March 2026
When Prayers Go Unanswered, 15 March 2026
When Prayers Go Unanswered
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 15, 2026
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: 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)
Big Idea: God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Why? It might be my favorite question. I’m a very curious person. I like to understand how things work, what goes on behind the scenes, where things originated. Asking, “Why?” can be a path toward comprehension and even appreciation. Simon Sinek wrote a great book entitled Start with Why. The question can also be a provocative challenge.
Today we begin a new series entitled, “Why?” It’s a question we’ve all asked God…even if we say we don’t believe in God!
Why did the child die?
Why am I unable to break this addiction?
Why is there evil in the world?
Why can’t I find a job…a spouse…relief for my pain?
Listen to these prayers.
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. (Psalm 44:23)
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! (Psalm 58:6)
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! (Psalm 139:19a)
Do you hear the passion? Can you sense the honesty. The audacity! It’s messy, but genuine.
Each of those prayers come from King David in the Psalms. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything but authentically pours out his heart to God…and we can, too.
You can be real with God. He can handle anything you throw His way…fear, doubt, anger, worry, praise, confession, petitions…
You can even ask, “Why?” though I have an even better question I’ll share later.
What happens when our prayers go unanswered?
Can you relate? If God is good, if God loves me, if God is in control, then why…?
I know the feeling. We all know the feeling. Some have even used what they thought was God ghosting them—doing nothing—as reason to reject God. If God won’t meet my demands, maybe I need to find a new god!
I want to encourage you today. I want to offer hope—real hope. God is good and He does love you and He is in control…and because of that, He knows how to best respond to our prayers.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
He responds with yes, no, or wait. The challenge is we don’t always get instant feedback on our petitions. If you pray for a sick friend, it would be nice if God said, “They will be healed, but it will take two surgeries and six months before they are fully healed.” At least you would have realistic expectations, though you would surely prefer a miraculous instant healing instead!
This begs the question, “Why doesn’t He just say ‘yes’ to all of my requests?” I don’t mean to make light of your struggles, but I think it’s the same reason I didn’t say ‘yes’ to my kids when they wanted a big bowl of ice cream at bedtime. Daddy knows best. He can be trusted. He really is good, He really does answer our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Few people understood this better than Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament of the Bible. In his letter to a European church, he wrote about an encounter with God.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (2 Corinthians 12:7b)
What was this thorn? We don’t know. There are a few theories. It could’ve been…
- A physical issue such as chronic pain, malaria, epilepsy, or an eye disease (10:10)
- Opposition from false teachers and critics (11:1-5)
- Spiritual oppression or unrelenting temptation (1 Thess. 2:18)
- Depression, discouragement, or some other mental illness (2:4)
We don’t know, but what is clear is it had a purpose…to keep Paul humble. The Bible is filled with stories of people tested. I doubt any understood or welcomed these experiences…at the time.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who keeps bothering a judge, seeking justice. The moral of the story is we should always pray and not give up. Are we supposed to annoy God with our constant prayers? Not exactly, but the message seems to be persevere. God’s not deaf, but He loves to hear your voice. In Paul’s case, God replied after the third time.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
I don’t think this was the response Paul wanted. Three times Paul said, “Take it away” and God said, “No.” The Greek word for grace here, charis, denotes Christ’s power to strengthen and endure hardship.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He says, “Yes, no, or wait.” Paul was blessed with a specific reply and explanation from God, but usually we hear nothing. We see nothing. We experience nothing…and wonder if God is there.
He is! Listen to Jesus’ last words in the book of Matthew:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
King David asked,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7)
He is here. I promise! He said He would never leave or forsake us.
Back to Paul, God says no to removing this thorn in Paul’s life, leaving him with this weakness to show God’s power. Paul continues,
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
People love to talk about themselves, post their accomplishments online, show the world their highlight reels, and seek approval from others. Paul was humbled by this thorn, this trial, this test. It served a purpose…Paul’s good and God’s glory.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Does Paul sound like a crazy man, delighting in weakness, insults, hardship, persecutions, difficulties? He would be if it wasn’t for the short phrase, “For Christ’s sake.” Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Nobody knows pain and suffering like Jesus. He was facing the cup of death, of crucifixion and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
He said, “Father, this is my will…but yours be done.” This is what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane…three times (like Paul). Can you say that? Can you pray that? It takes faith and trust in our good, good Father. Job said,
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21b)
So What?
