A Thanksgiving Sermon for Able by Grace Ministries

 

An Attitude of Thanksgiving”

A Thanksgiving Sermon for Able by Grace Ministries
By Tylia L. Flores

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Opening Scripture

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Church family, as we enter this Thanksgiving season, my heart is overflowing — not just because of the aroma of turkey and sweet potatoes, but because of the aroma of gratitude. There’s something sacred about this time of year. It’s a season when we slow down long enough to remember:

God has brought us through another year.

Another year of challenges, another year of blessings, another year of grace upon grace.

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1. Thanksgiving Is Not a Day — It’s a Posture

The world may see Thanksgiving as a holiday, a date on the calendar, but for us — for followers of Christ, especially those of us living with disabilities — Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. It’s the rhythm of our faith.

We don’t give thanks because life is easy. We give thanks because God is faithful.

For many of us with cerebral palsy or other conditions, the world often tells us what we can’t do.
But God — oh, I love those two words, “But God” — God reminds us of what we can do through His strength.

I thank God that I can wake up every morning and move forward, even when my muscles don’t always cooperate. I thank God that even on hard days, His Spirit lifts me higher than my limitations ever could.

And that’s what Paul meant when he said,

“I have learned to be content in all circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)

Thanksgiving is not found in the absence of struggle; it’s found in the presence of the Savior.

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2. Thanksgiving in the Bible: Gratitude That Gives

When we open the Word, we find that gratitude isn’t passive — it moves people to give, to serve, to worship.

Think of the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4. She only had two coins, but she gave all she had.
Jesus looked at her and said, “She gave more than all the others.”
Why? Because she gave out of her heart of gratitude.

Or consider the women who followed Jesus — Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna — who supported His ministry out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3). They had been healed, and out of gratitude, they gave.

And of course, let’s not forget when Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread and feeding the five thousand (John 6:11).
Even before the miracle, Jesus gave thanks.

Church, hear me: Thanksgiving precedes the miracle.
If you can thank God before the healing, before the breakthrough, before the open door — you are walking in the power of faith.

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3. Living With Cerebral Palsy and Living With Thanksgiving

As someone living with cerebral palsy, Thanksgiving hits me a little differently.
It’s not just about what’s on my plate, but about what’s in my spirit.

I think about the hospital stays, the physical therapy sessions, the moments of frustration — and then I think about how every one of those moments became a testimony.

See, the world might look at us and see disability, but God looks at us and sees divine ability.
He sees perseverance, courage, faith, and purpose.

Every wheelchair, every walker, every brace becomes a symbol of victory — because we keep moving. We keep showing up. We keep trusting.

So this year, I thank God for:

• The people who love me and walk beside me.

• The strength to keep writing, speaking, and serving.

• The ability to turn pain into purpose, and struggle into story.

• The grace to say, “I’m still here — and that’s something to thank God for.”

If you’ve overcome even one obstacle this year, you’ve got something to praise God for.
Because every breath is proof that God isn’t done working in your story.

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4. The Power of Giving Thanks in Community

Thanksgiving also reminds us that gratitude grows stronger when shared.

When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice.
When one of us struggles, we all pray.

And today, we as a ministry come together in that spirit of unity to lift up brothers and sisters in need of prayer and healing.

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5. Prayer List for November

Let us come before the Lord together:

🙏 Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and healing power. Today we bring before You our loved ones:

• James Svitek, a 33-year-old man with cerebral palsy from Indiana, recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and now undergoing chemotherapy. Lord, place Your healing hand upon James. Surround him with Your peace and power. Strengthen his parents, Pam and James Sr., his siblings Grace and Waylon, his sister-in-law Holly, and his beloved girlfriend of 13 years, Karlie Grice. Be the calm in their storm, and remind them that You are Jehovah Rapha — the God who heals.

• We also lift up Paul Anderson Sr. of Port Charlotte, Florida, who is battling kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Lord, touch his body, restore his strength, and comfort his family — his son Paul Jr., his daughters Samantha and Nicole, his wife Deborah, and Paul Jr.’s wife Bianca. May Your presence fill their home with peace that passes all understanding.

• We pray for every member of our Able by Grace Ministries family facing physical pain, loneliness, or discouragement. Let this Thanksgiving remind them that they are seen, loved, and cherished by You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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6. Closing Reflection: The True Meaning of Thanks

Beloved, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday we observe — it’s a testimony we live.
When you look back at your year, maybe you see pain. But look closer — you’ll also see purpose.

