Sunday sermon, November 23, 2025
Theme: “Yes. No. Wait. Go. Grow. All these answers from God build faith and dependence on Him alone.”
The key Bible verse for “This Month of the Presence of God” is John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”.
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.
Introduction
Life with God is a journey defined by trust, obedience, and surrender. Often, we come to God with questions and hopes—seeking clear answers about our future, our well-being, and our daily decisions. Sometimes, His response is “Yes,” blessing us with the desires of our heart. Sometimes, He answers “No,” loving us through gentle redirection. At other times, we hear “Wait,” teaching us patience and in whom our real hope rests. When He says “Go,” we are called to step out in faith, maybe into new opportunities, ministries, or responsibilities. And in seasons of “Grow,” God uses every circumstance—joy or difficulty—to transform us and deepen our roots in Him. These answers—Yes, No, Wait, Go, Grow—are not random; together they form the rhythm of divine guidance that builds our faith and protects us from self-reliance. Each answer is an invitation to depend on God, to turn our hearts toward His presence, and to recognize our need for Him. Through this dependence, our faith grows, our lives bear real fruit, and trust in God’s wisdom replaces anxiety about outcomes. This month, let us seek God’s presence, believing His answers always lead us closer to Him and deeper into faith.
1: When God Says Yes.
God’s “Yes” is often a moment of joy and fulfillment. When prayers are answered and doors open, it confirms God’s loving attention to our lives and affirms that He is not distant but intricately involved. Yet, even in the “Yes,” dependence on God is key. The blessings we receive are not merely for our enjoyment but for God’s purpose and glory—“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). We must remember that every “Yes” from God is a gift, an opportunity to acknowledge His kindness, and a call to hold our blessings with open hands. Sometimes, “Yes” comes after a season of prayer—reminding us that God hears and cares. As believers, we grow in gratitude and faith with each “Yes,” using God’s provision to build His kingdom and encourage others. Importantly, our confidence is not in the answer but in the One who gives it. “For every good and perfect gift comes from above…” (James 1:17). The “Yes” moments should point our hearts back to the Giver, strengthening our dependence and love for Him.
2: When God Says No
God’s “No” can be one of the hardest answers to accept. Sometimes, we think we know what’s best for us—only to find God lovingly redirecting us. In scripture, Paul pleaded for relief from his “thorn,” but God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The “No” answers teach us humility; they remind us that God sees the bigger picture and orchestrates events for our ultimate good—even when we don’t understand. This can be deeply uncomfortable; but it’s also one of the strongest builders of faith, as we surrender our desires and trust in God’s wisdom. The “No” can be a protection, a closed door, or a lesson in relying on God’s grace. By leaning on Him, our dependence grows, and our faith matures. As Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” Practicing gratitude in the face of God’s “No” prepares us for greater things. In every denial, there is purpose—and often, in retrospect, we find reasons to thank God for the prayers He didn’t answer the way we wished.
3: When God Says Wait
Waiting is often the most challenging answer to receive. It pushes against our need for certainty and control, testing the depth of our trust. Throughout the Bible, many great men and women of faith endured seasons of waiting—Abraham waited for Isaac, Joseph waited in prison, and the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit. The purpose of waiting is not punishment but preparation; in these moments, God is working behind the scenes, shaping our character, and teaching us perseverance. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31). As we wait, our hearts grow in faith, learning that His timing is perfect. The waiting season encourages us to seek the presence of God, pray continually, and watch for His guidance. The Psalmist declares, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). During these times, we are invited to rest in His promises, to become aware of His presence, and to recognize that delay is not denial. Our dependence on God becomes evident not in what we achieve, but in our attitude during the wait. Through waiting, faith is refined, endurance grows, and God’s plans are revealed in His perfect time.
4: When God Says Go
God’s “Go” is a call to action—a forward movement in faith. It challenges our comfort zones, prompts obedience, and reminds us we are part of His greater mission. When God told Abraham, “Go from your country…to the land I will show you,” it launched a journey of transformation and purpose (Genesis 12:1). “Go” can mean serving others, sharing the gospel, forgiving, or stepping into new roles. We may feel unprepared or anxious, but God reassures us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The power in “Go” is not our strength, but God’s presence with us. Every “Go” builds faith, as we choose to trust in His ability rather than our own resources. The outcome of obedience is not always instant, but we find that following His call unlocks growth, new blessings, and opportunities for greater dependence on Him. Sometimes, God’s “Go” is gentle—nudging us toward reconciliation, generosity, or compassion. At other times, it’s bold—asking us to lead, change, or speak up. Each time, our faith is strengthened as we learn to walk by God’s guidance, confident in His continual presence.
