Part 3: Don’t Give Up On God 

Posted on May 21, 2025 by growintheword



Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III 
Synopsis 5/18/25

John 11: 20-27 NKJV 
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

I.               INTRODUCTION

Life often challenges our faith, especially when we’ve prayed earnestly for a breakthrough, yet it seems delayed. During these moments, the enemy tempts us to give up on God. This struggle is familiar to all of us—the waiting feels endless, and doubt begins to creep in. Yet, remember this: God has not abandoned you, so don’t lose faith in Him. Even in the midst of your trials, God remains actively involved in your situation.

Jesus shared a close friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany. When Lazarus fell ill while Jesus was away, the sisters sent word to Him, hoping He would come quickly. However, Jesus deliberately delayed His journey, knowing that something greater was unfolding. Days later, the news came that Lazarus had passed away, and many thought it was too late for Jesus to intervene.

Explaining to His disciples, Jesus revealed that Lazarus was only sleeping, and He intended to wake him. Although they struggled to grasp His meaning at the time, Jesus was preparing to demonstrate God’s immense power. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the funeral had already taken place. Martha, frustrated and grieving, confronted Jesus, believing He had arrived too late.

Despite Martha’s doubts, Jesus came to show that no human condition is ever beyond God’s ability to transform and redeem.

II.               TRUST GOD’S TIMING, EVEN IN TROUBLE

Life’s greatest test often lies in trusting God when your situation worsens despite your prayers. Can you hold onto faith even when trouble deepens? Trusting God’s timing requires unwavering belief, especially when delays seem to overshadow progress.

A.    Delays Are Not Denials

  • Delays often serve a purpose—they may protect us from unseen dangers or position us for greater outcomes. Consider the way a plane circles the airport before landing. You might not know whether the delay is caused by mechanical issues, weather conditions, or traffic at the destination, but the ultimate goal is your safety and successful arrival. Similarly, God’s timing ensures you reach your destination without collisions.
  • When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, His purpose was not merely to console but to bring resurrection. Delays often allow us to witness the full scope of God’s power. Sometimes, He lets situations exceed human ability to make His divine intervention unmistakable.

B.    Faith Must Function Beyond Frustration

  • Even in her frustration and grief, Martha demonstrated remarkable faith by saying, “Even now, whatever you ask of God, He will give it to you.” Faith does not ignore the pain or frustration you feel; instead, it encourages you to trust God despite them.
  • It is natural to hurt or cry, but know this: God’s plans often exceed your expectations, and His best work is often yet to come. Hold on to faith, for you haven’t seen the entirety of what He can do yet.

III.               Treasure God’s Truth, Even in Testing

It is during challenging times that you must hold tightly to God’s word. When God sends forth a word, it will always fulfill its purpose.

A.    God’s Word Is Greater Than Your Worry

  • In the midst of her heartache, Jesus reminded Martha of who He is by declaring, “I am the resurrection.”
  • Resurrection is not merely an event—it is embodied in the person of Jesus.
  • When life seems insurmountable, recall that through Christ, you have the strength to overcome all things.

B.    Your Reality Does Not Remove His Reliability

  • Martha was consumed by her reality—the death of her brother. Sometimes, your reality can be overwhelming.
  • Paraphrasing Martha, she expressed doubt: “I hear You, but my brother is stinking. He’s been dead for four days and decomposition has already begun.”
  • Even when situations seem beyond hope, refuse to settle for finality.
  • Trust His ability to turn things around and believe beyond the present moment.

C.   Take God’s Terms, Even in Tears

  • Reflecting on “Jesus wept,” the shortest verse in the Bible, reveals the profound union of divinity and humanity.
  • Jesus, while fully divine, also embraced His humanity by grieving for Lazarus, His friend. This teaches us that it is entirely valid to cry and express pain—it is not a sign of weakness.
  • While Jesus wept, He simultaneously moved into action to raise Lazarus from the dead. This mirrors our own journeys. While we may hurt deeply, we are also moving forward toward healing and redemption.
  • The mistake lies in trying to separate our humanity from our progress. Jesus exemplifies that strength and vulnerability can coexist.