There are many things I don’t understand about God. I have asked Him “why?” more times than I can count. Some prayers required waiting nearly a decade for visible action. There are, however, some things I do understand.
1. God loves us. He proved it.
2. God is with us. He sees us. The Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
3. God answers our prayers. Always. Not always on-demand with a yes.
4. We don’t always need to understand why.
5. It’s helpful to ask, “What are you up to, LORD?”
6. God is working through the waiting. Don’t give up.
7. Seek first His will and Kingdom. The Lord’s Prayer.
8. Jesus understands pain and grief and loss and suffering and betrayal and…
9. This life is preparation for the next one…which will last much longer!
10. We would love to pray with you and for you…at the conclusion of the service or even online (e-mail me)
I want to close with the scripture that summarizes today and the weeks to come in this series.
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)
Do you love God? He loves you. He wants the very best for you. And He always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. The best is yet to come. It will be worth the wait.
Bonus Content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA
In season 3 of the TV show The Chosen, one of Jesus’ disciples remains unhealed after years of prayer and he asks…why? Although not exactly a biblical quote, Jesus says in the episode,
“In the Father’s will, I could heal you right now, and you’d have a good story to tell…but there are already dozens who can tell that story…but to show people that you are patient with your suffering here on earth because you know you’ll spend eternity with no suffering, not everyone can understand that. How many people do you think the Father and trust this with? Not many…Remember, you will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”
Reflection Questions
What are my expectations of God?
When has He answered my prayers?
Who can you prayer for and support?
Are you willing to ask for help? Prayer?
Can you think of a time when God revealed the purpose of a trial to you?
If He never says yes to your prayer, is He enough?
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Why?
March 15, 2026
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Series Big Idea: It’s natural to ask God, “Why?” but He’s up to something.
Series Scripture: 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)
Big Idea: God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Why? It might be my favorite question. I’m a very curious person. I like to understand how things work, what goes on behind the scenes, where things originated. Asking, “Why?” can be a path toward comprehension and even appreciation. Simon Sinek wrote a great book entitled Start with Why. The question can also be a provocative challenge.
Today we begin a new series entitled, “Why?” It’s a question we’ve all asked God…even if we say we don’t believe in God!
Why did the child die?
Why am I unable to break this addiction?
Why is there evil in the world?
Why can’t I find a job…a spouse…relief for my pain?
Listen to these prayers.
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. (Psalm 44:23)
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! (Psalm 58:6)
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! (Psalm 139:19a)
Do you hear the passion? Can you sense the honesty. The audacity! It’s messy, but genuine.
Each of those prayers come from King David in the Psalms. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything but authentically pours out his heart to God…and we can, too.
You can be real with God. He can handle anything you throw His way…fear, doubt, anger, worry, praise, confession, petitions…
You can even ask, “Why?” though I have an even better question I’ll share later.
What happens when our prayers go unanswered?
Can you relate? If God is good, if God loves me, if God is in control, then why…?
I know the feeling. We all know the feeling. Some have even used what they thought was God ghosting them—doing nothing—as reason to reject God. If God won’t meet my demands, maybe I need to find a new god!
I want to encourage you today. I want to offer hope—real hope. God is good and He does love you and He is in control…and because of that, He knows how to best respond to our prayers.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
He responds with yes, no, or wait. The challenge is we don’t always get instant feedback on our petitions. If you pray for a sick friend, it would be nice if God said, “They will be healed, but it will take two surgeries and six months before they are fully healed.” At least you would have realistic expectations, though you would surely prefer a miraculous instant healing instead!