You’ll see prayers answered, strength renewed, and grace multiplied.
And that’s what we’re celebrating today — not perfection, but providence.

So this Thanksgiving, I challenge you:

• Thank God for the people who stayed.

• Thank God for the lessons learned through the pain.

• Thank God for the ability to breathe, to love, to forgive, and to hope again.

Because every moment we’re still here is a moment to testify:

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for being the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Thank You for carrying us through another year, for the grace that sustains us, and for the love that never fails.
Teach us to live with open hands and grateful hearts.
May our gratitude turn into generosity, our faith into action, and our testimonies into light for others.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.

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Final Blessing

This Thanksgiving, remember — you are Able by Grace.
Not by strength alone, not by circumstance, not by ability — but by grace.

“He Won’t: Let Go and Leave It to God”

Able by Grace Ministries Sermon

“He Won’t: Let Go and Leave It to God”

Introduction: From Struggle to Testimony
Beloved family of God,
This month has been a valley for me. Cerebral palsy has always been part of my journey, but this time the pain from my hip dislocation and spasticity was heavier than usual. There were days I couldn’t rest. Days I questioned how much more my body could take. Days where I whispered, “Lord, I don’t understand.”

But every time I reached that breaking point, God whispered back: “Let go. Leave it to Me.”

And He gave me a song—not just to hear, but to live: “He Won’t.”

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1. Christ, Our Firm Foundation
The song begins:

“Christ is my firm foundation,
The Rock on which I stand,
When everything around me is shaking,
I’ve never been more glad.”

My body may shake, my hip may shift, but Christ does not move! He is my Rock.

Matthew 7:24–25 tells us:

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

When your life is anchored in Jesus, storms will come—but you will not collapse. My hip may be unstable, but my faith is unshakable, because it rests on the One who never changes.

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2. A Personal Thorn, A Divine Grace
When my hip gave me pain, I thought of Paul’s thorn. Paul prayed for it to be removed, but God said:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I have learned—my hip, my spasticity—this is my thorn. But it’s not my defeat, it’s my testimony. It’s the place where God’s power shows up strongest. Every step I take, every struggle I face, I carry this truth: I am not held by my own strength—I am held by His.

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3. Peter in the Storm
There’s another story in Scripture that reminds me of this truth.

In Matthew 14, Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. At first, he walks strong. But when he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the wind and waves, he begins to sink.

And yet, when Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and pulled him up.

That’s what faith is: not pretending the storm isn’t real, but keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing He won’t let you drown. My spasticity may feel like a storm. My hip pain may feel like waves crashing. But like Peter, I can cry out, “Lord, save me,” and trust that He will reach out His hand.

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4. The Song That Preaches the Gospel
The next line of the song says:

“That I put my faith in Jesus,
‘Cause He’s never let me down,
He’s faithful through generations,
So why would He fail now?
He won’t.”

Think about that—He has never let Abraham down. He never let Joseph down when he was in the pit. He never let David down when he faced Goliath. He never let Peter drown in the storm. He never let Paul down in chains.

And He has never let me down—not through cerebral palsy, not through hip dislocation, not through the tears I’ve shed this month.

So why would He start failing now? He won’t.

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5. Joy in the Chaos, Peace That Makes No Sense
Another lyric says:

“I’ve still got joy in chaos,
I’ve got peace that makes no sense.”

Chaos came for me. Pain came. Restlessness came. But somehow, I found peace that no doctor, no medicine, no therapy could give me. That’s the peace of Philippians 4:7:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This peace is not logical—it’s supernatural. And it belongs to every believer who chooses to trust Him.

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6. The Storms Will Come, But He Won’t Fail
The bridge of the song proclaims:

“Rain came, wind blew,
But my house was built on You.
I’m safe with You,
I’m gonna make it through.”

Yes—the rain came. Yes—the wind blew. Yes—the pain pressed in. But because my house is built on Jesus, I am still here, still standing, still testifying.

Peter didn’t drown. Job wasn’t abandoned. Paul wasn’t destroyed. And neither are we—because He won’t fail!

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Conclusion: Declare It Over Your Life
So, family, as we close, I want you to stand and declare the words of this song not as lyrics—but as your testimony:

“Christ is my firm foundation,
The Rock on which I stand,
When everything around me is shaking,
I’ve never been more glad.
That I put my faith in Jesus,
‘Cause He’s never let me down.
He’s faithful through generations,
So why would He fail now?
He won’t!”