5: When God Says Grow
Seasons of growth often come through adversity, challenge, and the stretching of our faith. “Grow” is not passive; it is God’s invitation to embrace change, deepen our character, and become more like Christ. In John 15:2, Jesus teaches that God prunes the branches so that they may bear more fruit. Growth sometimes happens through trials, unanswered questions, or the gentle convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Faith and dependence are developed, not in comfort, but in moments of uncertainty and difficulty. Growth means cultivating resilience, humility, and patience. Through the Spirit’s guidance, believers discover new spiritual gifts, insights, and convictions, becoming equipped to serve others more effectively. “Consider it pure joy when you face trials…because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-4). When God says “Grow,” He is moving us beyond spiritual infancy into maturity, bringing forth fruit that endures. This month, invite God to show you the areas where He wants you to “Grow”—to heal relationships, restore hope, or strengthen faith. By welcoming God’s work, we move from mere survival to true flourishing in His presence.
This Week’s Declaration
This week, declare that every answer from God—Yes, No, Wait, Go, Grow—is building your faith and drawing you closer to Him. Affirm that you will trust in the Lord with all your heart, leaning not on your own understanding, but submitting every area of your life to His guidance. Believe that God is present and working in every situation, and rest in the assurance that His answers are perfect, timely, and loving. Speak life over your circumstances, proclaim His promises, and rejoice in the gift of His abiding presence.
This Week’s Reflection
Reflect on the ways God has answered your prayers in different seasons. Consider the times He said “Yes” and provided, the times He said “No” and protected, the seasons of “Wait” that taught you patience, the “Go” moments that prompted obedience, and the challenges that brought growth. Ask yourself: What have you learned about God’s character through His answers? How has your faith grown as you have leaned on Him? Spend time in gratitude, thanking God for the wisdom and love behind every answer. Invite God to continue shaping your heart and deepening your dependence on Him.
Self-Examination
Take a moment for personal reflection. Are you clinging to your own plans or releasing them into God’s hands? In what areas do you struggle to trust His answers? Examine your heart for impatience, discouragement, or self-reliance. Confess any fears that keep you from fully depending on God. Remember that faith is not just believing in God’s power but in His goodness and timing. Do you rejoice in His “Yes,” accept His “No,” wait quietly in His “Wait,” obey His “Go,” and welcome His invitation to “Grow”? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of resistance to God’s guidance. Invite God to help you cultivate a heart that embraces His presence, whatever His answer. Trust that as you surrender, your faith will flourish, and your life will reflect Christ more clearly. Renew your commitment to draw close to God and depend on Him alone.
Conclusion
The answers God gives us—Yes, No, Wait, Go, Grow—are always shaped by His love, wisdom, and desire for us to walk closely with Him. Each response builds our faith and moves us beyond self-reliance into deeper dependence on His presence. We are invited, month by month, decision by decision, to accept God’s rhythm and trust that His way is perfect. When we learn to rest in every answer, we discover peace, purpose, and fruitfulness beyond what we could achieve by our own strength. Allow this season to be one where you intentionally seek the Presence of God, confident that He goes before you, walks beside you, and abides within you. Lean into His promises, find rest for your soul, and welcome the journey of faith. May you recognize God’s hand in every answer and respond with willingness, hope, and complete dependence on Him—abiding in the Vine, bearing much fruit, and living a life surrendered to His will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us deeply and guiding us with Your perfect wisdom. Forgive us for the times we resist Your answers or try to take control. Teach us to rejoice in Your “Yes,” to accept Your “No,” to be patient in the “Wait,” to step boldly when You say “Go,” and to welcome the growth You bring. Fill our hearts with faith and help us depend on You alone. Let Your presence be our constant guide and comfort. We surrender every worry and plan to You, trusting in Your goodness and mercy. Lead us to abide in Jesus, bearing fruit that remains, and help us to shine as a testimony of Your grace. This week may Your answers shape our faith and strengthen our dependence on You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
God bless you all.