What do you do with what's left? In science, “residual” refers to what remains after the main part is removed — the leftover, the remainder. But in God’s hands, the residual isn't just what’s left — it's what He chooses to use. In this message, we examine how God uses what's left — the remnant — to reveal His power and establish His presence. Sometimes, what remains after the cutting, the pruning, and the separating, is exactly what’s right for God to begin His work.

This sermon follows the story of Gideon and his army in Judges 7. God stripped Gideon’s army down from 32,000 men to just 300 — not because of weakness, but because He wanted to show that victory comes from Him, not from numbers or might. The message encourages us to not mourn what has been removed but to rejoice in what God has decided to keep.

I. Too Many (Judges 7:2)

God told Gideon, “The people that are with thee are too many...” — not too weak, but too many for God’s purpose.

• How do you know when it's too many?
  • When numbers become your confidence instead of God.
  • When the crowd distracts from the mission.
  • When pride begins to replace praise.
  • When you say “We did it,” instead of “God did it.”

22,000 left the camp because they were afraid. Fear has the power to paralyze progress — that’s why God made room for only the faithful. Then, out of the remaining 10,000, God refined again. The final 300 were chosen based on posture and alertness — those who stayed watchful even while drinking water. Discipline, awareness, and readiness mattered more than numbers.

II. The Core Over the Crowd (Judges 7:7)

God chose the core, not the crowd.

• The crowd is impressive — until they’re tested.
  • They cheer but don’t commit.
  • They support in good times but flee in hard times.
• The core is dependable.
  • They remain when the stage lights go off.
  • They fight when others flee.
  • They carry weight and mission.
  • They are the faithful few who are willing to follow God's plan even when it's not popular.

God is calling us to appreciate the power of the core. In your life, He may be removing the extra so you can see the essential. Don’t be discouraged by subtraction — it’s God's setup for true impact.

III. Strategy Over Strength (Judges 7:16)

Gideon’s 300 didn’t need to fight with weapons. God had a strategy.

• God gave each man a trumpet, an empty pitcher, and a torch inside the pitcher.
  • The torch represents light — God's presence.
  • The trumpet represents sound — worship and declaration.
  • The pitcher represents brokenness — allowing God’s light to shine through.

This powerful illustration reminds us: God doesn’t need our strength — He needs our surrender. Often, it’s our broken seasons that allow His glory to shine the brightest. The sound of worship can tear down strongholds greater than any sword. Victory was not won by military might but by obedient hearts and a God-ordained strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t despise what’s left — God is in the remnant.
• Crowd size is not equal to calling.
• Your brokenness can become your brightest light.
• God removes what’s unnecessary to strengthen what remains.
• Victory comes not through numbers or noise but through obedience and strategy.

In the end, “Residual” is not what we’ve lost, but what God chooses to use. God is dwelling with the remnant. He’s building revival on the foundation of what remains. The subtraction was necessary so that His power could be multiplied.

In this powerful and timely message, the Lord speaks a clear directive: “Don’t Deviate from the Plan.” Just like Jonah, many of us have felt the urge to go our own way, but in this season, God is calling His people to stay the course. The storms around us may tempt us to detour, but obedience is critical—not just for us, but for everyone connected to our journey.

Introduction:
God’s plan is still good. The Holy Spirit prompted this word as a warning and encouragement to the body of Christ. Now is not the time to veer off course. While everyone’s journey may be different, God’s universal plan for every believer includes:

1. Knowing God personally
   John 17:3 – Relationship with God is the foundation of eternal life.
2. Becoming like Christ
   Romans 8:29 – We are predestined to be conformed to Jesus’ image.
3. Doing good works and bearing fruit
   Ephesians 2:10 – We are created to walk in the good works God prepared for us.
4. Making disciples
   Matthew 28:19 – We are called to spread the Gospel and build His kingdom.
5. Living for God's glory
   1 Corinthians 10:31 – Every action should reflect and honor God.

This framework answers the question: “What is God’s plan for my life?”

What does it mean to deviate?
To deviate is to stray from the assigned path. It’s choosing convenience over consistency and substituting our will for God’s. Like Jonah, we sometimes flee from assignments we don’t understand or want—but God’s purpose must be fulfilled.

Key Points of the Message:

I. Deviation Endangers Others

• Jonah’s disobedience triggered a storm that threatened everyone on the ship.
• Deviation doesn’t just affect you—it endangers your family, ministry, and those around you.
• Your obedience is directly connected to someone else’s deliverance and breakthrough.

II. Deviation Delays Destiny

• Jonah’s flight led to him being swallowed by a great fish and stuck in darkness for three days.
• Running from God always delays the blessings and purpose He has for you.
• Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Don’t prolong your breakthrough by going the wrong direction.

III. Deviation Demands a Return

• Jonah had to go back to the original assignment. God didn’t change His plan—He waited for Jonah to obey.
• God’s Word came to Jonah a second time (Jonah 3:1), showing that His purpose is unshakable.
• God’s calling will keep circling back until you surrender.

Conclusion:
Deviation starts as delay but can lead to devastation. Don’t let temporary comfort cost you your eternal calling. Repent, return, and fulfill the mission God gave you. There is a nation assigned to your voice—don’t leave them waiting.

In this inspiring and timely message drawn from the story of Lazarus, we are reminded that faith isn’t a one-time experience—it’s a journey. Through the lens of Martha’s encounter with Jesus after her brother’s death, we see how faith evolves, stretches, and grows even in seasons of delay, loss, or impossibility.

Martha believed Jesus could heal Lazarus while he was alive—but when Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died, her words still carried power: “Even now, whatever You ask of God, He will give it to You.” This declaration becomes the foundation of the message: faith that believes beyond the grave, beyond the closed doors, beyond the deadline.

This sermon is a call to those whose situations seem too far gone—relationships, dreams, ministries, or health—reminding us that Jesus is not restricted by time or circumstance. Even now… He can do it.

I. Elevated Faith

John 11:22
Martha’s faith evolved—from believing in healing to believing in resurrection.

• Delays don't cancel God's promises; they elevate our faith.
• "Even Now" faith dares to expect what seems impossible.
• Elevated faith stretches into the supernatural, into what we haven’t seen God do yet.

II. Even Now Faith

Luke 8:49–50
When Jairus was told his daughter was dead, Jesus said: “Fear not: believe only.”

Even Now means:

1. It’s never too late with God.
2. Delay is not denial.
3. God moves beyond deadlines.
4. Resurrection is possible.
5. Faith confronts finality.
6. Faith finds a way.

Reflection: God doesn’t just heal—He makes whole. Faith thrives in the face of impossibility.

III. At Your Word

Matthew 8:8
The centurion said, “Just speak the word and my servant will be healed.”

• Martha and the centurion shared the same truth: If You say it, that settles it.
• God’s Word still has the power to shift reality.
• Faith doesn’t always require presence—just permission from heaven.

IV. Prophetic Declaration

God is speaking LIFE to what has looked lifeless:

1. He’s reviving what you gave up on.
2. “Even Now” faith opens closed doors and redeems lost seasons.
3. Missed moments are becoming miraculous movements.

V. Cold Case / Cold Faith

Like the show Cold Case, where unsolved crimes are reopened, many of us have filed away:

• Dead dreams
• Forgotten prayers
• Abandoned assignments

But today, God is reopening the case.

• The enemies of faith—fear, doubt, and delay—have been exposed.
• Your faith is being revived.
• The case is reopened and the verdict is VICTORY!

Takeaway Truth:

Closing Invitation:
If you’ve closed the door on something because of time, pain, or silence—this message is for you. Tune in and declare with boldness: Even Now, God Can.