D.   Breaking Harmful Stereotypes

  • Jesus was fully God and fully human, yet He still wept.
  • One of the most harmful beliefs is that crying or showing emotion makes one weak. This mindset often leads young individuals to suppress their tears, turning them into anger.
  • Recognizing that expressing emotion is a natural and healthy part of humanity can lead to greater healing and understanding.

IV.               Take God’s Terms, Even in Tears

A.    Your Pain Does Not Prevent His Power

  • Jesus is already working on your behalf, even in the midst of your pain and confusion.

B.    Obedience Precedes the Outcome

  • When Jesus told the people, “Show me where you have laid him,” and then commanded them to “Roll the stone away,” He illustrated an important principle: obedience often comes before the miracle.
  • By asking those who had sealed Lazarus in the tomb to now unseal it, Jesus demonstrated how God transforms those who carried burdens into those who assist in liberation. He can turn your pallbearers into your armor bearers!

1.      Key Lessons to Apply:

  • Follow His command to take action, even when it defies logic.
  • Stop questioning His directions and trust His wisdom.
  • Believe in the process, even when the outcome seems uncertain.

V.               Trust God’s Triumph, Even in Transition

Faith in Action

·      Believe in Victory During the Process

  • The journey may be excruciating, but rest assured, God wouldn’t have you endure it if victory wasn’t awaiting you. When Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, it was a call to breakthrough, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

·      Jesus Sends a Word Into Dead Situations

  • In ancient times, the deceased were mummified and bound in grave clothes. Despite these circumstances, Jesus didn’t enter the tomb but instead sent His word into it. This demonstrates a powerful truth: the living do not dwell among the dead, but the word of life can penetrate even the darkest spaces.
    • When Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth,” Lazarus had every excuse to stay in his dead situation—bound in burial clothes, confined by the limitations of death. Yet, he didn’t remain stagnant. He moved, hopped, and emerged from his bondage!

·      Empowered, Not Enabled

  • When Jesus sends a word, it’s not to enable you but to empower you. Faith without works is dead. When you receive God’s word, you must take action, even if it means rolling out, crawling out, or hopping out of your circumstances. The key is to move towards liberation—because breakthroughs require effort.
    • A common mistake is attempting to pull others out of their dead situations without letting them take the steps themselves. True transformation happens when individuals actively participate in their own deliverance.

A. What You Release, God Will Resurrect

1.     Breaking Free from Grave Clothes

  • Lazarus’s resurrection was incomplete as long as he remained bound by his burial clothes. The grave clothes represent whatever holds you back, keeping you stuck in your past or struggles. However, God’s power is about to break everything that’s been weighing you down.
  • Release to Resurrect: Let go of what binds you, and God will bring new life into your circumstances.
  • Bound Must Be Broken: God is preparing to shatter every chain that has kept you captive.
  • Trust that when God calls you forth, He equips you not only to rise but also to thrive in the freedom He provides.
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Part 2: Believe It Or Not 

Posted on May 15, 2025 by growintheword


Part 2: Believe It Or Not 
Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III 
Synopsis 5.11.25

