Chapter 3: Trusting God When Man Fails

At the top of the morning to you, we’re back once again. Amen! We’re excited about what the Lord has given us to share today. Let’s get started.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me of all sin. As I come before Your people, give me the words to speak. Let every word be edifying to believers and all who hear. Let the wisdom and revelation You’ve placed in me be shared for their strengthening and understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Lesson in Trust and Obedience

We continue our exploration of The Blessings of Obedience. In our last chapter, we discussed the importance of planning and preparation—developing strategies to manage life transitions, setting clear goals, and proactively addressing challenges. But even the best-laid plans need to be coupled with discernment and spiritual accountability.

One area I could have done better in was holding an organization accountable that had invited me to St. Louis. Rather than relying solely on a verbal agreement, I should have ensured there was a written contract. Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)reminds us:

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

Diligence includes wisdom, preparation, and accountability. Though I was recruited by a startup ministry that couldn’t match my previous six-figure income, I accepted the offer based on trust and a promise. The leader said, “As the ministry grows, I’ll return and take care of you financially.” This promise was made not only to me—but also before God.

Despite this verbal commitment, I sought a greater confirmation. I went to God. I needed His voice. And God spoke clearly:

“Go and grow, or stay and die.”

God’s direction was all the assurance I needed. I trusted that if God gave me a promise, He would fulfill it. As Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) says:

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void…”

Once I obeyed God, He breathed on the gifts He placed in me. I brought my experience in music, production, and sound to the ministry. The results were undeniable. The praise and worship team grew from 7 people to a 98-member choir, along with a 9-person audio-visual team. We trained, developed, and cultivated a ministry that flourished.

Then one day, I was called to a meeting with the senior leader. I was hopeful that this was the moment he would honor his word. But instead, he looked me in the eye and said, “I’ve decided not to fulfill the financial commitment I made.”

I was stunned. Hurt. But I said nothing. I stood, walked out, and went straight to God.

“Father,” I said, “You sent me here. You told me to go and grow. You heard what he said. Now what are You going to do?”

You see, I realized that my agreement was never truly with the man—it was with God. And God never fails.

God’s Divine Provision

The Lord responded clearly: “Sell your cars.” I owned a 1966 Super Sport Impala and a Typhoon truck—both rare and valuable vehicles. He told me to sell them and buy a box truck. I hesitated, remembering poor treatment from a previous dealer. But God said, “Go.”

When I arrived at the dealership, a man I’d never met was waiting. He refused to let me leave the lot without placing me in a new truck. That box truck became the foundation for a hotshot furniture moving business, generating $3,000 to $5,000 per week.

When man fails you, but you trust in God’s promises, He will make a way.

Romans 8:27–28 (KJV) says:

“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit… And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

I was confident that I was called according to God’s purpose. I obeyed His direction, and because my steps were ordered by Him, He backed me up with provision and favor.

What Happened to the Ministry?

That ministry, once vibrant and growing, no longer exists in 2025. It is a powerful reminder of Ecclesiastes 5:5 (KJV):

“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”

I never argued or sought revenge. I placed the matter in God’s hands, and He judged righteously.

God uses difficult moments to teach and train us. Even in hardship, there’s always something to glean. Through this process, my faith deepened. My family and I couldn’t return to California—we had burned that bridge. But like Abraham, we obeyed.

Romans 4:17–21 (KJV) tells us:

“…even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope… being not weak in faith… he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith… being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.”

Abraham believed God’s promise, even when everything around him said otherwise. Likewise, we must trust God in seasons of uncertainty. When we walk in obedience, He brings forth provision, revelation, and victory.

Conclusion

When man fails, God remains faithful. Trust in His promises, obey His voice, and watch Him turn what seemed like defeat into undeniable victory and divine provision.

Key Takeaways

• God’s direction outweighs man’s promises. Always seek confirmation from God before making life decisions.

• Verbal commitments are not always trustworthy. Accountability and documentation are wise and biblical.

• God honors obedience with provision. Even when man fails, God will make a way for those who obey Him.

• Your obedience activates your anointing. When you step where God sends you, your gifts will flourish.

• Trials are training grounds. In hardship, God is teaching, refining, and strengthening your faith.

• God judges righteously. Trust Him with your vindication, and He will settle every unjust matter.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Blessings Of Obedience (Part 3), Mar 12, 2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000698837895&r=655
This material may be protected by copyright.

Chapter Two: Trusting God Through Life’s Transitions

This is Pastor Kevin Burroughs-Neeley. I’m so glad to be with you again. God is good, isn’t He?

