Be Hope Church

"True selflessness isn't about recognition or credit—it's about faithfully serving without needing the spotlight. The sermon closes by reminding us that before Jesus ever asked us to make room for others, He first made room for us through the cross, inviting us to respond by making room for Him and living selflessly."

"Selfish people are always looking for the line. Selfless people are always looking for the opportunity."

" Until Christ makes all things new, believers are called to honestly bring their pain to God, anchor themselves in His Word, and intentionally recognize His goodness. Even in the middle of suffering, we can endure because we know something better is ahead. "

"Before Lot’s wife looked back, God had already rescued her. The message emphasizes that salvation and rescue begin with God’s mercy, not our own efforts. "

"Before Lot’s wife looked back, God had already rescued her. The message emphasizes that salvation and rescue begin with God’s mercy, not our own efforts. "

"While all Christians share the same mission, each person has a unique way of living it out—through serving the church, leading others, influencing their workplace, family, community, or sphere of influence for Christ. "

" Salvation is not only about being rescued from your past; it's about being brought into God's family. Followers of Jesus are called to find community through groups, discipleship, serving, and meaningful relationships with other believers."

"Owning your faith means committing to a community. Owning your faith means becoming more like Jesus. Owning your faith means letting Jesus disrupt your life."

"God doesn’t just want something from you—He wants something for you. The church should create spaces for people to encounter God "

"Jesus is the builder of the Church, and we are the pieces He uses.God’s church is not built on programs, personalities, or performance, but on surrendered people connected together for His purpose. "

" Real faith is not polished and in control. It is continuing to bring your anger, your pain, your questions, and your disappointment to Him instead of running from Him."

Prayer is how we stand in the gap.Prayer is not passive—it’s powerful, and it’s our primary way to fight for others.

" We must surrender the results to God – Growth is “automatic” in God’s kingdom; our job is faithfulness, while God alone brings transformation in His timing. "

" Faith and belief are trust in action. Faith isn’t just thinking, it requires movement. "

" Mature faith fights for others – As faith grows, it moves beyond self and compels us to pursue, love, and lead others into God’s kingdom. "

" Do not let others define your life by pain, labels, or past mistakes, because of the resurrection, we choose to get up instead of give up. "

"God is speaking, but noise often keeps us from recognizing His voice, our silence with God develops a deeper trust in God’s presence and timing."

"Scripture is meant to be fulfilled in through obedience. Spiritual depth is encounter, not information."

"Fasting is the practice that removes all the wrong clothes so we are ready to receive the right ones. It is not simply giving something up—it is making space for God to reshape what rules us."

"Prayer unlocks the power of God."

"If we want Jesus’ victory, we follow Jesus’ practices. You don’t win by trying everything — you win by doing the one thing consistently."

"In order to have healthy "horizontal" relationships with others, we must first have a healthy "vertical" relationship with God"

"You Can’t Change How Someone Wronged You — But You Can Change How You Respond."

"We choose how to frame what God paints."

"God does not wait for the lost - He pursues."

"The purpose of your hope is to point people to Jesus."

"You Can Be Confident Because God Is Always Committed."

"Your Progress Is Proof of God’s Faithfulness."

Key Points:• Don’t Forget Who You Are: Identity Matters. When identity is questioned—personally or corporately—we become defensive because identity shapes behavior. For the church, identity is expressed through culture, mission, vision, and values. If Be Hope forgets who it is, it will drift into who it is not.• Jesus Is Our Hope (Not Wishful Thinking). Hebrews 10:23 calls believers to hold unswervingly to the hope they profess. That hope is not an idea or optimism—it is a person. Jesus is our confident expectation, worth holding onto even at the cost of our lives. The church does not forget who it is because Jesus is and always will be our hope.• Growth Can Create Identity Drift. As churches grow, distraction increases and drift becomes real. When focus shifts from mission to programs, from people far from God to preferences, or from encounter to insight, the church slowly loses alignment. If we forget who we are, we drift into who we are not.• Hope Does Not Drift—It Remains Unswerving. To be “unswerving” means actively staying on course despite pressure, distraction, or difficulty. This journey and mission are matters of spiritual life and death. Remaining unswerving requires resisting distraction and refusing deviation, personally and corporately.• We Remain Unswerving Together—Living Out the Call to Be Hope. Hebrews emphasizes “Let us hold”—this is a shared commitment. As a church, Be Hope remains unswerving to: • The Mission: Becoming someone’s first church • The Vision: Pursuing the hopeless and seeing lives transformed • The Calling: Every believer using their gifts to point people to Jesus • Being Hope is not a name—it’s an identity lived out through worship, encouragement, service, invitation, and mission.