John 9: 17-25 NKJV 
17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

I.         INTRODUCTION 

  1. Ever had something that was impossible to believe? This is where we are in this scripture. This blind man had spent his whole life in darkness, but one encounter with Jesus, everything changed
  2. You would think everyone would rejoice over the healing this man received, but he was instead interrogated.
  3. Earlier in John 9, when the disciples first encountered the blind man who was blind at birth, they asked Jesus who sinned him or his parents? Jesus response was, “neither”. He told them that it was so God could get the glory Back then, when you were born with some kind of handicap, they believe it was a result of sin from one of the parents.
    1. Afterwards, Jesus spit on the ground and made a mud pie and put it on his eyes. Then he instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam which means sent. When the man washed in the pool as instructed, he came back seeing.
    1. The Pharisees were upset, because Jesus did this on the Sabbath. They wanted to use this to discredit Jesus by making him out to be a sinner.   
  4. Some people will celebrate your transformation, and others will struggle with it.
    1. There will always be those that question whether it is real or not. When God changes your life, no one can undo what God has done. You are setting next to a miracle.
    1. Sometimes, your transformation will make believers out of others.
    1. If you ever experience a breakthrough where others don’t believe, don’t worry about it. Go on the newness God has given you.
  5. In the text it happened around Jerusalem. The Jews were divided by who Jesus, was. The Pharisees were always worried controlling the crowd. Healing the blind man on the Sabbath added fuel to the fire.
  6. Even in the outrage of the Pharisees, we see conflict, religion and relationships.
    1. The miracle wasn’t just physical; it was also to open spiritual eyes. God would use the blind man’s miracle to show us that no matter your situation, God can turn it around.
    1. In this miracle you see:               
      1. The Pharisees – They represent the system. The religious people that don’t understand what God is doing in our lives.
      1. The Sabbath – The Jews believed that you couldn’t work on the Sabbath.
      1. The crowd of Jews. – Onlookers, waiting to see what was going to happen.
  7. We see a miracle playing out right before our eyes.
  8. We want to examine how the miracle occurs. There is a miracle about to hit your house!
  9. The blind man wasn’t just blind; he was also an outcast socially.

II.         ENDURING A CRIPPLING CONDITION 

  • Jesus sees you even when other people don’t see you.
  • His condition wasn’t the inclusion of his story. Just because it is a tough place it doesn’t mean that you have to stay there.

A.  Acknowledge Your Limitations 

  1. You can’t fix yourself. The blind man couldn’t heal himself. He had to depend on Jesus.
  2. The first step of your miracle is reaching out your hand and saying, “Lord, I need you every hour”

B.  Avoid Letting Your Condition Define You 

  1. The blind man is labeled based on his condition. What would be your name if you were defined by your condition?
  2. God labels us by our potential.
  3. We know that who we are is what we answer to, and not what people call us.
  4. We need people with raw and rugged testimonies to testify. Time out for cookie color testimonies. If you only knew how far God has brought me.

III.         EXPERIENCE CHRIST’S COMPASSION 

  • Jesus constantly demonstrates compassion. Compassion is a deep awareness of another suffering combined with the strength to want to alienate it.
  • Jesus responds with mercy and action.
  • Jesus did not ignore his cry. He healed his situation. He restored the brokenness.

A.  He Sees You in Your Situation 

  1. God sees you. He knows what’s going on. Late at night, when you are struggling, He still sees you.
  2. When your spirit is sorrowful, God sees you.
  3. The blind man knew that God saw him.

B.   Trust God’s Process Even When It’s Unconventional 

  1. Jesus healed the blind man in an unconventional way. He used spit and mud on the blind man’s eyes.
  2. Jesus moves in ways we don’t expect. You don’t have to understand His process to experience his power.
  3. We are waiting on a miracle, and God is waiting on our obedience.
  4. People are not about the moment, but instead the method. A show draws attention to eyes, but miracles transform lives.
  5. Creation language:
    1. Echoes of Genesis – Remember the law of primary reference. Go back to where God used it first.
      1. Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) says 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.– By using dirt to give sight, was a symbol that He was not just healing the man, he recreating him, because we came from dirt.
      1. When you’ve been wounded by culture, you need to be made whole.
    1. Cultural disruption:
      1. What was considered unclean – Spit and dirt was unclean. Jesus takes what was unwanted and used it for something great! You don’t know how your miracle is going to come to you.
    1. Personal involvement:
      1. A hands-on miracle – The blind man doesn’t just receive a miracle. He feels it. Jesus gets in the dirt with us to bring about a breakthrough.
    1. Obedience and trust:
      1. Jesus tells the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam – sometimes the miracle is on the other side of obedience.
    1. Because of his obedience, his eyes were opened.

IV.         EXPECT YOUR CRITICS’ CONFRONTATION 

  • The blind man receives his sight and receives opposition.
  • Some people are more disturbed by your breakthrough, than they are your situation.
  • They didn’t offer help when you were down, but as soon as you walk into your purpose, they have something to say.
  • Instead of celebrating the healing, they started an investigation.
  • Some people can’t handle your blessing if it doesn’t have anything to do with them. They will try to bring you back to your former ways.