Say it with me: He won’t!
Over your health: He won’t!
Over your family: He won’t!
Over your struggles: He won’t!

Let go. Leave it to God. And know this: the same God who held me through my spasticity and hip dislocation is the same God who will hold you through whatever storm you face.

He has never failed.
He never will.
He won’t!

Amen.

Honoring Labor Day: The Sacred Work of Caregivers and the Strength of Christ

Labor Day is more than just a holiday marked by cookouts, parades, and the symbolic close of summer. It is a day that honors the dignity of work and the tireless efforts of men and women across our nation. But here at Able by Grace Ministries, Labor Day invites us into a deeper reflection. It asks us to pause and see the value of work not just in traditional ways, but also in the lives of those with disabilities and the caregivers who stand beside them.

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The Meaning of Labor for People with Disabilities

When we think of “labor,” most people imagine physical or professional work. But for people with disabilities, labor often looks different. It may not come with a paycheck or a title, but it is still holy work.

• It is the labor of enduring therapy sessions that test patience and strength.

• It is the labor of showing up to medical appointments with hope, even after countless setbacks.

• It is the labor of advocating for accessibility, equity, and dignity in spaces that were not designed with us in mind.

• It is the labor of simply getting up each day, knowing that our journey may be more difficult but choosing to live with courage anyway.

This labor is not wasted. In fact, it mirrors the perseverance of the saints who pressed on in faith, even when the world did not understand. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:23:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Our labor may be unconventional, but it is sacred. It is a testimony to God’s power in weakness and His glory in perseverance.

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Caregivers: The Anchors of the Journey

If people with disabilities carry out a holy labor, then caregivers perform a labor of love that is equally sacred. They are the ones who rise early, stay up late, and give of themselves without asking for recognition. They are the ones who hold our hands in hospital rooms, who sit patiently during therapy, who lift us when we cannot lift ourselves.

Caregivers are more than just helpers—they are anchors. Their love and dedication tether us to hope when life feels overwhelming. Their prayers and encouragement are often the difference between giving up and pressing forward. They do not simply watch from the sidelines; they step into the trenches of our lives, sacrificing their own comfort for our well-being.

Scripture reflects this truth in Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Caregivers model this verse daily. Their faithfulness reflects the heart of Christ Himself, who laid down His life for others. Without caregivers, ministries like ours would not be possible. They are the backbone, the foundation, and often the silent strength behind every victory we celebrate.

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Building Something New: Strength Through Christ Coaching

In honoring the labor of both people with disabilities and caregivers, we are thrilled to share that God is doing something new within Able by Grace Ministries. Behind the scenes, we are building a new initiative called Strength Through Christ Coaching.

This is a faith-based life coaching program designed to empower Christians with disabilities to:

• Embrace their God-given purpose.

• Build confidence in who God created them to be.

• Live with strength and hope through Christ.

Grounded in Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—this program is about more than just personal development. It is about spiritual growth, identity in Christ, and the courage to live boldly in the face of obstacles.

Our vision is to create a safe, Christ-centered space where individuals can not only set goals and pursue dreams, but also strengthen their faith and walk in the fullness of God’s calling. Just as caregivers are anchors in our lives, this program is designed to anchor people with disabilities in their identity as beloved children of God.

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How the Church Can Respond

Labor Day also calls the Church to action. Too often, the work of people with disabilities and caregivers goes unnoticed. Churches have a unique opportunity to change that.

• Celebrate the labor of people with disabilities. Recognize their perseverance as testimony, not pity.

• Support caregivers. Offer respite care, prayer groups, and encouragement to sustain them in their work.

• Create opportunities. Build ministries and spaces where both people with disabilities and caregivers can thrive, not just survive.

• Partner with initiatives. Support programs like Strength Through Christ Coaching that are equipping people to live out their God-given callings.

When the Church embraces these roles, it reflects the Kingdom of God—a place where every person’s labor, seen or unseen, is honored and valued.

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A Call to Action

This Labor Day, let us commit to more than just rest and celebration. Let us recommit ourselves to uplifting the daily labors of people with disabilities, to honoring the tireless work of caregivers, and to building ministries that reflect the love and strength of Christ.

And if you would like to stay connected to what God is doing here, we invite you to join us by giving our Facebook page a like: Able by Grace Ministries on Facebook.

