I'm Going to Need More Than That | Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

I'm Going to Need More Than That

Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr

The House of Hope Atlanta • Sep 13, 2026 • 104 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Drawing from the story of Aksah in Joshua 15, this message encourages believers to move beyond merely accepting what is handed to them and boldly ask God for what is required to sustain their purpose. True faith involves recognizing our Heavenly Father's vast inheritance, overcoming the fear of rejection, and approaching Him directly with both humility and boldness. When we pair our faithful effort with divine prayer, God provides the creative resources and wisdom needed to make our opportunities flourish long-term.

Themes

Courageous FaithDivine ProvisionHumility and BoldnessSustainability and PurposeGod's InheritanceOvercoming Fear of Rejection

Pastor's Points

1.

Aksah was Creative: She looked at her situation and imagined new possibilities beyond conventional limitations.

2.

Aksah was Courageous: She dismounted her donkey in respect and approached her father directly to request what was needed.

3.

Aksah was Confident: She knew her father's character, wealth, and faithfulness, allowing her to ask without fear of rejection.

Key Points

1.
Faith is not merely about passively accepting whatever situation you are given, but about boldly asking God for what is required to fulfill His purpose.
2.
When Aksah saw that her land was dry, she dismounted her donkey in respect and brought her request directly to her father rather than relying on someone else to speak for her.
3.
Believers must cultivate personal courage to take their needs directly to God with humility and bold trust.
4.
Confidence in prayer stems from knowing the loving character and vast inheritance of our Heavenly Father, who owns all creation.
5.
Fear of temporary rejection or receiving a "no" often keeps believers from asking God for the necessary tools to sustain their vision.
6.
We should not ask only for an initial opportunity or position, but also for the wisdom, resources, and anointed sustainability to make it flourish long-term.
7.
Frustration occurs when we ask people for peace, joy, or love that they do not possess; we must take those ultimate needs to God alone.
8.

Sermon Moments

“Aksah dismounting her donkey as a sign of humility and honor before making a bold request to her father.”

“The core realization that faith involves asking for what is needed to sustain what God has given.”

“The illustration of the two boys looking at a house, boat, and plane, where the poor boy reminds the rich boy that his Heavenly Father owns the land, water, and sky.”

“The metaphor of the bumblebee defying physics by changing how it flaps its wings back and forth rather than up and down.”

“The distinction between asking people for resources or emotional support they do not possess versus asking God, who owns everything.”

“The encouragement to unlearn childhood fears of holding back and step into God's storehouse with holy confidence.”

This Week

Bring your needs directly to God in prayer this week instead of relying solely on others to intercede for you.

Identify dry or barren areas in your life, career, or ministry, and ask God specifically for the resources needed to make them sustainable.

Refuse to let the fear of a temporary "no" prevent you from making bold, faith-filled requests to your Heavenly Father.

Examine your expectations of people and stop demanding emotional or spiritual fulfillment from those who lack the capacity to give it.

Shift your practical approach or technique if you feel stuck in a difficult circumstance, trusting God for creative wisdom.

Remind yourself daily of God’s faithful character and rich inheritance whenever anxiety regarding provision arises.

Take active, practical steps to do everything within your capacity while trusting God to accomplish what is humanly impossible.

Remember This

Faith empowers believers to approach their Heavenly Father with humility and confidence, asking not just for an opportunity, but for the resources needed to sustain it.

A Challenge for You

Do not give up or settle for dry land; bring your needs boldly to your Heavenly Father, do everything within your power, and trust Him to provide exceeding abundance to sustain your vision.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.