"My enough will never be enough, but I don't have to be enough - I just have to be faithful."

Key Points:• Christmas Is Often the Story We Didn’t See Coming. We expect Christmas to be picture-perfect, meaningful, and fulfilling—but reality often disappoints. Just like unmet expectations, disrupted plans, grief, or exhaustion, many of us arrive at Christmas carrying things we never anticipated. The “Christmas we didn’t see coming” mirrors the moments in life when we feel caught off guard and overwhelmed.• The First Christmas Was a Cosmic Battle, Not a Silent Night. Revelation 12 reveals that Christmas wasn’t just a peaceful manger moment—it was the beginning of a spiritual war. While Luke 2 shows us the baby in a manger, Revelation 12 shows us a dragon waiting to destroy Him. Christmas was the moment heaven and hell collided, and the birth of Jesus marked the start of the battle for humanity.• When You Didn’t Stand a Chance, Heaven Started Fighting for You. God’s response to the dragon wasn’t force—it was a baby. In our weakest, most vulnerable moments—when grief, sin, temptation, shame, or despair feel unbeatable—God was never passive. What we didn’t see coming was that heaven had already entered the fight. Christmas declares that our hopeless moments were never unseen by God.• The Battle Didn’t Start at the Cross—It Started at Christmas. The cross finished the work, but Christmas initiated it. From the manger onward, Jesus was ruling, reigning, and interceding for us. Heaven’s fight began the moment Christ entered the world, proving that even when God feels silent, He is still active, present, and fighting on our behalf.• We Overcome by Holding Fast to Our Testimony. If Christmas was the night heaven fought for us, it was also the moment the enemy chose to fight against us. The dragon’s greatest strategy is convincing us that God is silent or absent. But Scripture declares that victory comes through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Our testimony—that God was fighting for us even when we didn’t stand a chance—is how we stand firm, endure the silence, and ultimately win.

Key Points:• Some of the best things God does are hidden on purpose. Just like the best bread or hidden gems in life, God often works beneath the surface. What’s unseen isn’t absent—it’s intentional.• God’s promises may be hidden, but they are still valid. Mary kept God’s word in her heart, yet Elizabeth—through the Holy Spirit—validated it. Visibility is not the measure of truth; God’s authority is.• Hidden does not mean inactive—faith stays committed. Mary “hurried” in obedience, prioritizing God’s calling over comfort, reputation, or logic. Commitment means continuing to water what looks dormant.• God’s calling often won’t make sense to others (or to you). Faith requires obedience before clarity. Like Mary, Abraham, Noah, and Jesus, the promise may look impossible—but commitment precedes fulfillment.• What is hidden will eventually be honored by God and the right people. Elizabeth honored Mary by giving her time, encouragement, and affirmation. God brings “Elizabeths” into our lives to confirm, encourage, and honor what He’s doing—even before it’s visible.