This begs the question, “Why doesn’t He just say ‘yes’ to all of my requests?” I don’t mean to make light of your struggles, but I think it’s the same reason I didn’t say ‘yes’ to my kids when they wanted a big bowl of ice cream at bedtime. Daddy knows best. He can be trusted. He really is good, He really does answer our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Few people understood this better than Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament of the Bible. In his letter to a European church, he wrote about an encounter with God.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (2 Corinthians 12:7b)
What was this thorn? We don’t know. There are a few theories. It could’ve been…
- A physical issue such as chronic pain, malaria, epilepsy, or an eye disease (10:10)
- Opposition from false teachers and critics (11:1-5)
- Spiritual oppression or unrelenting temptation (1 Thess. 2:18)
- Depression, discouragement, or some other mental illness (2:4)
We don’t know, but what is clear is it had a purpose…to keep Paul humble. The Bible is filled with stories of people tested. I doubt any understood or welcomed these experiences…at the time.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who keeps bothering a judge, seeking justice. The moral of the story is we should always pray and not give up. Are we supposed to annoy God with our constant prayers? Not exactly, but the message seems to be persevere. God’s not deaf, but He loves to hear your voice. In Paul’s case, God replied after the third time.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
I don’t think this was the response Paul wanted. Three times Paul said, “Take it away” and God said, “No.” The Greek word for grace here, charis, denotes Christ’s power to strengthen and endure hardship.
God always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He says, “Yes, no, or wait.” Paul was blessed with a specific reply and explanation from God, but usually we hear nothing. We see nothing. We experience nothing…and wonder if God is there.
He is! Listen to Jesus’ last words in the book of Matthew:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
King David asked,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7)
He is here. I promise! He said He would never leave or forsake us.
Back to Paul, God says no to removing this thorn in Paul’s life, leaving him with this weakness to show God’s power. Paul continues,
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
People love to talk about themselves, post their accomplishments online, show the world their highlight reels, and seek approval from others. Paul was humbled by this thorn, this trial, this test. It served a purpose…Paul’s good and God’s glory.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Does Paul sound like a crazy man, delighting in weakness, insults, hardship, persecutions, difficulties? He would be if it wasn’t for the short phrase, “For Christ’s sake.” Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Nobody knows pain and suffering like Jesus. He was facing the cup of death, of crucifixion and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
He said, “Father, this is my will…but yours be done.” This is what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane…three times (like Paul). Can you say that? Can you pray that? It takes faith and trust in our good, good Father. Job said,
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21b)
So What?
There are many things I don’t understand about God. I have asked Him “why?” more times than I can count. Some prayers required waiting nearly a decade for visible action. There are, however, some things I do understand.
1. God loves us. He proved it.
2. God is with us. He sees us. The Holy Spirit lives inside believers.
3. God answers our prayers. Always. Not always on-demand with a yes.
4. We don’t always need to understand why.
5. It’s helpful to ask, “What are you up to, LORD?”
6. God is working through the waiting. Don’t give up.
7. Seek first His will and Kingdom. The Lord’s Prayer.
8. Jesus understands pain and grief and loss and suffering and betrayal and…
9. This life is preparation for the next one…which will last much longer!
10. We would love to pray with you and for you…at the conclusion of the service or even online (e-mail me)
I want to close with the scripture that summarizes today and the weeks to come in this series.
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)
Do you love God? He loves you. He wants the very best for you. And He always answers our prayers, even when it doesn’t feel like it. The best is yet to come. It will be worth the wait.
Bonus Content
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA
In season 3 of the TV show The Chosen, one of Jesus’ disciples remains unhealed after years of prayer and he asks…why? Although not exactly a biblical quote, Jesus says in the episode,
“In the Father’s will, I could heal you right now, and you’d have a good story to tell…but there are already dozens who can tell that story…but to show people that you are patient with your suffering here on earth because you know you’ll spend eternity with no suffering, not everyone can understand that. How many people do you think the Father and trust this with? Not many…Remember, you will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”
Reflection Questions
What are my expectations of God?
When has He answered my prayers?
Who can you prayer for and support?
Are you willing to ask for help? Prayer?
Can you think of a time when God revealed the purpose of a trial to you?
If He never says yes to your prayer, is He enough?
Generous, 8 March 2026
08 03 26 Filed in: Sermons | Money Matter$
Generous
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Money Matters
March 8, 2026
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Series Big Idea: Money is a powerful tool that can bless or destroy.
Big Idea: You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
What makes you happy?
