Sermon Synopsis 8.10.25

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

I.               INTRODUCTION

1. Ever thought about giving up? Sometimes the world feels too heavy to bear.

Sometimes our wounds come from people we trusted.

You may remember a diagnosis that shook your faith…

Or the hidden wounds — words spoken over your life that still hurt today.

• Joseph was wounded by his brothers’ betrayal.
• David was wounded by King Saul’s rejection.

In moments like these, we must decide whether to move forward with the assignment God has called us to — or quit!

1. The enemy’s goal is to keep God’s promises from coming to pass.

Many of us have a long list of things that hurt us… but we keep showing up anyway.

In this discourse, Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” He makes it clear we will have trouble in this life, but He also leaves us His peace — something money can’t buy.

1. We must make a decision: Either we quit, or we pick ourselves up and keep going, willing to accomplish God’s call despite our wounds.

II.               WITNESS THE WISDOM IN YOUR WOUNDS

Everything that happens in your life — God doesn’t waste it.

We must press forward and ask God, “What are You trying to reveal in this?”

A wound is more than something you survive — it shapes where God is taking you.

A.  See Your Struggles as Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

1. Just as gold is refined by fire, faith is refined by tests.
2. God doesn’t promote based on time served — He promotes when we pass the test.

Romans 5:3–4 (NKJV)

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

3. Think about what you’ve been through — and what it’s produced in your life.
   1. An artist once created a masterpiece from broken glass. Someone asked why he didn’t use only whole pieces. He replied, “The broken glass brings more light into the artwork.”
   2. God’s glory shines best through our broken places.

B.  Understand That God Uses Pain to Refine and Strengthen You

James 1:2–4 (NKJV)

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1. We must shift our mindset — anything worth having requires resistance.
2. Embrace resistance as part of your strengthening process.
3. God refines us through pain. What once made you cry can now make you praise.

III.               WORK THROUGH YOUR WEARINESS

Jesus knew we would face exhaustion. Sometimes it’s not the job — it’s the people.

He knew there would be seasons when we’d want to throw in the towel.

A.  Choose to Keep Going Despite Feeling Depleted

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

B.  Allow God’s Strength to Sustain You When Your Own Strength Fails

Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV)

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

1. It’s okay to admit your weakness to God.
2. When you’re spiritually drained, it’s not time to give up — it’s time to plug into Jesus.
   1. Remember, a phone can’t charge from just any charger. Only what’s designed to fit can recharge it. Likewise, everyone can’t recharge you — but God can.

IV.               WIELD YOUR WOUNDS AS WEAPONS

What happened didn’t happen to you — it happened for you.

Jesus knew He was about to be crucified. The cross shows us that what was meant to destroy you can be used to deliver others.

Three truths about your wounds:

1. You were strengthened by it.
2. You got a story out of it.
3. You survived it.

A.  Share Your Story of Survival and Hope to Encourage Others

1. Your testimony has power.

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

2. You don’t need to be able to quote every verse — just tell your story. Authenticity wins

B.   Use Your Wounds as Proof of God’s Sustaining Grace

1. Your wounds are proof you made it.
2. When people see your scars, let them also see God’s work.

V.               WAIT FOR THE WONDER OF HIS WILL

Jesus puts us in a posture of expectation.

We live in an instant-gratification culture — but some things take time.

The reason you will overcome is so you can be alive when God’s promise arrives.

A.  Rest in God’s Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

B.  Believe That God’s Will Shall Come to Pass

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

1. Every experience comes down to this:
2. Have the Right Perspective – The closer you are to your breakthrough, the more the enemy will attack.
3. Have Peace Within It – Often, the deepest pain comes right before the blessing — yet God gives peace in the middle of it.
4. Have a Praise to Put On It – Don’t let it break your mind. Expect victory because He has already overcome.
5. Trouble may squeeze you like toothpaste, but what comes out reveals what’s inside.