Key Points:• God’s greeting is personal and full of grace. God approaches us personally—not impersonally—and invites us to be seen, known, and welcomed. Belief is acknowledging who God is;  that He’s real, powerful, sovereign, and good.• God's favor is given, not earned. Mary had done nothing to earn favor. Favor is rooted in grace (charis), not achievement. It’s not a level-up, not a pass from problems, and not a reward—it’s a gift. We're called to be faithful in the silence.• You can be afraid and still favored.  Mary was greatly troubled even while highly favored. God’s favor exposes our insecurities and unworthiness, yet it is meant to free us—not frighten us.• Favor turns "impossible" to "I'm Possible".  God’s presence transforms impossibility. The shift from “How can this be?” to “May your word be fulfilled” happens when we realize that the Great I AM makes us possible.• Favor invites us into God-sized assignments. Favor isn’t about comfort—it’s a calling. It leads us into things that require faith, courage, and dependence on God. It should provoke a healthy “How can this be?” awe.• Receiving God's favor requires redirecting our trust. The angel’s message ends where Mary’s journey begins: “The Lord is with you.” Favor isn’t activated by striving—it’s received by trust. To walk in favor, we must trust God’s presence, strength, and salvation.

KEY POINTS:• Belief is acknowledging who God is; that He’s real, powerful, sovereign, and good.• Faith is choosing trust even before the outcome changes.• We’re called to be faithful in the silence.• Doubt often comes when His timing, promises, or methods don’t match our expectations.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. When have you gone through a season that felt silent—where you weren’t sure what God was doing? What did that feel like, and what helped you keep going?2. Where in your life right now do you feel like you’re holding a “picture” instead of the real thing—like God has shown you something, but you’re still waiting on His timing?3. “Worship doesn’t remove you from the silence; it reminds you God’s not absent.” What does worship look like for you when life feels confusing or heavy?4. How have you seen God working behind the scenes in a way you didn’t notice until later?5. What helps you keep showing up — in worship, in prayer, in community — even when emotions or circumstances make it difficult?

KEY POINTS:• He honestly brings his needs to God, trusts Him, and asks for: God’s help and mercy, Joy and forgiveness, A heart that is undivided, fully centered on God.• Our hearts were originally whole and undivided (Genesis 1–2). Humanity was created to live in perfect relationship with God.• Distractions still divide our hearts today. Busyness, bitterness, apathy, comparison, unhealthy habits, or people-pleasing can quietly wedge between us and God.• We maintain an undivided heart by inviting God to search us (Psalm 139:23–24). We regularly ask God to examine our hearts, reveal anything unhealthy, and lead us back to His way.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Psalm 86 shows someone talking honestly to God about their needs. What feels hard about talking to God honestly—and what feels comforting about it?2. David asks God for “an undivided heart.” When you hear that phrase, what do you think it means in everyday life?3. The Israelites struggled to clear out things that distracted them. What “distractions” in your daily life make it harder to think about God or grow spiritually?4. God promises to give people a new, soft, responsive heart. If God could change one thing in your heart right now—what would you want Him to work on?5. Acts 2 talks about forgiveness and a fresh start with God. What does a “fresh start” with God look like to you? What questions do you still have about that?

KEY POINTS:• Your faith isn't built on answered prayer, it is built on God's acceptance of your prayers.• Scripture calls us to persistence:“Faithful in prayer”“Keep asking”“Present your requests”• David roots his hope in one thing: God’s unfailing love. That’s why we keep praying, not to get God’s attention, but because we already have it.• You don't need an answer to your prayer, you need to just keep asking through prayer because He listens.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. The message opened with moments where we just want answers. Can you relate to that feeling? What’s one situation in your life right now where you wish God would give you a clear response?2. David asks, “How long, Lord?” When you think about the things you’ve prayed for—or hoped for—what is your own version of “How long, Lord?” How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 3. David says in verse 9: “The Lord accepts my prayer.” What does it mean to you that God accepts your prayer even if He is not answering it yet?4. What is one prayer in your life that you wish God would answer right now? How does it change the way you see that prayer knowing He is already holding it?5. If you’re honest, do you find yourself loving God more for what He answers or for who He is? 6. What is one place in your life where you need to shift from asking God to “prove Himself” to choosing to trust that He already loves you and already hears you?