Can money buy happiness? Yes it can. If you give me some, I’ll prove it!
The problem is the happiness money buys is temporary. But as I said last week,
You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
We live in one of the most consumeristic, selfish societies in the history of the world. We’re told, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins,” “It’s all about you,” and even the fantasy that we can somehow have our “own truth.” Even today, most people around the world depend upon the support and generosity of others, whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors. We were created to exist in community, and God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit model it perfectly for us.
There are countless stories of wealthy people living miserable lives, some even taking their own lives in despair, because money can’t buy lasting happiness, but generosity can!
A 20089 study by Harvard and the University of British Columbia found those who spend money on others reported greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves. Researchers have discovered acts of giving stimulate the reward center of the brain, something called the “helper’s high.” Those who regularly practice generosity have lower depression rates, stronger social bonds, greater life satisfaction, and even better physical health markers,
This should come as no surprise given Jesus’ words that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
You’ve probably never met a happy, content selfish person!
You probably know the golden rule:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Those were Jesus’ words, not mine. He also said,
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)
Once again, this isn’t a fundraising pitch. It’s not what I want from you but what I want for you…what God wants for you…the happiness, the joy, the thrill of being generous.
In week one of this series, we said everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards. It’s not my stuff, but His. We will all one day stand before God and give an account of what we did with our money, time, and gifts. This is not simply a financial issue, but a spiritual issue. How we earn, spend, give, save, and invest our money is a discipleship issue. Greed is not part of the fruit of the Spirit!
Last Sunday we said God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people…and what a joy it is to give, to invest in God’s Kingdom, to bless others, whether it’s an offering of a handful of rice as we saw in the video or a million-dollar gift. God’s math means whatever we offer to Him will be multiplied and impact lives for eternity.
Even if you’re a poor college student, a young family waist-deep in debt, or simply crushed under the weight of medical bills of no fault of your own, you can experience the joy of generosity. I want to challenge you to take a step of faith…not a leap, but a step of faith. Go ahead and take God at His word:
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)
Tithe simply means ten percent. That’s less than what you probably pay in taxes. That should be less than you tip a waiter or waitress! Ten percent is a good place for beginners. If you’re not giving ten percent, you’re missing out! You may be saying, “I can’t afford to give ten percent.” I’m saying you can’t afford to NOT give ten percent…as a starter, as a step of faith. If you just can’t imagine God providing and honoring your generosity, start with 5%. I dare you to trust God! The great thing about percentage giving is it adjusts to your income. We all have something we can give.
If you find yourself in debt, struggling to make ends meet, unsure of how to create a budget, or just want to grow in your understanding of finances, I want to encourage you to sign up for Financial Peace University. It will be held here on Wednesday evenings beginning March 25 and since it’s during Encounter, you can bring your kids!
This is not just a personal issue. As a church family, I’ve encouraged our leaders to create mission plans (that’s another name for a budget!) that require God to show up! We never want to be foolish or greedy, but I want us to remain on our knees, desperate for God.
I’m always struck by this passage in Proverbs, the book of wisdom:
“Two things I ask of you, LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9)
I know what it’s like to be desperate for God. As many of you know, Heather and I spent years on our knees praying for our kids and their various challenges. When our daughter was in remission, I prayed to the LORD, “I don’t want to lose this urgency and desperation. I don’t want to get busy and comfortable. I want to turn my prayer requests and petitions into praises,” and I’ve tried to do that.
I know He’s calling me to take steps of faith, to step out of my comfort, to be more generous. As John Ortberg famously said, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.”
We briefly looked at this text from Paul to one of the first churches in Europe. The church in Jerusalem is struggling financially, and Paul encourages those in Corinth to help.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)
This is a win-win-win…a win for the church in Jerusalem, a win for God who is glorified, and a win for the givers who receive blessings.
So What?
I challenge you—I dare you—to ask God what to do with this sermon, with this series. What is your next step. Maybe it’s to sign up for Financial Peace University. Perhaps you simply need to volunteer an hour a week—here or with one of our local ministry partners. Maybe it’s time to start giving ten percent or five percent…or even a dollar! See if God doesn’t honor and bless you. It’s possible God wants some of you to add a percent—or a zero—to your current giving. You can’t outgive God.
