21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - Day 6
"David, The Overachiever” | Weekly Recap
Sermon Recap ?️
This sermon emphasizes the power of faith, focusing on a narrative from 1 Samuel 17. Pastor Michael A. Pender uses the story of David to illustrate that true faith requires action, not merely belief. Drawing parallels to David's confrontation with Goliath, Pastor Pender stresses that believers today should not rely solely on their resources or "equipment" but trust God fully, even when facing challenges that seem insurmountable.
He encourages the congregation to have a faith that is active and to trust God in all areas of life, whether it's for family, finances, or personal challenges, especially as they approach the year 2026. Faith, according to the sermon, is not about having everything sorted, but about confidence in God's provision and power.
Pastor Pender also highlights the importance of testing what we have, much like David, who chose not to use untested armor but instead relied on his faith and God’s guidance. The sermon concludes with an invitation to renew commitment to God and trust Him fully in the coming year
"It's about faith and not about equipment."
This sermon emphasizes the power of faith, focusing on a narrative from 1 Samuel 17. Pastor Michael A. Pender uses the story of David to illustrate that true faith requires action, not merely belief. Drawing parallels to David's confrontation with Goliath, Pastor Pender stresses that believers today should not rely solely on their resources or "equipment" but trust God fully, even when facing challenges that seem insurmountable.
He encourages the congregation to have a faith that is active and to trust God in all areas of life, whether it's for family, finances, or personal challenges, especially as they approach the year 2026. Faith, according to the sermon, is not about having everything sorted, but about confidence in God's provision and power.
Pastor Pender also highlights the importance of testing what we have, much like David, who chose not to use untested armor but instead relied on his faith and God’s guidance. The sermon concludes with an invitation to renew commitment to God and trust Him fully in the coming year
"It's about faith and not about equipment."
rewatch the sermon
points to discuss
How do you recognize the difference between saying you have faith and living out “faith with action” when you face something intimidating this year?
Talk about practical signs of active faith: taking the next obedient step, praying and moving, and refusing to freeze in fear like Israel did. Share a current “giant” situation and identify one action you sense God is calling you to take, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
What are you “working with” right now—habits, relationships, media, substances, routines—and how might God be inviting you to test whether those things strengthen or sabotage your faith?
The sermon challenges the group to inspect what’s normal but unhealthy, like we would inspect a house or test drive a car. Discuss what testing could look like (accountability, boundaries, fasting, seeking counsel, comparing it to Scripture) and what change would be a faithful response.
Why do you think we tend to focus on our “equipment” (money, skills, resources, confidence) instead of God’s power, and what helps you shift your attention back to trusting God?
Explore the pressure to feel prepared and the fear of looking foolish or failing. David’s example shows that confidence comes from God’s name and track record, not from armor you haven’t tested; discuss habits that re-center you (remembering past deliverance, Scripture, prayer, community).
What does “combat conditions” faith-testing look like in everyday life, and how can our group help each other practice faith before the stakes feel overwhelming?
Combat conditions can be family conflict, financial stress, temptation, uncertainty, or stepping into a hard conversation. Identify low-risk ways to practice obedience now—serving, giving, apologizing, seeking prayer—so faith becomes a reflex when bigger battles come.
What “automatic L” are you facing that feels like a guaranteed loss, and how could trusting God reshape the way you approach it—emotionally, spiritually, and practically?
Name the situation honestly and then discuss what a God-centered approach changes: peace instead of panic, courage instead of avoidance, and actions aligned with God’s will instead of shortcuts. Consider what a “win” would mean if God is shaping your character even before changing your circumstances.
Talk about practical signs of active faith: taking the next obedient step, praying and moving, and refusing to freeze in fear like Israel did. Share a current “giant” situation and identify one action you sense God is calling you to take, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
What are you “working with” right now—habits, relationships, media, substances, routines—and how might God be inviting you to test whether those things strengthen or sabotage your faith?
The sermon challenges the group to inspect what’s normal but unhealthy, like we would inspect a house or test drive a car. Discuss what testing could look like (accountability, boundaries, fasting, seeking counsel, comparing it to Scripture) and what change would be a faithful response.
Why do you think we tend to focus on our “equipment” (money, skills, resources, confidence) instead of God’s power, and what helps you shift your attention back to trusting God?
Explore the pressure to feel prepared and the fear of looking foolish or failing. David’s example shows that confidence comes from God’s name and track record, not from armor you haven’t tested; discuss habits that re-center you (remembering past deliverance, Scripture, prayer, community).
What does “combat conditions” faith-testing look like in everyday life, and how can our group help each other practice faith before the stakes feel overwhelming?
Combat conditions can be family conflict, financial stress, temptation, uncertainty, or stepping into a hard conversation. Identify low-risk ways to practice obedience now—serving, giving, apologizing, seeking prayer—so faith becomes a reflex when bigger battles come.
What “automatic L” are you facing that feels like a guaranteed loss, and how could trusting God reshape the way you approach it—emotionally, spiritually, and practically?
Name the situation honestly and then discuss what a God-centered approach changes: peace instead of panic, courage instead of avoidance, and actions aligned with God’s will instead of shortcuts. Consider what a “win” would mean if God is shaping your character even before changing your circumstances.
join us in prayer
- May our faith become visible through specific steps we take this week, choosing obedience over hesitation when fear and urgency collide.
- May we test what we are “working with” by honestly examining our habits, media, relationships, and choices, keeping what strengthens our walk and laying down what weakens it.
- May we stop measuring our readiness by the equipment we lack and start moving with confidence in God’s presence, trusting that apparent losses can be turned into wins.
- May we reject untested patterns and borrowed approaches, choosing practices that have been proven in prayer, Scripture, and integrity before we step into our battles.
- May we pursue God in this new season with a recommitted heart, receiving forgiveness and letting that grace reshape how we show up for our family, church, and community.
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