KEY POINTS:• Boldness comes from being with Jesus.• The Holy Spirit empowers bold proclamation.• The Holy Spirit creates unity in the church.• The Holy Spirit produces generosity among believers.• When the Holy Spirit comes to church, He brings boldness, unity, and generosity.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What stood out to you most from today’s message?2. Was there something that challenged or encouraged you?3. How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 4. What did you learn about who God is through this message? 5. How does this message make you think differently about faith or following Jesus? 6. What’s one step you could take this week to live out what you heard today? 

KEY POINTS:• Live differently.• Remain faithful to Kingdom living as Kingdom citizens.• Christ is the power of God, and the gospel is still the good news.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What stood out to you most from today’s message?2. Was there something that challenged or encouraged you?3. How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 4. What did you learn about who God is through this message? 5. How does this message make you think differently about faith or following Jesus? 6. What’s one step you could take this week to live out what you heard today? 

KEY POINTS· God chooses who He uses. · God chooses the insignificant and the unseen. · God chooses those who don't deserve it. · God chooses according to His purpose, not your past. · God chooses people who pass it on, never to be the recipient. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.  When you think about your own life, what surprises you most about the idea that God chose you — not because of what you’ve done, but because of who He is?2. Have you ever felt too small, too broken, or too imperfect for God to use? What would it mean to believe that God still has a purpose for you anyway?3. Where do you find yourself right now on that journey? What helps you stay humble and centered on God rather than yourself?4. When it comes to your time, money, or talents—what helps you trust that what you have actually belongs to God and can be used for His purpose?5. Where is God inviting you to take that kind of faith step—to believe, give, or serve in a new way even if you feel unsure?

KEY POINTS· The shift is in you. · The shift in you begins with God's presence. · Faith shifts our level of generosity. · Faith shifts our level of generosity, but generosity shifts our level of faith. · Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When you think about your own life, where have you noticed a shift — a change in the way you see things, respond to people, or trust God?2. Why do you think Moses cared more about who was with him than how he was going to lead? How might that change the way you make decisions? 3. The message said, “Movement without God is just motion.” What’s the difference between moving forward in life and moving with God?4. The message said, “The shift is in you.” What might God be trying to shift in you right now—your attitude, priorities, or trust?5. Have you ever felt like God was asking you to lead, serve, or give in a way that stretched your faith? What made that difficult—or exciting?

KEY POINTS· Faith ignites when we stop going back to the familiar and start fighting for the eternity of others.· Familiar doesn’t always mean healthy; sometimes it means comfortable but destructive.· Growth in faith requires letting go of old patterns, places, and people that once held us back.· Many people mistake the plateau for failure—but it’s actually a place of testing and deepening faith.· Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When have you been tempted to “go back” to something familiar, even though you knew it wasn’t healthy for you?2. Why do you think it’s hard to trust God when you can’t see what He’s doing? How can you keep your faith steady in those “soooooo long” seasons?3. The message said, “Before you go back, remember God’s done more than enough.” What’s one way God has already shown up for youn big or small that you don’t want to forget?4. What do you think it means to “fight for someone’s faith”? Who in your life might need you to encourage or pray for them right now?5. How might you take a small step this week to move forward in your faith—like serving, living generously, or simply sharing hope with someone else?

KEY POINTS:· When God does more than enough.· Giving ability starts with given ability. · We pursue the hopeless. · Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. When have you felt like what you had (your time, talent, or money) wasn’t enough—and how might God see it differently?2. Exodus 31 says God “filled them with His Spirit” to do their work. What do you think it means for your everyday skills to be “Spirit-filled”?3. Why do you think generosity is often uncomfortable to talk about? What might change if we started viewing generosity as a way to trust God instead of a way to lose something?4. The message said “giving ability starts with given ability.” How could recognizing that everything comes from God shift your attitude toward what you have?5. What would “more than enough” look like in your life—not in terms of stuff, but in terms of faith, peace, or purpose?