Last year I gave away copies of Randy Alcorn’s classic The Treasure Principle. If you didn’t get one, I’d love to give you a copy, but I must warn you it is challenging.
Jesus summarized the entire scriptures by saying love God, love your neighbor as yourself. Do you believe that? Prove it! How we use and steward our time, our talents, and our treasures is the real measure of our faith, our obedience, our spiritual maturity.
Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.
A life of generosity is a key to true satisfaction and happiness.
I pray that He says to each of us someday, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Money Matters
March 8, 2026
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Series Big Idea: Money is a powerful tool that can bless or destroy.
Big Idea: You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
What makes you happy?
Can money buy happiness? Yes it can. If you give me some, I’ll prove it!
The problem is the happiness money buys is temporary. But as I said last week,
You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
We live in one of the most consumeristic, selfish societies in the history of the world. We’re told, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins,” “It’s all about you,” and even the fantasy that we can somehow have our “own truth.” Even today, most people around the world depend upon the support and generosity of others, whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors. We were created to exist in community, and God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit model it perfectly for us.
There are countless stories of wealthy people living miserable lives, some even taking their own lives in despair, because money can’t buy lasting happiness, but generosity can!
A 20089 study by Harvard and the University of British Columbia found those who spend money on others reported greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves. Researchers have discovered acts of giving stimulate the reward center of the brain, something called the “helper’s high.” Those who regularly practice generosity have lower depression rates, stronger social bonds, greater life satisfaction, and even better physical health markers,
This should come as no surprise given Jesus’ words that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
You’ve probably never met a happy, content selfish person!
You probably know the golden rule:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Those were Jesus’ words, not mine. He also said,
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)
Once again, this isn’t a fundraising pitch. It’s not what I want from you but what I want for you…what God wants for you…the happiness, the joy, the thrill of being generous.
In week one of this series, we said everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards. It’s not my stuff, but His. We will all one day stand before God and give an account of what we did with our money, time, and gifts. This is not simply a financial issue, but a spiritual issue. How we earn, spend, give, save, and invest our money is a discipleship issue. Greed is not part of the fruit of the Spirit!
Last Sunday we said God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people…and what a joy it is to give, to invest in God’s Kingdom, to bless others, whether it’s an offering of a handful of rice as we saw in the video or a million-dollar gift. God’s math means whatever we offer to Him will be multiplied and impact lives for eternity.
Even if you’re a poor college student, a young family waist-deep in debt, or simply crushed under the weight of medical bills of no fault of your own, you can experience the joy of generosity. I want to challenge you to take a step of faith…not a leap, but a step of faith. Go ahead and take God at His word:
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)
Tithe simply means ten percent. That’s less than what you probably pay in taxes. That should be less than you tip a waiter or waitress! Ten percent is a good place for beginners. If you’re not giving ten percent, you’re missing out! You may be saying, “I can’t afford to give ten percent.” I’m saying you can’t afford to NOT give ten percent…as a starter, as a step of faith. If you just can’t imagine God providing and honoring your generosity, start with 5%. I dare you to trust God! The great thing about percentage giving is it adjusts to your income. We all have something we can give.
If you find yourself in debt, struggling to make ends meet, unsure of how to create a budget, or just want to grow in your understanding of finances, I want to encourage you to sign up for Financial Peace University. It will be held here on Wednesday evenings beginning March 25 and since it’s during Encounter, you can bring your kids!
This is not just a personal issue. As a church family, I’ve encouraged our leaders to create mission plans (that’s another name for a budget!) that require God to show up! We never want to be foolish or greedy, but I want us to remain on our knees, desperate for God.
I’m always struck by this passage in Proverbs, the book of wisdom:
“Two things I ask of you, LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9)
I know what it’s like to be desperate for God. As many of you know, Heather and I spent years on our knees praying for our kids and their various challenges. When our daughter was in remission, I prayed to the LORD, “I don’t want to lose this urgency and desperation. I don’t want to get busy and comfortable. I want to turn my prayer requests and petitions into praises,” and I’ve tried to do that.