A.  Don’t Let Doubters Distract You 

  1. Your testimony is undeniable.

B.   Stand Firm in Your Faith 

  1. They asked the parents. The Pharisees asked was the blind man their son, and has he been blind since birth. They also asked how he was able to see now. The parents told them to ask him, since he was of the age to answer.
    1. Mothers gave us the power to speak for ourselves.
  2. This the expression of maturity. You can speak for yourself. Let your testimony do the talking.
    1. Fruit don’t lie. You shall know a tree by the fruit they bear.

V.         EXPRESS YOUR CONFESSION OF CHANGE 

  • The blind man didn’t just see, he spoke. God doesn’t save us to be silent. When he changes your life, you can’t keep it to yourself.

A.  Boldly Declare What God Has Done 

  1. Your testimony has power. The blind man gave God all the credit.
  2. You have to be boisterous in your testimony. You once was this, but now you’re that.

B.   Live Like You’ve Been Changed 

  1. Your transformation needs to be visible. It’s not about what you say, but how you live.
  2. Walking in confidence of your healing. You are undeniable proof about the power of God.
  3. He opened our eyes, so we will open up our mouth.
  4. Somebody needs to know what God did in your life. God’s been good to you.
  5. Story_ A man survived a roll over crash. When people saw the wreckage, they said, no way anyone could live through that. The guy told them, “All I know, I shouldn’t be here, but I am!

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Part 1: The Story of My Scars

Posted on May 9, 2025 by growintheword

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III

Synopsis of May 4, 2025 Sermon

Galatians 6:17 (NKJV)

“From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Everybody has some scars. Some are visible, and others are hidden deep in the fabric of our hearts.

B. Scars are reminders that we survived what tried to destroy us. They are proof that we endured seasons we never thought we’d escape.

C. They tell stories of battles fought, lessons learned, and grace experienced.

D. The world may try to make us ashamed of our scars, but the Kingdom teaches that scars are signs of strength—not shame.

E. In Galatians 6:17, we find the Apostle Paul battle-worn but not broken. He is writing to people struggling with outside pressure and internal confusion.

F. These were recent converts to Christ. Paul had preached that the gospel was available not just to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

  - However, Judaizers—strict adherents to the law—taught that faith in Christ alone wasn’t enough. They insisted on religious rituals.

G. Paul countered that faith in Jesus Christ alone was sufficient for salvation.

  - As a result, Paul himself endured much: beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, betrayal—yet he remained standing.

H. He was still preaching. Still believing.

I. He ends by telling the Galatians that he bears in his body the marks of Jesus. Every scar was a reminder of belonging to Christ, a testimony of survival.

  - Our scars are not signs of defeat, but of destiny.

J. The word “scars” comes from the Greek word stigmata, which also gives us the word “stigma.” Paul refers not to metaphorical, but physical scars.

K. These were branding marks—signs of ownership, like those burned into slaves or cattle.

  - Even soldiers were marked to show who they belonged to.

L. Paul pointed to his marks to show he belonged to Jesus.

  - His scars were from teaching Christ—he wasn’t ashamed of his suffering.

M. Know this: something greater is happening in your life when you experience scars.

N. Scars may cause people to isolate, ostracize, or mischaracterize you. But God has written a story in your scars.

O. This is not the time to hide your scars—it’s time to embrace them. They are part of your testimony.

II. WE ARE SCARRED ON PURPOSE

Why is this important? Because purpose shifts your perspective. When you understand you have a divine assignment, you begin to see every season—even painful ones—as purposeful.

  • God never allows anything to happen in your life unless it’s working for your good and His glory.
  • “And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Your scars are not punishment—they are preparation for where God is taking you.

  • Some thought they were cutting you down, but they were actually giving you strength and empathy.
  • Every painful experience is setting you up for divine fulfillment.

Instead of asking, “Why did this happen?” ask, “God, what are you trying to get out of me?”