Together, let’s labor in love, knowing that our work is never in vain when done for the Lord. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

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A Prayer for Labor Day

Heavenly Father,
On this Labor Day, we lift up to You the work of every hand, heart, and soul. We thank You for the strength You give us to labor daily—whether in traditional jobs, in quiet perseverance, or in the unseen battles of disability and caregiving.

Lord, we especially pray for caregivers. Bless their selfless service, renew their spirits, and remind them that their labor of love reflects Your own heart. Strengthen them with patience, joy, and rest.

We also pray for every person with a disability, that they may know their worth and purpose in You. Remind them that their work, whether small or great, is a testimony of Your power made perfect in weakness.

Bless our new journey with Strength Through Christ Coaching. May it equip Your people with courage, confidence, and a deeper faith in Your promises.

On this day, let us find rest in You, O Lord, knowing that our labor in You is never in vain.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.

Even in the Wilderness: Seven Ways to Advocate for Christ from a Place of Weakness

 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

First, and with a humble heart, I must apologize for my extended silence on this blog. Many of you who walk a similar path understand all too well the unpredictable nature of our bodies and minds. I have been walking through a season of significant flare-ups—a wilderness of pain and exhaustion where even the simplest tasks felt like mountains to climb. In these moments, the enemy loves to whisper lies of uselessness and isolation. But the Holy Spirit, our ever-present Comforter, has been reminding me that our advocacy for Christ is not silenced by our limitations; it is often refined by them.

The Apostle Paul, who was given a “thorn in the flesh,” heard the Lord say to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is from this very place of weakness, this total dependence on His sufficient grace, that I write to you today. Our disabilities do not disqualify us from the Great Commission; they provide us with a unique and powerful testimony of His sustaining power.

God does not see us as broken advocates. In fact, Scripture is filled with His promises that declare our purpose and strength in Him:

We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), every part of our being intentionally crafted by the Creator’s hand.

He declares, “I have chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Our perceived weaknesses are the very platforms He uses to showcase His glory.

We are His “masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). This includes the good work of advocacy, prepared specifically for you with your unique gifts and challenges.

We are not just recipients of mercy; we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Here are seven ways you can advocate for Him, right where you are, even from your bed or your wheelchair.

1. The Ministry of Persistent Prayer

When your body is captive, your spirit can soar on the wings of intercession. Your prayer closet becomes a command center for advancing God’s kingdom. Pray for your church, your pastors, missionaries, and the lost. Your prayers are a powerful force, and in your isolation, you are participating in battles seen and unseen. This is a high and holy calling.

2. The Witness of Unshakable Joy

The world expects those suffering to be bitter and angry. When they see a genuine, Spirit-filled joy and peace in you that defies your circumstances, it points directly to the source of that strength: Jesus Christ. Your smile, your kind word in the midst of pain, is a profound testimony that Christ is truly enough.

3. The Power of Your Testimony

Your story is yours alone. Share how God meets you in the valley of flare-ups. Share the scriptures that are your anchor when the storm rages. You can do this one-on-one, in a small group, or even through written words or social media from your home. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Your story of grace is a weapon against the darkness.

4. The Ministry of Presence (Even a Virtual One)

Sometimes, advocacy is simply being there. A text message saying, “I’m praying for you,” a comment on a friend’s post with a Bible verse, or a short email to encourage your pastor. In a disconnected world, using your available energy to connect with and uplift others is a radical act of love that reflects Christ.

5. Cultivating a Grateful Heart

Advocacy can be as simple as declaring gratitude to the Lord, especially when it’s hard. Thanking God for the small victories—a moment of reduced pain, a beautiful sunrise, a helpful hand—is an act of spiritual warfare. It proclaims that God is still good and on His throne, and it encourages those around you to also give thanks.

6. Gentle Education within the Church

Many in our churches simply don’t understand chronic illness or disability. You can advocate by gently and lovingly helping them understand. This isn’t about accusation; it’s about invitation. Invite them into your world so the Body of Christ can become more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible, truly reflecting the heart of our Savior who always made room for the marginalized.

7. Embracing the Covenant Community

On days when you can, make every effort to be with God’s people. Your presence in the pew (or accessible parking spot!) matters. You are a vital part of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:22). By showing up, you advocate for the truth that the church is not just for the strong and healthy, but for all believers, and your presence makes the body more complete.