Hi Be Hope welcome to day 21 of Prayer and Fasting. My name is Bri and I get the privilege toserve on multiple hope teams. I hope over these last 20 days you have been able to see howGod is providing in your life. Today we are going to be in Mark 12:40-44 “They devour widows’houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely. Jesussat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting theirmoney into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widowcame and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples tohim, Jesus said, truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all theothers. They all gave out of their wealth; but she , out of her poverty, put in everything-all shehad to live on.” Jesus is showing us that the value of a gift is not determined by the amount butby the sacrifice and devotion of the giver. Jesus is also showing us the importance of trusting inGod and that he will provide us with what we need. I have been in the widow's shoes before. In2023 I started to come to Be Hope and pastor Brad and pastor sheila would always talk aboutgiving. I was always like I can't give, I can barely provide for my family. At the end of yearoffering I gave everything I had to my name at the time which I believe was $150. I trusted inGod that he would provide for me and my family. About 6 months later I got a promotion that Ihad been trying to get for a very long time. I have realized that it's not about how much money Ihave or make, it's about trusting in God and knowing that he will always give us what we need,not what we want. So today my encouragement is for you to give what you can. To becourageous and just trust in God that he will provide for you.

Hello everyone, I'm Maddy, and today I get the honor of sharing a devotional with you! We have been talking about God's provision, so I'm going to be focusing on the life of Paul in Philippians chapter 4! In this chapter, Paul is under house arrest and awaiting trial, so he cannot provide for himself. Luckily, Paul had some help. The Philippian people sent a few things. It was most likely money and material needs, but they did send one thing that the bible does list. And that was a friend. Epaphroditus (ee-paf-row-die-tus) was sent to Paul with all these things! But listen to what Paul says in verses 18-19“At the moment, I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus (ee-paf-row-die-tus) They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”He thanks them and then gives God the glory! Paul also tells us that the SAME God who supplied all his needs is the same God supplying our needs now! We serve a faithful promise-keeping God who is not limited by how much money we have, the economy, or even our job; it says that everything we need will come from HIS glorious riches. God even gives us the strength to rely on him! Paul recognizes that in verse 13, it says For I can do EVERYTHING through Christ who gives me strength!” And that goes for you, too! YOU can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength! But what is the secret to accessing his glorious riches and strength? Well, Paul even tells us that, too! Verse 12 says I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or an empty one, with plenty or little.So what is that secret? Trusting God. That's the secret. Trusting God is quite literally all we need! God is going to take care of the rest!I know there've been plenty of moments in my life that God has provided for me. As I have been looking for my next steps in life, God has been providing me with support from others and the peace and strength that comes from Christ! I trust that his plan for my life is better than mine! I continue to keep moving forward because of God's promises and provision! Not just in the big things but in the mustard-seed-sized things in everyday life. I challenge you to share with a friend a mustard-seed-sized miracle you've found today! Let’s pray! Father, we come to you at this moment, thanking you for your provision. We have seen how you move in so many ways and are so grateful for you. We pray as we go throughout our day that we can see how you move in not just the big ways but in the little ways too. Open our eyes and our hearts so we are ready to receive what you have for us today. We give you all the glory! In Jesus' name, Amen