A. Perceive the Purpose

  1. Be clear about what God is doing. Scars are never random—they’re part of a greater plan.

  - What looks like a setback is often a setup.

  1. Every struggle is woven into God’s design—not for your grief, but for your growth.

  - Pray: “Lord, show me what You’re building in me in this season.”

  1. If it’s God’s will, God is at work. And if God is working, it’s producing a great witness.

B. Pursue the Path

It’s not enough to recognize purpose—you must stay on the path.

  • It won’t always be easy, but it is working for your good.
  • Purpose demands endurance, not convenience.

Biblical Examples:

  • Joseph was thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, imprisoned—but the door still opened for him.
  • Moses struggled with insecurity, faced Pharaoh, but saw the Red Sea part.
  • David hid in caves, dodged spears, yet the throne became his.
  • Esther fasted through fear and found favor—saving her entire nation.
  • Jesus bore betrayal, endured the cross, lay lifeless in a tomb—but rose again. His open door is our eternal victory.

Every crushing leads to crowning. Every storm ends with a door that no man can shut.

God is opening doors for you.

III. SCARRED BY PRESSURE

“Let no one trouble me…”

If you’ve been scarred by pressure, you’ve endured what others couldn’t.

  • Pressure reveals character and who you truly trust.
  • Surviving it shows you’ve had your hand in God’s hand.

God allows pressure not to punish you but to purify you—so you can handle your purpose with maturity.

A. Protect the Peace

There will always be people sent to steal your peace and joy.

  • The Galatians had people trying to steal theirs.
  • Refuse to let external noise dictate your internal peace.
  • Be careful what you entertain—bring every thought into submission to God’s truth.

Three ways to protect your peace:

  1. Position your priorities – Avoid distractions. Focus on growth in Christ.
  2. Protect your perimeters – Maintain healthy boundaries. Forgiveness doesn’t require access.
  3. Practice persistent prayer – Prayer prepares your heart and atmosphere.

Your haters should be thankful you have a prayer life.

B. Press Through the Pain

When the heat turns up, your faith must too.

  • Pain is the passageway to purpose.
  • Like Job, even when he lost everything, he never lost faith: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
  • Pain doesn’t mean God forgot you. It means He’s forming you. Pressure produces power.

Keep pressing. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

IV. SCARRED BY PERSEVERANCE

These scars don’t just come from what happened to you—but how you responded.

Perseverance means you kept going when quitting looked easier.

  • You believed when doubt screamed.
  • You served when tired.
  • Your scars are evidence of victory.

A. Persist Despite Problems

Problems are not prophecies of failure—they’re opportunities for growth.

  • Encourage yourself: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
  • Persistence is showing up one more time, even when you want to quit.
  • Quiet persistence is doing the work even when no one is watching or clapping.

The shout is in the showing up. Your presence is proof that God’s been good.

B. Partner with Providence

God never meant for you to walk alone.

  • Providence is God divinely ordering your steps.
  • Even when the earth is silent, heaven is active.
  • The best is yet to come.

V. SCARRED BY PROOF

Paul says he bears the marks of Jesus.

  • You carry proof that you’ve been carried by Jesus.
  • Your scars are evidence of His goodness.

Every scar is a sermon. Every wound is a witness. Every trial is a testimony.

A. Present the Proof

Ever wonder what happens when a wound becomes a scar?

Your body goes into action:

  • Clotting to stop the bleeding.
  • Immune system clears the infection.
  • Collagen builds the broken part back.
  • New blood vessels restore the area.

God does the same spiritually.

  • He surrounds you with people to support and clot you.
  • He clears out toxic relationships.
  • He rebuilds you—piece by piece.

Scar tissue is tougher. It doesn’t sweat or grow hair.

  • What used to keep you up at night doesn’t anymore.
  • Never be ashamed of your scars.

B. Praise Him for the Progress

If you made it, give Him praise—not because it didn’t hurt, but because you’re healed!

Part 1: The Story of My Scars

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III

Synopsis of May 4, 2025 Sermon

Galatians 6:17 (NKJV)

“From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Everybody has some scars. Some are visible, and others are hidden deep in the fabric of our hearts.