Remember, dear friend, advocacy is not about your ability, but your availability to the Holy Spirit. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), shining through the cracks of your earthen vessel.

Thank you for your grace during my absence. Thank you for your prayers. Let us continue to point each other to the cross, where our weakness is exchanged for His strength, and our pain finds its purpose in His plan.

In His Sufficient Grace,

Able by Grace Ministries

Spiritual Warfare – God Is With You Always

 

Sermon: Spiritual Warfare – God Is With You Always

Text: Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) – "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, every single day, we are engaged in a battle—not against people, not against circumstances, but against spiritual forces of darkness. This is spiritual warfare, and whether we realize it or not, it’s happening all around us. The enemy wants us to doubt, to fear, to give up—but God reminds us that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).

Today, I want to talk about how this battle plays out in our daily lives, how God fights for us, and how even in our struggles—like my own journey with cerebral palsy—we see His faithfulness.

1. Spiritual Warfare Is Real and Daily

The Bible shows us that spiritual warfare isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a constant reality.

Job was attacked by Satan, losing everything, yet he held onto faith (Job 1-2).

David faced Goliath, not just a giant, but a spiritual stronghold of fear (1 Samuel 17).

Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4), proving that even the Son of God faced spiritual battles.

We fight every day too.

Temptation whispers, "Just give in."

Doubt says, "God isn’t listening."

Pain and struggle make us wonder, "Why me?"

But here’s the truth: If the enemy is fighting you this hard, it means you’re a threat to him.

2. Our Weakness Is Where God Shows His Strength

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

I know what weakness feels like. Cerebral palsy means daily challenges—pain, frustration, limitations. Some days, the enemy whispers, "You’re not enough. God doesn’t care." But then I remember:

Moses stuttered, yet God used him to speak to Pharaoh (Exodus 4).

Paul had a "thorn in the flesh," yet God’s power worked through him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

My disability isn’t a mistake—it’s a reminder that God’s strength shows up best when I rely on Him. The same is true for you. Whatever your struggle, it’s not your defeat—it’s God’s platform for victory.

3. The Battle Belongs to the Lord

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced an impossible war. But God said: "The battle is not yours, but Mine."

When we’re in spiritual warfare:

We don’t fight alone. (Exodus 14:14 – "The Lord will fight for you.")

We put on God’s armor. (Ephesians 6:13-17 – Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word.)

We worship in the storm. (Like Paul and Silas in prison—Acts 16:25.)

Every time I take a painful step, every time I face a challenge, I have a choice: Will I focus on the struggle, or on the God who walks with me through it?

Conclusion: The Victory Is Already Won

Revelation 12:11 says we overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."

Spiritual warfare is real, but so is God’s presence.

When the enemy says "You’re weak," God says "My power is perfected in you."

When the enemy says "You’re alone," God says "I will never leave you."

When the enemy says "You can’t win," God says "I’ve already won the victory."

So today, remember:

You are in a battle, but you are not defeated.

Your weakness is an opportunity for God’s strength.

The fight is the Lord’s—stand firm in Him.

No matter what you face—pain, fear, doubt, disability—God is with you. And if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Let’s pray.

"Heavenly Father, thank You that You fight for us. When we feel weak, remind us that You are strong. When we feel alone, remind us that You are near. Help us to put on Your armor daily and stand firm in Your victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Would you stand and declare with me today: "The battle is the Lord’s, and I will not fear!"

Sermon: "Divine Connections – The People God Places in Our Lives"

 Sermon: "Divine Connections – The People God Places in Our Lives"

Scripture Reading: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Introduction:

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to talk to you about the people God brings into our lives and how He makes no mistakes in placing them there. Every person we encounter—whether for a season or a lifetime—has a purpose in our story. Some bring joy, some bring lessons, and some bring transformation. But all of them are part of God’s divine plan to shape us, grow us, and lead us closer to Him.

God’s Perfect Timing:

Ten years ago, in a Facebook group for individuals with cerebral palsy, I met a man named Cody. At the time, we were just friends, sharing laughs, struggles, and faith. There was no romance, no grand plan—just two people connecting over shared experiences. But God was working behind the scenes. Over the years, Cody became a constant in my life—a friend who taught me perseverance, who reminded me that God never leaves us, even in our darkest valleys.