Hey Be Hope! Welcome back to another day of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. I really hope this time has been meaningful for you as we’ve journeyed together over the past couple of weeks. My name is Taylor, and I get to serve on the Production and Creative Team here at Be Hope.Today, I want to share from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 9–13 — a passage many of us know well: The Lord’s Prayer. In this moment, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray:“Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come,Your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”This is a prayer many of us have heard countless times, but today I want to focus on two key parts — and we’ll start from the end and work backward.“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done”This line has always been powerful — and honestly, dangerous — for me to pray. What Jesus is inviting us into here is surrender: a willingness to let the work of our Father in heaven be done through us on earth.That changes everything — the way we talk, the way we act, and the way we carry the culture of heaven to the world around us. It’s a reminder that none of us are truly ready or qualified to do God’s work, yet He still chooses to use imperfect people like you and me to carry out His mission.When we pray “Your kingdom come,” we are saying, “God, have Your way in me — even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it costs me something.”A few months ago, my wife and I decided to move to the Dayton area to join the team here at Be Hope. It was a big step — leaving behind our friends and the place we felt comfortable. Honestly, I didn’t know exactly what God was doing. But in that moment of uncertainty, both of us heard Him clearly say: “Trust Me. I will sustain you. I will lead you. I will guide you.”That’s what this part of the prayer means. When Jesus says, “Give us this day our daily bread,” He’s reminding us that God is our ultimate source — our sustainer and provider. He gives us exactly what we need for today. Not always what we want, not always the whole picture — but enough for today.And I believe the same is true for you. God is calling you to something bigger than you can imagine, and He’s saying, “Trust Me. I am your daily bread. I will sustain you and guide you.”Your Challenge TodayAs you pray the Lord’s Prayer today (Matthew 6:9–13), focus on these two lines:“Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”“Give us this day our daily bread.”Ask God:What are You calling me to that only You can sustain me for?Am I truly ready to pray, “Your will be done,” and mean it?Prayer:God, we love You so much. Thank You for all that You do for us. We trust that Your ways are better than ours. We believe You lead our paths and provide everything we need. As we step into the next season of life — whatever that looks like — sustain us, guide us, and be our daily bread.We love You, and we thank You for who You are and what You mean to us.In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hello, Be Hope! Welcome to another day of 21 days of prayer and fasting. Today's devotional is coming to you from the Book of Matthew, chapter 17, verses 24 through 27. In this story, Peter and Jesus arrive into town, where tax collectors shortly after approached Peter and questioned him and whether Jesus is going to pay his temple tax.Jesus then tells Peter to go down to the lake, cast in his line, and reel in the first fish in the mouth of fish, Peter finds a coin, and the coin is worth just enough to pay for the tax for both Peter and Jesus. And Peter didn't find that coin and the normal place he found it in the most odd place of all things.And I believe that Jesus was showing us, as well as Peter in that moment, that he's going to provide for us, but sometimes just in ways that we would never expect. In my own life, I had a point in time where I was unemployed, and I was uncertain of how my family was going to continue to sustain financially.And at this time, it was the end of the year. And Pastor Brad had been talking about our end of the year offering and how if we just to give our finances to the Lord and allow him to work in his own ways, that he's going to show up in ways that we would never expect. So I did exactly that.I chose to give the last $27 that I had in my bank account, and just prayed to the Lord that I give him everything, and that I trusted him to just show up and provide for my family. And he did exactly that. Shortly after, my husband's work situation changed, allowing us to be able to live entirely off of his income alone, which in turn allowed me to continue to be the stay at home mom that I felt so heavily called to do.I believe that God had a plan for my life all along, and it was just playing out in a way that I would have never expected. And I believe that he has a plan for your life as well. So my challenge to you is to cast out your line, give it all to him, allow him to work for you in ways that you would never expect. Trust him and know that your coin in the fish's mouth is on its way.Let's pray. Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for this community that we have here at Be Hope and our ability to glorify you through 21 days of prayer and fasting? Lord, I pray that you continue to uplift and encourage each and every one of us every day and those hard moments, and that we may remember to turn to you when we're struggling and to give it all to you and trust in your ability to show up for us in ways that we could never ask or imagine.Thank you for all that you do for us, all that you have done and all that you have yet to do. It's in your mighty name that we pray. Amen.