B. Scars are reminders that we survived what tried to destroy us. They are proof that we endured seasons we never thought we’d escape.

C. They tell stories of battles fought, lessons learned, and grace experienced.

D. The world may try to make us ashamed of our scars, but the Kingdom teaches that scars are signs of strength—not shame.

E. In Galatians 6:17, we find the Apostle Paul battle-worn but not broken. He is writing to people struggling with outside pressure and internal confusion.

F. These were recent converts to Christ. Paul had preached that the gospel was available not just to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

  - However, Judaizers—strict adherents to the law—taught that faith in Christ alone wasn’t enough. They insisted on religious rituals.

G. Paul countered that faith in Jesus Christ alone was sufficient for salvation.

  - As a result, Paul himself endured much: beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, betrayal—yet he remained standing.

H. He was still preaching. Still believing.

I. He ends by telling the Galatians that he bears in his body the marks of Jesus. Every scar was a reminder of belonging to Christ, a testimony of survival.

  - Our scars are not signs of defeat, but of destiny.

J. The word “scars” comes from the Greek word stigmata, which also gives us the word “stigma.” Paul refers not to metaphorical, but physical scars.

K. These were branding marks—signs of ownership, like those burned into slaves or cattle.

  - Even soldiers were marked to show who they belonged to.

L. Paul pointed to his marks to show he belonged to Jesus.

  - His scars were from teaching Christ—he wasn’t ashamed of his suffering.

M. Know this: something greater is happening in your life when you experience scars.

N. Scars may cause people to isolate, ostracize, or mischaracterize you. But God has written a story in your scars.

O. This is not the time to hide your scars—it’s time to embrace them. They are part of your testimony.

II. WE ARE SCARRED ON PURPOSE

Why is this important? Because purpose shifts your perspective. When you understand you have a divine assignment, you begin to see every season—even painful ones—as purposeful.

  • God never allows anything to happen in your life unless it’s working for your good and His glory.
  • “And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Your scars are not punishment—they are preparation for where God is taking you.

  • Some thought they were cutting you down, but they were actually giving you strength and empathy.
  • Every painful experience is setting you up for divine fulfillment.

Instead of asking, “Why did this happen?” ask, “God, what are you trying to get out of me?”

A. Perceive the Purpose

  1. Be clear about what God is doing. Scars are never random—they’re part of a greater plan.

  - What looks like a setback is often a setup.

  1. Every struggle is woven into God’s design—not for your grief, but for your growth.

  - Pray: “Lord, show me what You’re building in me in this season.”

  1. If it’s God’s will, God is at work. And if God is working, it’s producing a great witness.

B. Pursue the Path

It’s not enough to recognize purpose—you must stay on the path.

  • It won’t always be easy, but it is working for your good.
  • Purpose demands endurance, not convenience.

Biblical Examples:

  • Joseph was thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, imprisoned—but the door still opened for him.
  • Moses struggled with insecurity, faced Pharaoh, but saw the Red Sea part.
  • David hid in caves, dodged spears, yet the throne became his.
  • Esther fasted through fear and found favor—saving her entire nation.
  • Jesus bore betrayal, endured the cross, lay lifeless in a tomb—but rose again. His open door is our eternal victory.

Every crushing leads to crowning. Every storm ends with a door that no man can shut.

God is opening doors for you.

III. SCARRED BY PRESSURE

“Let no one trouble me…”

If you’ve been scarred by pressure, you’ve endured what others couldn’t.

  • Pressure reveals character and who you truly trust.
  • Surviving it shows you’ve had your hand in God’s hand.

God allows pressure not to punish you but to purify you—so you can handle your purpose with maturity.

A. Protect the Peace

There will always be people sent to steal your peace and joy.

  • The Galatians had people trying to steal theirs.
  • Refuse to let external noise dictate your internal peace.
  • Be careful what you entertain—bring every thought into submission to God’s truth.

