Trusting God's Presence Through Trials

Aug 9, 2024

Lecture Notes: Realms of His Presence

Key Concepts

  • Realms of God's presence are only found in the shadow.
  • Darkness may sometimes signify God's nearness.
  • Comfort is found more in God's presence than in knowledge.

Personal Testimony

  • The speaker believes in prophetic art and the Lord's communication through it.
  • The speaker felt anointed during the session and expressed gratitude for being back in the pulpit.
  • Shared personal experiences of illness and healing journey, emphasizing the importance of trust and prayer.

Journey of Illness

  • Started feeling unwell in October, leading to severe sickness by April.
  • In Copenhagen, experienced extreme sickness and was helped by a local doctor.
  • Diagnosed with a growth in the small intestine requiring surgery.
  • Underwent a Whipple surgery and other medical procedures in San Francisco.
  • Emphasized the importance of trust and prayer support from family and the global community.
  • Experienced miraculous recovery and is now able to eat and regain strength.

Biblical Insights

  • Galatians 5: Fruit of the Spirit includes love, patience, kindness, etc.
  • 1 Corinthians 12: Gifts of the Spirit include miracles, healings, prophecy, etc.
    • Gifts of the Spirit are plural, but the fruit of the Spirit is singular, manifesting in nine realms.

Theological Reflections

  • Spiritual gifts are for manifesting power; the fruit of the Spirit shows endurance.
  • Acts 2: Outpouring of the Spirit was for power and endurance.
  • Emphasized the role of endurance until breakthrough comes.

Psalm 23 Reflection

  • Encouraged declaring God's provision ("I shall not want").
  • Emphasized the importance of speaking faith in the middle of impossible circumstances.
  • Shared personal anecdotes of maintaining hope and faith through difficult times.
  • Trusting in God's presence even in the valley of the shadow of death.

Encouragement and Exhortation

  • Emphasized finding God in the shadow and trusting His presence over seeking answers.
  • Highlighted the importance of quiet trust as the foundation for bold faith.
  • Encouraged the congregation to maintain hope and trust in God's goodness.

Call to Action

  • Pray for contagious goodness and quiet trust in others.
  • Seek to live out a life that reflects God's goodness and power.

Final Thoughts

  • Bold faith stands on the shoulders of quiet trust.
  • Challenges are part of the journey, building trust and deeper faith in God.
  • Encouraged the congregation to embrace both the quiet trust and the bold faith in their spiritual walk.