I know He’s calling me to take steps of faith, to step out of my comfort, to be more generous. As John Ortberg famously said, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.”
We briefly looked at this text from Paul to one of the first churches in Europe. The church in Jerusalem is struggling financially, and Paul encourages those in Corinth to help.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)
This is a win-win-win…a win for the church in Jerusalem, a win for God who is glorified, and a win for the givers who receive blessings.
So What?
I challenge you—I dare you—to ask God what to do with this sermon, with this series. What is your next step. Maybe it’s to sign up for Financial Peace University. Perhaps you simply need to volunteer an hour a week—here or with one of our local ministry partners. Maybe it’s time to start giving ten percent or five percent…or even a dollar! See if God doesn’t honor and bless you. It’s possible God wants some of you to add a percent—or a zero—to your current giving. You can’t outgive God.
Last year I gave away copies of Randy Alcorn’s classic The Treasure Principle. If you didn’t get one, I’d love to give you a copy, but I must warn you it is challenging.
Jesus summarized the entire scriptures by saying love God, love your neighbor as yourself. Do you believe that? Prove it! How we use and steward our time, our talents, and our treasures is the real measure of our faith, our obedience, our spiritual maturity.
Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.
A life of generosity is a key to true satisfaction and happiness.
I pray that He says to each of us someday, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Provider, 1 MArch 2026
01 03 26 Filed in: Sermons | Money Matter$
Provider
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Money Matters
March 1, 2026
Genesis 22:6-14; Philippians 4:19
Series Big Idea: Money is a powerful tool that can bless or destroy.
Big Idea: God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people.
There was a man whose town began to flood after days of relentless rain. The river crested its banks, streets filled with water, and emergency sirens wailed through the night.
The man stood on his porch as the water rose to his knees and prayed, “Lord, I trust You. Please save me.”
A neighbor paddled by in a small rowboat and shouted, “Jump in! I’ll take you to safety!”
The man replied, “No, thank you. I’m praying. God is going to save me.”
The water kept rising. He climbed onto his roof and prayed again, “God, I know You’re faithful. Rescue me!”
Soon a rescue boat came by. “Sir, this is your last chance. Get in!”
He shook his head. “No. I have faith. God will save me.”
Finally, with the water at the chimney, a helicopter hovered overhead. They dropped a rope ladder and yelled, “Grab on!”
But he called back, “No! I’m waiting on God!”
Moments later, the waters overtook him.
When he stood before the Lord, he asked, “God, I trusted You. Why didn’t You save me?”
And the Lord said, “I sent you a rowboat, a rescue team, and a helicopter. What more were you waiting for?”
God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people.What do you need today? In 1943, Abraham Maslow wrote a paper that diagramed a hierarchy of needs.
I’m not here to debate the merits of the pyramid, but rather to note we all have needs. Some need food and water. Others struggle with health and safety. When our more basic needs get met, friends, achievement, and meaning enter the picture. Regardless of what you need today, God is able to provide, and it’s usually accomplished through His people. Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece,
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
God does not promise to provide our every want and desire. That’s a job for prosperity gospel preachers! He promises to meet our needs. He is a provider.
Once upon a time, God told Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, to the region of Moriah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. This was the son that took 100 years for God to provide! I can’t imagine the thoughts and feelings going through his head, but Abraham obeyed. Genesis 22 says,
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (Genesis 22:6-8)
The Hebrew word for provide is raah. It can mean “to see” or provide.
When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. (Genesis 22:9-10)
Can you imagine?
But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:11-12)
I bet Abraham uttered the loudest sigh of relief in history!
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:13-14)
The LORD Will Provide in Hebrew is Yahweh Jireh. Some have pronounced it Jehovah Jireh.
Centuries later, the LORD provided the ultimate sacrifice for us, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Jesus Christ. Thousands of years later, God is still providing for His people. He gives us everything we need for what He’s called us to do.
What has He called us to do?
Love God. Love neighbor as self. Go and make disciples.
Last Sunday we said
Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.
He loves to use His people to provide, to answer prayers, to participate in His Kingdom.