Three ways to protect your peace:

  1. Position your priorities – Avoid distractions. Focus on growth in Christ.
  2. Protect your perimeters – Maintain healthy boundaries. Forgiveness doesn’t require access.
  3. Practice persistent prayer – Prayer prepares your heart and atmosphere.

Your haters should be thankful you have a prayer life.

B. Press Through the Pain

When the heat turns up, your faith must too.

  • Pain is the passageway to purpose.
  • Like Job, even when he lost everything, he never lost faith: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
  • Pain doesn’t mean God forgot you. It means He’s forming you. Pressure produces power.

Keep pressing. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

IV. SCARRED BY PERSEVERANCE

These scars don’t just come from what happened to you—but how you responded.

Perseverance means you kept going when quitting looked easier.

  • You believed when doubt screamed.
  • You served when tired.
  • Your scars are evidence of victory.

A. Persist Despite Problems

Problems are not prophecies of failure—they’re opportunities for growth.

  • Encourage yourself: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
  • Persistence is showing up one more time, even when you want to quit.
  • Quiet persistence is doing the work even when no one is watching or clapping.

The shout is in the showing up. Your presence is proof that God’s been good.

B. Partner with Providence

God never meant for you to walk alone.

  • Providence is God divinely ordering your steps.
  • Even when the earth is silent, heaven is active.
  • The best is yet to come.

V. SCARRED BY PROOF

Paul says he bears the marks of Jesus.

  • You carry proof that you’ve been carried by Jesus.
  • Your scars are evidence of His goodness.

Every scar is a sermon. Every wound is a witness. Every trial is a testimony.

A. Present the Proof

Ever wonder what happens when a wound becomes a scar?

Your body goes into action:

  • Clotting to stop the bleeding.
  • Immune system clears the infection.
  • Collagen builds the broken part back.
  • New blood vessels restore the area.

God does the same spiritually.

  • He surrounds you with people to support and clot you.
  • He clears out toxic relationships.
  • He rebuilds you—piece by piece.

Scar tissue is tougher. It doesn’t sweat or grow hair.

  • What used to keep you up at night doesn’t anymore.
  • Never be ashamed of your scars.

B. Praise Him for the Progress

If you made it, give Him praise—not because it didn’t hurt, but because you’re healed!

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Doubt after the shout

Posted on May 2, 2025 by growintheword

Synopsis of Sermon 4.27.25

Delivered by Keion Henderson

John 20:24-27 (NKJV)

24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

I.               Introduction

  1. Every asked what the Lord was doing, after shouting at church? Ever got in the parking lot and still had questions?
  2. Few are bold enough to admit it, but the truth is, they have a Sunday shout with a Monday mindset. You can’t cover it up.
  3. All of us are saints with sinner problems. We are declaring in the sanctuary, but doubting in the living room.
    1. We all have a church persona, but we have a constant battle with flesh.
  4. When asked which disciple we are most like, we like to say Peter. The truth is, most of us don’t have the courage of Peter.
    1. We are really more like Thomas. We are in between “almost” and “not yet”. It is the Post Easter mindset.
  5. Thomas missed one service and came back doubting what everyone else shouted about. He was not there, when Jesus appeared the first time.
    1. How many of you have asked God to do something and He hasn’t delivered on it yet? Thomas said unless he could see the nail prints for himself, he would not believe. In other words, he wanted receipts.
  6. There were some people in the room. They defined it as a manufactured moment.
  7. Jesus had gotten out of the grave, just like He said he would but we have questions of how it all came together.
    1. How did the government believe Jesus wasn’t the Messiah, but yet they put a stone in front of grave?   
    1. This shows that your enemies believe in you more than your friends do.
  8. Peter cuts the ear off of a Roman Soldier, when they came to get Jesus. Jesus puts it back on and tells Peter, “Get behind me satan!”. He told Judas to do what he had to do and to do it quickly . Peter was about to mess up the assignment. Jesus was not supposed to die in the garden.
    1. This is doubt that leads to faith. No matter who you are, you’ve had some questions for God.
    1. All of us have had a praise on our lips and a doubt at the same time.
  9. When we ask questions of God, He reveals himself. There is a difference between asking God a question and questioning him.
  10. God doesn’t just meet us at celebrations; he meets us at questions. He doesn’t just meet at the time of hype. Sometimes He meets us in our wounds.