Let us begin with prayer:

Father, forgive me of sin. As we come before Your people this morning to impart what You have given me, let those who hear be edified by Your Word. I give You glory and honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

When we last gathered, we explored the challenges and importance of navigating major life transitions—starting a new job, moving to a new city, getting married or divorced, having a child, retiring, or facing significant loss. These transitions are part of life, and how we respond to them is critical.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 11:14 (KJV):
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Also, Proverbs 15:22 (KJV) states:
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”

When you’re dealing with significant life transitions, it is wise to seek counsel. While God’s guidance is the highest form of direction, we are also called to glean wisdom from trusted friends, family members, and spiritual leaders.

Many people hear God’s voice through prayer, while others receive confirmation during Bible study or times of meditation. It is in these quiet moments that clarity and direction often come.

A Personal Testimony of Obedience

For me and my family, it has been over 30 years since our major transition—leaving Los Angeles, California, and relocating to St. Louis, Missouri. Recently, my oldest son sent me a text expressing his gratitude for that move:

“Dad, I want to personally thank you for listening to God and moving us out of LA. LA has not been the same since we left.”

Immediately, my other two children joined the conversation, agreeing and thanking me for following God’s leading. That was a moment of overwhelming affirmation.

The blessings of obedience literally saved our family.

Looking back, it’s not just the obvious events like the California wildfires or economic turmoil that affirm the decision—but the faithfulness of God over decades. Had I ignored God’s prompting, we would have lost everything.

I remember the 2008 financial crisis and the impacts of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. As a Christian artist and business owner in live audio and public services, our income would have been completely destroyed. But because of obedience, God protected and provided for us.

God’s Plan Requires Our Obedience

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) declares:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

God already knew what we would face in California had we stayed. He was preparing a way for us, but that required obedience on our part.

Just like Abraham, who obeyed God and left his father’s house, God may be calling you to make a move, take a new job, enter into or end a relationship, or even start fresh after a significant loss. Abraham’s obedience led to him becoming the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1–4). But it started with trust.

Recognizing the Benefits of Change

Not every transition immediately reveals its benefits. Sometimes the rewards of obedience only become visible over time—perhaps even years later. I didn’t see it right away, but 30 years later, the fruit of obedience is undeniable.

What is your current transition? Is God speaking to you? If so, do not delay. Respond in obedience.

Key principles to remember include:

• Recognizing the potential benefits of change

• Expressing your feelings honestly

• Seeking emotional and practical support when needed

Transition is part of life. Embracing change rather than resisting it can be freeing. When we left California, we sold our home and gave away our furniture—there was no going back. That decision forced us to embrace the new season and fully trust God.

Developing a Strategy for Transitions

Through my experience, I’ve learned that managing transitions requires intentional strategy. This includes:

• Setting clear goals

• Making detailed plans and lists

• Proactively addressing challenges

For example, the organization that moved us didn’t fulfill their promises, and certain housing arrangements weren’t ready when we arrived. I had trusted someone’s word instead of confirming in writing. That created anxiety and frustration for my entire family.

As the head of my household, I take full responsibility. Now, I encourage others: when making major transitions, ensure all logistics are confirmed—preferably in writing. Preparation cuts down on anxiety and keeps you and your family emotionally and spiritually stable.

Managing Emotions During Transition

Transitions are emotional. I remember the moment we received our first paycheck in our new city. My wife looked at it and exclaimed, “Oh my God! You used to make this in an hour.” That was a sobering moment.

Such situations test your leadership, your obedience, and your faith. But through it all, God proves Himself faithful.

Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can share this wisdom to help you avoid many of the pitfalls we encountered. With God and good planning, your transition can be smooth, your peace can be preserved, and your obedience will be blessed.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know who this message is for today. You may not be called to move across the country, but perhaps God is speaking to you about another kind of shift. Obedience in that transition can open the door to blessings you haven’t yet imagined.

I know now—without a doubt—that I made the right decision. But during those early days, the path was uncertain. I had to stand firm on what I knew God told me. And today, I thank God for every moment of obedience.

Conclusion

Obedience in life’s transitions is rarely easy, but always rewarding. Trust God, plan well, and watch His promises unfold in your life.

Key Takeaways

• Obedience often precedes understanding: You may not see the benefits immediately, but God is already working behind the scenes.

• Wise counsel is essential: Seek guidance from spiritual leaders, trusted friends, and family.

• Embrace change with faith: Life transitions are a normal part of growth—don’t resist them, walk through them with God.

• Plan strategically: Make preparations, confirm logistics, and anticipate challenges to reduce stress.

• Trust God through the unknown: Even when promises aren’t yet visible, believe that God is faithful.

• Reflect often and give thanks: Look back to see God’s hand over your life and share your testimony to encourage others.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Blessings Of Obedience (Part 2), Mar 11, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000698718085&r=97
This material may be protected by copyright.