I've still got a blessing left | E. Dewey Smith | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

I've still got a blessing left

The House of Hope Atlanta • Jul 12, 2026 • 54 min

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

Summary

In this empowering message from Genesis 47, Pastor E. Dewey Smith examines the encounter between Jacob and Pharaoh during a severe famine. Despite a lifetime marked by grief, deception, trauma, and loss, Jacob enters Pharaoh's presence not as a broken beggar, but carrying spiritual authority to speak a covenant blessing over the ruler of Egypt. Pastor Smith encourages believers to lead their lives with gratitude rather than trauma, honest praise surrounded by grace, and the assurance that God is not finished with their story.

Themes

GratitudeCovenant BlessingsSustaining GraceSpiritual AuthorityOvercoming TraumaResilience in Hardship

Pastor's Points

1.

I can bless before revealing my grief.

2.

I can be real and still maintain my gratitude.

3.

I can bless again after remembering God's greatness.

Key Points

1.
I can bless before revealing my grief.
2.
I can be real and still maintain my gratitude.
3.
I can bless again after remembering God's greatness.
4.
Being in the center of God's assignment does not make a believer immune to facing severe seasons of famine or hardship.
5.
Never allow what you need from someone to make you forget the spiritual authority, covenant testimony, and presence of God you carry into every room.
6.
Believers should avoid introducing themselves through their trauma or letting past grief dominate their identity and relationships.
7.
True biblically rooted gratitude does not mean denying, pretending, or hiding hardship, but recognizing God's sustaining grace amidst real suffering.
8.
Comparing your lifespan, success, or struggles to someone else's journey on social media or in life will steal your gratitude.

Sermon Moments

“Being in the place or assignment that God has ordained for you does not make you immune to hardship; troubles and trials can still arise even when walking in the center of God's will.”

“Never let what you need from someone make you forget the spiritual authority and testimony you carry when walking into any room.”

“Avoid leading every conversation or relationship with your past pain and trauma; choose to extend blessing and gratitude first.”

“True gratitude is not spiritual anesthesia or denial; believers can acknowledge severe hardship while remaining deeply thankful for God's sustaining grace.”

“Comparing your situation or timeline to someone else's story, especially on social media, will rob you of your gratitude.”

“Do not let brokenness have the final word; surround every season of grief with praise and return to speak blessings over others.”

“Grief may show up unannounced like an unexpected houseguest, but it does not get to take over your story or stay forever.”

This Week

Begin conversations with thanksgiving and praise rather than leading with personal grief or recent trauma.

Remember that entering spaces where others hold institutional authority or resources does not diminish the covenant authority and divine presence you carry as a child of God.

Practice transparent honesty with God and trusted believers about your struggles without letting pain erode your core gratitude.

Refuse to compare your journey or timeline to others on social media, giving thanks for God's unique grace in your life.

Surround difficult life chapters with praise by opening and closing hard seasons with intentional worship and speaking blessings over others.

Acknowledge unexpected visits of grief or emotional pain without allowing them to take permanent ownership of your identity or future.

Encourage someone facing hardship this week by declaring that God is not finished with their story yet.

Remember This

Even after experiencing immense loss, trauma, and hardship, a believer who walks in covenant relationship with God still has a blessing left to give and receive.

A Challenge for You

Just make sure that you place your burdens in between blessings and don't die in verse 8 and verse 9. Be encouraged because you shall live and not die. Know this: you still have something left. Walk in that because God has a reason for you to live.

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