Welcome to 21 days of prayer and fasting. Today we are diving into Exodus 17:1-7.In this section, we find the Israelites are traveling through the wilderness in order to get to the place where God is leading them. But on the way, they begin to complain about how they are thirsty and don’t have enough to drink. So, they accuse Moses of leading them out of Egypt and into the dessert to die. And the situation escalates to the point that Moses is fearful for his life. And in their frustration, the Israelites grumble and complain.In this moment, it might be super easy for us to be mad at the Israelites for being frustrated but...I wonder how often we do the same thing? Right, like how often do complain about our own circumstances or talk to everyone else about a situation? We look to other things to provide for what we need now. And much like the Israelites, we get frustrated, especially in our faith, when we feel like our own needs are not being taken care of or that there is not going to be enough. So, out of habit we run to everything else except God to find what we need.I know that in my own life, there has been times that I run faster to fear than I do God. When I was first asked to speak at youth, I got so anxious and fearful so much so I would get sick and nauseous. However, when I spoke on another occasion, I asked for God’s help. He gave me the peace, strength, and confidence that I needed and as a result got through it without any symptoms that I had before. God provided everything I needed in order to do what He had called me to do.And this is what we find in this story, even though the people do not immediately go to God for help, Moses, the one who is leading them, takes the situation to God.And the Lord tells them this:“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:6)In this moment, God is teaching the Israelites that He knows what they need and will always provide for them. What I love about this is that not only does God promise provision, but even in the moments that Israelites don’t run to God first, he still gives us exactly what we need.So maybe this is where you find yourself today. Maybe you feel frustrated, fearful, or unsure because you can’t possibly see how God will provide. Or perhaps, you didn’t make God your first choice and you’ve found yourself needing Him now more than ever.But let this story be an encouragement to you that no matter what, He will always give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it. And that even when we don’t run to Him first, he will always let us come back to Him. So, my challenge to you is to take the situation to God and watch how He will work. God sees you. He loves you and He will always provide for you.Let’s Pray,Jesus, I thank you for you who you are and how you love us. Lord, help us to know that we are fully seen, known, and loved by you. And that you know exactly what we need and that you are already working in the situation that we may find themselves in. Help us to run to you first and find that provision and safety in you. God, I ask that this word that we looked at today would speak directly to our hearts as we make time and space to hear from you. And it’s in Jesus’ name that I pray all of these things. Amen.

KEY POINTS:Two things can be true at the same time.God calls us to obedience even when it doesn’t make sense.You can trust God and question Him at the same time.God brings life out of what feels like the end.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Have you ever felt like two things were true at once—like believing in God but still feeling scared or uncertain?2. What part of the widow’s story stands out to you the most? Why do you think God asked her to trust Him in that moment?3. How do you think obedience to God might look in your own life, even when things don’t make sense?4. The message ended with Jesus’ words: “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” What does it mean to you that Jesus has already overcome?5. What’s one area of your life where you sense God might be asking you to trust or obey Him, even if it feels risky or doesn’t make sense?

Hello, everyone. Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. My name is Maggie Willis, and I have the privilege of being part of the kids department here at Be Hope church. So today we're going to be taking a look into Joseph's story and exploring the ways that God provided for him in the midst of chaos and betrayal.So to give some context, Joseph was only 17 years old when his life took a really drastic turn. Joseph's dreams and his special status as his father's favorite child really stirred bitterness in his brothers and ultimately led to his brothers selling him into slavery. Even when Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison, God's favor remained upon him, and God gave him the gift of interpreting dreams, which is truly amazing.Years later, Joseph stood before Pharaoh and he explained a dream that he had envisioned that foretold seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. And Pharaoh was so impressed by this dream, that he made Joseph second in command of all of Egypt, where Joseph used this position to save countless lives, including the lives of the very brothers who betrayed him.So in Genesis chapter 50, verse 20, Joseph says to his brothers, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So even in the midst of hardship and betrayal, Joseph sought the Lord and used his situation to bring glory to God. Joseph's life is truly living proof that God has a perfect plan for our lives.Like Joseph, I've personally had seasons of my life that I really just didn't expect. Times that I felt overlooked, mistreated, or stuck in a place that I didn't plan on being. It was in those moments that it was hard to see God's hand at work. But looking back, I can truly see how he was working all of that for my good and to shape my character, prepare me for new opportunities and bring me closer to him.Joseph's story reminds me that God's plan are God's plan for me, and my life is bigger than my current struggles. And what feels like a setback can actually be used as a set up for something greater. So I want to turn to Romans chapter eight, verse 28. And this is centuries later, after Joseph's story, that Paul would write and we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.So when our lives take turns that we never planned for, we can remember Joseph's story and really take it to heart what others met for harm, or what might feel like a loss or delay in your life, can be the very thing that God uses to prepare you for his greater purpose. So today, I want to ask you what situation in your life right now might God be shaping into something good, even if you can't yet see how?So I want you to challenge yourself this week to release control to God and just trust that he will provide and that his plan is greater. Let's pray. Lord, thank you so much for all that you provide for us. Both in the hard and in the joyful times. God. We just released control to you this week, and we trust that your plan is greater than ours.And I pray that through the rest of these 21 days of prayer and fasting, that you would just draw near to us, and give us a strength to rely on you and your provision. God. We ask this all in your name. Amen.