II.               The absence of Thomas

  1. The twins were not with them. The Bible says that Thomas was one of the twins and he was not with them. The Bible really doesn’t reveal who the other twin is. One Theologian said that the word twin used here is not a reflection of another person, but instead an admission of another personality.
    1. Just like the person that praises in church and then gets outside and finds that their car has been dented. They become another person!
  2. Thomas has a split personality. The problem with having a split personality is, you think you always have company. You think you have talked to someone about your situation, and you have only talked to yourself.
    1. When you feel you have company and don’t, this leads you into isolation.
    1. Any decision you make without company is just an opinion and not based on facts.
  3. Scripture says that Thomas told the disciples, “Unless I see it for myself, I won’t believe”. Jesus shows up and says tells Thomas to look at his scars.
    1. The Bible says Thomas was one of the twelve, even though he missed the meeting. Thomas wasn’t mentioned anymore after the meeting. This implies that Jesus would rather you be absence than to be present doubting.
    1. Absence doesn’t mean you won’t be counted. Although he wasn’t present when Jesus showed up at first, he was still one of the twelve.

III.               The assurance of Jesus

  1. Thomas said he wouldn’t believe it, unless he saw the scars for himself. This was his stubbornness.
    1. Thomas said he needed to see marks. In this, Thomas isn’t saying that he is struggling to believe. He is saying without seeing the scars, it is impossible to believe. This is why Jesus gives scars. It helps with our belief.
  2. God took us through it and left evidence so we wouldn’t be so full of ourselves. This is why your sinuses flare up, when you get dust inside your nose. We are just dirt, and we can’t be too full of ourselves. God resists the proud!
    1. No matter what we think about ourselves, we’re still dirt!
  3. Sometimes pain is the prelude to power. Bishop Walker or any Pastor for that matter, wouldn’t be who they are, if they hadn’t gone through what they’ve gone though.
    1. Just because you love your Pastor, doesn’t mean that the devil does.
    1. There is no glory without struggle and misery. There is a story behind every glory!

IV.               The appeal of touch

  1. Most people are high off of smoke they didn’t inhale. Some people shouted just because the person next to them shouted.
  2. Thomas said don’t just show him the crown, show him the cross.
    1. Most young people can’t be reached, because we won’t show them our scars. We want them to think we have always been where we are now.
    1. We sterilize our testimony. We want people to believe we were always where we are now.
    1. Jesus showed Thomas His scars. Be proud of the vulnerability as well as the victory!
  3. Glory looks better when it’s got blood on it. Anointing without suffering is an illusion.
    1. Sometimes the proof you need is the struggle, not the strength.
  4. Jesus shows Thomas his scars. Jesus customized his arrival for the one who doubted. Jesus showed up again, just to show Thomas his scars.
    1. God will customize his arrival in a way that makes you believe.
    1. It’s much like Jesus saying to you, “How do you want your steak?” He’s willing to customize His arrival so that we believe.
  5. Sometimes we miss God’s arrival, because it doesn’t come the way we expected it to.
    1. Remember the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost, when He was walking on the water, coming to meet them.
    1. God says grace is about to circle back around. He’s come back to see about you!

V.               The appeal of touch

  1. God gives us an example of greatness and we often miss it, by sitting in the car. Proof of Jesus’ power is, God exalted him, but yet we can still touch him.
    1. Jesus was God, but He still walked amongst the people.
  2. Some of us have gotten too blessed to be touched.
    1. For example: We used to shake hands when we were ministers. Now that we are Pastor or Bishop, we don’t allow people to get to close to us.
  3. When Jesus was resurrected, He didn’t take away the wounds. If He can reverse death, then you know that He can reverse the scars.
    1. Jesus left the scars there as a reminder for us.
  4. After it was all over, Thomas finally declares, “That’s my Lord”. The biggest doubters are ok, if they become the biggest shouters! Some things have to come out with a shout!
  5. Shout it out!!
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