Trusting God in the Midst of the Battle

The Battle Isn’t Yours—It’s the Lord’s

You ever look at your life and think, “This isn’t where I thought I’d be by now”? I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel like things should be further along—like I should be stronger, my ministry should be bigger, or I should’ve overcome this or that by now.

But God reminded me of something: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). We’re not done yet.

Our subject today is this: Trusting God is our warfare.

Let that sink in—trust itself is a weapon. It’s not passive. It’s powerful.

My Testimony: When I Gave Up, God Took Over

For years, I tried to do life in my own strength. Up until March 17, 1996, I fought every battle with my own fists, my own wisdom, and my own pride. And I lost. Over and over.

But on that day, I surrendered. I said, “God, I give up. I’ve done everything I can do. I need You.” And from that moment on, everything changed—not overnight, but over time.

No, it hasn’t been an easy road. But it’s been a victorious one, because I stopped trying to carry the battle and let God take it.

Trust Starts with Relationship

You can’t trust someone you don’t know. That’s why time with God is so important. For me and my wife, it’s those quiet moments on the porch—worship music playing, deer walking by, the breeze blowing, just talking about life. It’s our sanctuary.

That’s where we grow. As husband and wife, yes—but also in our relationship with God.

If you don’t have a spot like that, find one. Stillness builds trust. And trust builds victory.

You Have to Know Who You Are

I used to be the kind of guy who wasn’t afraid of anything. But that got me into a lot of trouble. Pride is sneaky—it’ll have you thinking you’re invincible until life humbles you.

It wasn’t until I began to truly know who I was in Christ that things began to shift. The Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

When I finally saw myself as God’s workmanship, not my own mistake, that’s when real change came.

The World Will Label You—God Renames You

Remember the woman with the issue of blood? We don’t know her name. She was identified by her condition. And that’s how the world works—it names you by your past, your pain, your problems.

But not God. God calls you redeemed, chosen, child of the Most High.

Trusting God Looks Like Obedience in Fear

I love the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. He faced a massive army, and he was scared. But God said, “Do not be afraid... for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

It’s okay to be scared. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward while you're still trembling.

Worship Is Warfare

Worship isn't just a song—it’s a strategy.

When I’m going through something, I go out on the porch, turn on the worship music, and sit in the presence of God. That’s my battlefield. That’s where I regroup, refill, and refocus.

Worship shifts your perspective. It reminds you who’s really in charge.

Ministry Is Work

Let’s be real. Ministry isn’t just clapping hands and preaching good messages. It’s work. It takes discipline, patience, and consistency. But it’s worth it.

God isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for faithful ones.

You Gotta Stay in Your Lane

You ever seen a relay runner step out of their lane? They get disqualified. Same with us. When I try to do someone else’s job, or walk outside of my calling, things fall apart.

God gave each of us a specific role. Find your lane, stay in it, and run your race well.

Victory Comes from Preparation

Victory isn’t an accident. It’s the result of preparation. Just like lifting weights—when I used to train, I’d start with more weight than I could lift, just to trick my mind. Then, when I went to lift the actual weight, it felt easy.

Spiritual training works the same way. You prepare in prayer, in worship, in the Word—so when the enemy shows up, you’re already ready.

The Power Is in the Word

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, how did He fight back? With the Word. Not with emotion. Not with logic. Not with fists.

“It is written...” That’s the sword.

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Trust Is Not Having a Backup Plan

If you say you trust God but still hold on to a Plan B “just in case,” you’re not really trusting. Trust means saying, “God, You’re all I’ve got—and You’re all I need.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Repentance Is Not a Weakness—It’s a Weapon

Too often we think repentance means failure. But it’s not. Repentance is growth. It’s realignment. It’s saying, “God, I missed it—but I want to get it right.”

Don’t let the enemy shame you out of repentance. That’s where restoration begins.

Closing Thought: Keep Standing

There was a time when I was in a fight—literally—and I got rocked. Knocked the wind out of me. Saw white dots. Everything in me said, “Sit down. Give up.”

But I didn’t. I kept standing. I adjusted my strategy. And I won.

Ephesians 6:13 says,“After you have done everything to stand—stand.”

That’s the message today. Trust God. Stay in your lane. Keep standing.

Because no matter what battle you’re facing...

The victory is already His.

And if it's His, it’s ours.