Be Hope church. It's prayer and fasting season, and I hope that God has been meeting you and touching your heart in ways that only he can. My name is Hannah and I get to work with student ministry here at our Beavercreek campus. In this season, we have been focusing on God's provision and acknowledging the ways that he has provided for people within the Bible and for us within our own lives.You see, God is the ultimate provider in every circumstance, and our job is to seek the ways that God provides for us. So today, we're going to be diving into Hannah's story, which takes place in first Samuel one. And at the beginning of her story, we see that she's facing this emotional pain because Hannah is barren, and due to her inability to have children, she's frustrated and she's discouraged.Hannah is longing for something only God can give her, which is a child. But even through Hannah's trial, she doesn't turn away from God, but she turns toward God. Hannah's response is full surrender to God. And so Hannah goes to the temple, which is this place where people would offer prayers and worship to the Lord. And this is what it says in verses ten and eleven.Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord, and she made this vow, O Lord of heaven's armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer, and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. And in response to this, God, in all of his kindness, hears her. He answers her prayer.And Hannah gives birth to her son Samuel, whose name means heard of God. You see, God didn't just provide for Hannah, but his provision was so intentional because that's how God works. And I think the most beautiful part of this is the same God that did this for Hannah is the same God that's answering your prayers and providing for you.And I know this because I have been met with God's intentional provision time and time again. And specifically, about a year ago, I woke up with this excruciating neck pain that turned into this neck injury and I wasn't able to move. And I had dealt with neck pain in the past, but this was different and I was really frustrated.But like Hannah, I knew that my God was bigger than this. See, in the Bible there are numerous names of God and when we call on them, things change. The name Jehovah Rapha means the God who heals. And let me just tell you, I was so determined for my healing that every single day I would speak the name of Jehovah Rapha and God,A few days later met me quite literally with this story in the book of Mark, and it's about this woman who had been bleeding for 12 years and she sees Jesus in this large crowd, and she believes if she could just touch the hem of his garment, that she would be healed. And so she touches it and she's instantly healed and Jesus turns to her.And this is what he says, daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over. And what really stuck out to me about Jesus, his words, is that her healing came by her faith. And so in this moment, I knew that I needed bigger faith to believe that God wasn't possibly going to provide me healing, but he was going to provide me healing.And so the days after this, I would wake up and I would reread the story throughout the day, and I would declare the faith of the bleeding woman over my life. And a few days later, I woke up and the neck pain was completely gone. I was able to move and God had provided me healing. God works through faith.We see that in Hannah’s story. We see that in the bleeding woman's story. And I experienced that within my own story. We have access to these miraculous stories of the ways God has provided. But to me, I don't always think that we fully grasp that that's the same God who's providing for us each and every day. And so even as I was preparing this devotion, I didn't really think I had a story of God's provision.And as I was journaling to the Lord, he gave me these words, Lord, give me the eyes to see the ways that you have provided for me. And so my challenge to you is to speak these words, to write these words down whatever you want to do, but fill a journal with the ways that God has provided, the ways that God is providing.And fill your journal with all of those things. Because no matter how big, no matter how small, each and every one of God's provisions is so precious, and it's so important that we hold them close to our hearts. Let's pray God thank you that you are the ultimate provider. Thank you that we can have faith that no matter what we're facing, no matter how we're feeling in the moment, when something seems like it's scary or we're not going to find the answer, God, that you're going to provide every single time.God, I pray that you would give us bold faith. I pray that you would strengthen our faith to know that every single time you're going to come through in your perfect way. And may we trust in the ways that you provide in Jesus name, Amen.