The opening story is a joke, but it delivers a truth. Imagine you owned a boat or helicopter and could save a life. How great would that be? Yet every one of us has been invited into God’s Kingdom to not only dwell but serve.
I asked, “What do you need?.” Now, what do you have? We all have something…money, cars, homes, skills and talents, time, energy, health, etc. How are you stewarding those gifts, those blessings.
Imagine someone in this room needed a set of golf clubs and you had two sets. How great would it be to provide for them?
Imagine someone in this room needed childcare for one hour this week and you were available. How great would it be to provide for them?
Imagine someone in this room prays for healing and you are a doctor. How great would it be to provide it for them?
Last week I said I wanted a bag of gold and someone provided for me!
Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)
This is so true. I love receiving gifts, but giving them is a blast, whether it’s a birthday gift to a grandchild, buying someone at Dietsch’s, or writing a check to College First. It’s a joy to be generous!
Paul again, this time to the church in Corinth:
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
You can’t outgive God. He provides, and He has provided for me and my family in some incredible ways. For example,
- We needed $100 one week and $50 came in the mail and $50 from a relative
- We needed help with our furnace and someone from CF fixed it
- We prayed for a minivan and received one hours later!
- When we moved to a new city, we needed friends…and found them
In every case, God used someone to bless us, to provide for us…and they had the thrill of being used by God. You can’t buy that!
What do you need?
What do you have?
As the church, we are to love one another and one way we can love is by providing for the needs of one another, offering a ride, a room, or a repair. The second chapter of Acts describes a beautiful picture of what a church should become.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
That sounds fun! That sounds like the Church in action.
So What?
What do you have? What do you need? It’s hard to manage the resources of hundreds of people at College First, but you can begin by thinking about your gifts.
Some of you have time to give, and volunteering here and/or at another ministry in the area will do far more for your heart and soul than watching bad news on TV! You can scoop ice cream, build a house, teach children, serve food, coach sports, count money, pack gifts, sing, clean, sew, cook, garden, ring a bell, mow…or even preach! If you tell me what you like to do, I’ll get you connected to opportunities. I had a man years ago tell me he loved racing cars, so we started a church auto racing team! It was great!
If your gifts are financial, you can give online, via check, or in person. Your investment in God’s work at College First is producing fantastic fruit, including baptisms, healed marriages, and a NextGen ministry of students we can barely contain on our physical campus. To those of you who give 1% or 5% or 10% or 90% of your income, thank you. I cannot imagine a better investment than College First which is why the largest check we write each month is to College First. The dividends are eternal! You can give to our benevolence fund, NextGen leadership endowment, or any number of other things. You can give stocks, bonds, and other non-cash gifts, too, such as livestock or real estate. You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people. What do you have? Don’t hoard it. Invest it. You’ll never regret it!
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Money Matters
March 1, 2026
Genesis 22:6-14; Philippians 4:19
Series Big Idea: Money is a powerful tool that can bless or destroy.
Big Idea: God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people.
There was a man whose town began to flood after days of relentless rain. The river crested its banks, streets filled with water, and emergency sirens wailed through the night.
The man stood on his porch as the water rose to his knees and prayed, “Lord, I trust You. Please save me.”
A neighbor paddled by in a small rowboat and shouted, “Jump in! I’ll take you to safety!”
The man replied, “No, thank you. I’m praying. God is going to save me.”
The water kept rising. He climbed onto his roof and prayed again, “God, I know You’re faithful. Rescue me!”
Soon a rescue boat came by. “Sir, this is your last chance. Get in!”
He shook his head. “No. I have faith. God will save me.”
Finally, with the water at the chimney, a helicopter hovered overhead. They dropped a rope ladder and yelled, “Grab on!”
But he called back, “No! I’m waiting on God!”
Moments later, the waters overtook him.
When he stood before the Lord, he asked, “God, I trusted You. Why didn’t You save me?”
And the Lord said, “I sent you a rowboat, a rescue team, and a helicopter. What more were you waiting for?”
God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people.What do you need today? In 1943, Abraham Maslow wrote a paper that diagramed a hierarchy of needs.
