healing. God may give you a testimony. You asked God for provision. God may open a new door. You asked God for one opportunity. God may give you an entirely new season. --- 7. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN YOU CALL ON HIM Jeremiah 33:3 > “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things…” God invites us to call Him. Prayer is not talking into the air. Prayer is communication with the Almighty God. When you pray: He hears. When you cry: He hears. When you worship: He hears. When you don't even know what words to use: He understands. Never stop praying because you don't see the answer immediately. Daniel prayed and heaven responded, even though there was a delay before the answer manifested. Daniel 10:12 says: > “From the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard…” Your prayer may not yet have produced the visible result, but that does not mean God has not heard you. --- 8. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN YOU ARE WEAK Sometimes we feel like we don't have enough strength. But God says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: > “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” You don't have to be strong enough for God to use you. You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to know everything. You simply have to trust Him. When your strength ends, God's strength begins. Your weakness is not a disqualification. Your weakness can become the platform upon which God's power is displayed. --- 9. GOD SHOWS UP WHEN PEOPLE SAY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE Jeremiah 32:27 > “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” There is nothing too hard for God. Doctors can say, “We don't know what else to do.” God still has a way. People can say, “There is no opportunity.” God can create one. Someone can say, “It is impossible.” God says: “Is anything too hard for Me?” What is impossible with man is possible with God. Luke 18:27 > “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” --- 10. GOD SHOWS UP TO FIGHT YOUR BATTLES 2 Chronicles 20:15 > “The battle is not yours, but God's.” There are battles you cannot win by your own strength. Some battles require you to stop fighting and start trusting. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were surrounded by enemies. But God told them: “You will not need to fight this battle.” God Himself intervened. Some battles are won on your knees before they are won on the battlefield. Stop worrying about everything. Stop trying to control everything. Give some battles to God. Pray. Trust. Stand. And watch God work. --- 11. GOD SHOWS UP BECAUSE HE IS FAITHFUL Deuteronomy 31:8 > “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee…” This is one of the greatest promises in Scripture. God does not abandon what He starts. Philippians 1:6 > “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…” Your life is still a work in progress. Your story is not finished. The chapter you are currently reading may be painful, but it is not the final chapter. God is still writing your story. --- 12. GOD SHOWS UP IN THE VALLEY Psalm 23:4 > “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Notice David says: “Though I walk through the valley…” He didn't say: “Though I live in the valley.” The valley is a passage, not your permanent address. You are walking through it. You may be in a difficult season today, but you will come through. You may be crying today, but joy is coming. Psalm 30:5 > “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Your night has an expiration date. Morning is coming. --- 13. GOD ALWAYS SHOWS UP AT THE RIGHT TIME We often want God to work according to our timetable. But God sees what we cannot see. Ecclesiastes 3:11 > “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…” Not necessarily our time. But His time. There is a difference between: “God hasn't answered” and “God hasn't answered yet.” Your “yet” is important. Don't give up during the waiting season. The fact that you are waiting does not mean God has forgotten you. --- 14. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHILE WAITING FOR GOD TO SHOW UP? A. KEEP TRUSTING Proverbs 3:5–6 > “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” You may not understand what God is doing. Trust Him anyway. --- B. KEEP PRAYING 1 Thessalonians 5:17 > “Pray without ceasing.” Don't stop praying because the answer hasn't arrived. --- C. KEEP BELIEVING Mark 9:23 > “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Faith keeps you standing when circumstances tell you to quit. --- D. KEEP WORSHIPPING Worship is not only for when everything is going well. Sometimes your greatest worship comes in the middle of your greatest trial. Job lost almost everything, but he said: Job 1:21 > “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” --- E. KEEP MOVING FORWARD Don't allow your current situation to convince you that God has abandoned you. Keep serving. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep obeying. Keep trusting. Your testimony may be closer than you think. --- 15. GOD'S PRESENCE IS GREATER THAN YOUR PROBLEM The problem may be big. But God is bigger. The mountain may be high. But God is higher. The enemy may be strong. But God is stronger. The situation may look impossible. But God specializes in impossible situations. Romans 8:31 > “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Not if everything is easy. Not if everyone likes you. But: IF GOD IS FOR YOU. That is enough. --- 16. YOUR TESTING CAN BECOME YOUR TESTIMONY Many of the greatest testimonies in Scripture began with difficult situations. Red Sea → Deliverance Fiery furnace → Preservation Lion's den → Protection Lazarus' death → Resurrection David and Goliath → Victory Joseph's pit → Promotion Esther's danger → Deliverance Your present situation may be the beginning of your next testimony. Don't judge the entire story by one difficult chapter. God is still working. --- DECLARATION I want everyone to say: God is with me! God has not forgotten me! God will never abandon me! God will show up in my situation! God will make a way where there seems to be no way! My storm will not destroy me! My fire will not consume me! My valley will not be my final destination! My enemies will not have the final word! My circumstances will not determine my destiny! God is fighting for me! God is working for me! God is making a way for me! I will not give up! I will not lose my faith! I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! --- CONCLUSION Beloved, remember this: God always shows up. He showed up for Moses. He showed up for Joshua. He showed up for David. He showed up for Daniel. He showed up for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He showed up for Esther. He showed up for Joseph. He showed up for Lazarus. And He will show up for you. You may not know when. You may not know how. You may not know where. But you can know WHO. And His name is Jesus Christ. So don't give up. Don't stop praying. Don't stop believing. Don't stop serving God. Don't stop trusting Him. Because when the time is right: GOD WILL SHOW UP! And when God shows up, everything can change. --- CLOSING PRAYER Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I thank You because You are the God who never fails. Thank You because You are our refuge, our strength, our helper, and our deliverer. Lord, I pray for everyone hearing this message. Where there is trouble, show up. Where there is sickness, show up. Where there is confusion, show up. Where there is financial difficulty, show up. Where there is family trouble, show up. Where there is disappointment, show up. Where there is delay, show up. Where there is fear, show up. Where there is an impossible situation, show up. Father, make a way where there is no way. Open doors that no man can shut. Strengthen the weak. Encourage the discouraged. Restore the broken. Give hope to those who have lost hope. Let every Red Sea part. Let every Goliath fall. Let every prison door open. Let every impossible situation become a testimony. And Lord, when we go through the fire, let us discover that You are right there with us. When we go through the valley, let us know that You are walking with us. When we face the storm, let Your presence give us peace. Father, let our lives become evidence that You always show up. And when our testimony comes, may we never forget to give You all the glory. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen! KEY SCRIPTURE TO END WITH Isaiah 41:10 > “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” God is with you. God has not forgotten you. And God will always show up.Pastor
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