Then, one day, after nearly a decade of friendship, I finally told him how I felt. One simple text message changed everything. What seemed like a delay was actually God’s perfect timing. And now, ten years after our paths first crossed, Cody is not just my best friend—he is the love of my life, my partner in faith, and my fiancé. This past weekend, as I celebrated my 30th birthday surrounded by his family—now our family—I stood in awe of how God had woven our stories together long before we ever realized it.

People Are Placed in Our Lives for a Reason:

Some people come into our lives to stay, while others are only meant to walk with us for a short time. Even those who hurt us or leave us have a purpose—they teach us forgiveness, resilience, or the importance of setting boundaries. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow, to love, and to reflect Christ.

Think about Jesus. The world judged Him by His outward appearance—a carpenter’s son from Nazareth. They mocked Him, doubted Him, and even crucified Him. Yet, He was the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Those who judged Him by His humble beginnings missed the divine purpose He carried.

In the same way, we must be careful not to judge others based on what we see on the outside. A person with a disability, a stranger in need, a friend who seems unlikely—they may be the very ones God uses to change our lives forever.

Conclusion:

So today, I encourage you to reflect on the people God has placed in your life. Who has He used to shape you? Who has taught you patience, kindness, or faith? Maybe there’s someone you’ve overlooked, but God is saying, "Pay attention—I brought them to you for a reason."

For me, that person was Cody—a friend who became my greatest love, a testament to God’s faithfulness in His perfect timing. Let us trust that God’s plan is perfect, even when we don’t understand it. Let us love without judgment, knowing that every person has a purpose in His kingdom.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives. Whether they brought us joy or taught us hard lessons, we trust that You orchestrated every connection for our good and Your glory. Thank You for Cody—for friendship that became love, for patience that became promise, and for a story that only You could write. Help us to see others the way You see them—not by outward appearances, but by the heart. Give us wisdom to learn from every relationship and gratitude for the way You write our stories. Most of all, remind us that no encounter is wasted when we surrender it to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessing:

Go forth today with open hearts, knowing that the people around you are there by divine appointment. May you love boldly, learn willingly, and trust God’s perfect plan in every relationship. And may you, like me, one day look back and see how God was writing something beautiful all along. Amen. 🙏❤️

God’s Plan Beyond the Diagnosis"

 "God’s Plan Beyond the Diagnosis"

Scripture Focus: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." — Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Introduction: The Doctor’s Report vs. God’s Report

How many of us have sat in a doctor’s office, listening to a specialist lay out a diagnosis, a prognosis, a list of limitations—only to walk away feeling like all hope was stripped from us?

"Your child may never walk."

"You’ll always struggle with this condition."

"There’s not much more we can do."

The world gives us reports based on statistics, medical charts, and human understanding. But as believers, we have another report—God’s report. And His report doesn’t end with a period of despair; it ends with a comma of purpose.

Doctors are skilled, yes. They study, they train, they dedicate their lives to healing—and we thank God for them. But they don’t have the final say. Only God does.

1. The Limits of Human Knowledge

Doctors told my mother, "Your daughter will be a vegetable. Don’t expect much from her ." That was their prognosis when I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. But here I stand, 30 years later, preaching the Gospel, living a life they said was impossible.

Why? Because God’s plans override man’s predictions.

Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

Doctors may know medicine, but they don’t know your destiny in Christ.

2. The Antonym Answer: What Would Jesus Say?

When the world says "disabled," God says "able."

When the world says "limited," God says "empowered."

When the world says "no hope," God says "I AM your hope."

Jesus didn’t let labels define people. He saw:

The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34)—doctors couldn’t heal her, but one touch of faith changed everything.

The man born blind (John 9)—the disciples asked, "Who sinned?" But Jesus said, "This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

Our disabilities don’t disqualify us—they display God’s power.

3. Trusting the Author of Our Story

Jesus lived with perfect trust in the Father’s plan. Even in suffering, He said, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

If Jesus trusted the Father’s plan, so can we.

If Jesus didn’t let the world define Him, neither should we.

We may not understand why our bodies don’t work the way others do. But we don’t have to. Our job isn’t to figure out God’s plan—just to trust it.

Conclusion: You Are God’s Living Testimony

The world may see a wheelchair, a limp, a speech impediment, a chronic illness—but God sees a vessel of His glory.

You are not a mistake.

You are not an accident.

You are not defined by a diagnosis.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and your life—just as it is—can point people to Christ.

So the next time a doctor says, "You can’t," remember: God says, "I can."

When the world says, "It’s over," God says, "I’m just getting started."

Let’s live like we believe it.

Amen.