I’m not here to debate the merits of the pyramid, but rather to note we all have needs. Some need food and water. Others struggle with health and safety. When our more basic needs get met, friends, achievement, and meaning enter the picture. Regardless of what you need today, God is able to provide, and it’s usually accomplished through His people. Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece,
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
God does not promise to provide our every want and desire. That’s a job for prosperity gospel preachers! He promises to meet our needs. He is a provider.
Once upon a time, God told Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, to the region of Moriah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. This was the son that took 100 years for God to provide! I can’t imagine the thoughts and feelings going through his head, but Abraham obeyed. Genesis 22 says,
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (Genesis 22:6-8)
The Hebrew word for provide is raah. It can mean “to see” or provide.
When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. (Genesis 22:9-10)
Can you imagine?
But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:11-12)
I bet Abraham uttered the loudest sigh of relief in history!
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:13-14)
The LORD Will Provide in Hebrew is Yahweh Jireh. Some have pronounced it Jehovah Jireh.
Centuries later, the LORD provided the ultimate sacrifice for us, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Jesus Christ. Thousands of years later, God is still providing for His people. He gives us everything we need for what He’s called us to do.
What has He called us to do?
Love God. Love neighbor as self. Go and make disciples.
Last Sunday we said
Everything we have belongs to God. We are His stewards.
He loves to use His people to provide, to answer prayers, to participate in His Kingdom.
The opening story is a joke, but it delivers a truth. Imagine you owned a boat or helicopter and could save a life. How great would that be? Yet every one of us has been invited into God’s Kingdom to not only dwell but serve.
I asked, “What do you need?.” Now, what do you have? We all have something…money, cars, homes, skills and talents, time, energy, health, etc. How are you stewarding those gifts, those blessings.
Imagine someone in this room needed a set of golf clubs and you had two sets. How great would it be to provide for them?
Imagine someone in this room needed childcare for one hour this week and you were available. How great would it be to provide for them?
Imagine someone in this room prays for healing and you are a doctor. How great would it be to provide it for them?
Last week I said I wanted a bag of gold and someone provided for me!
Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)
This is so true. I love receiving gifts, but giving them is a blast, whether it’s a birthday gift to a grandchild, buying someone at Dietsch’s, or writing a check to College First. It’s a joy to be generous!
Paul again, this time to the church in Corinth:
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
You can’t outgive God. He provides, and He has provided for me and my family in some incredible ways. For example,
- We needed $100 one week and $50 came in the mail and $50 from a relative
- We needed help with our furnace and someone from CF fixed it
- We prayed for a minivan and received one hours later!
- When we moved to a new city, we needed friends…and found them
In every case, God used someone to bless us, to provide for us…and they had the thrill of being used by God. You can’t buy that!
What do you need?
What do you have?
As the church, we are to love one another and one way we can love is by providing for the needs of one another, offering a ride, a room, or a repair. The second chapter of Acts describes a beautiful picture of what a church should become.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
That sounds fun! That sounds like the Church in action.
So What?
What do you have? What do you need? It’s hard to manage the resources of hundreds of people at College First, but you can begin by thinking about your gifts.
Some of you have time to give, and volunteering here and/or at another ministry in the area will do far more for your heart and soul than watching bad news on TV! You can scoop ice cream, build a house, teach children, serve food, coach sports, count money, pack gifts, sing, clean, sew, cook, garden, ring a bell, mow…or even preach! If you tell me what you like to do, I’ll get you connected to opportunities. I had a man years ago tell me he loved racing cars, so we started a church auto racing team! It was great!
If your gifts are financial, you can give online, via check, or in person. Your investment in God’s work at College First is producing fantastic fruit, including baptisms, healed marriages, and a NextGen ministry of students we can barely contain on our physical campus. To those of you who give 1% or 5% or 10% or 90% of your income, thank you. I cannot imagine a better investment than College First which is why the largest check we write each month is to College First. The dividends are eternal! You can give to our benevolence fund, NextGen leadership endowment, or any number of other things. You can give stocks, bonds, and other non-cash gifts, too, such as livestock or real estate. You’ve probably never met an unhappy generous person.
God faithfully provides through the generosity of His people. What do you have? Don’t hoard it. Invest it. You’ll never regret it!