When Life Feels Out of Control, God Is Still Working | Sarah Jakes Roberts | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

When Life Feels Out of Control, God Is Still Working

Sarah Jakes Roberts

ONE, A Potter's House Church • Aug 30, 2026 • 26 min

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

Summary

In this message, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts teaches that chaos is not an obstacle for God, but the very backdrop He uses for creation. Just as God brought order to the formless earth in Genesis and redeemed our brokenness through Jesus Christ, He specializes in stepping into dark and disorganized situations. Even when fear and disappointment lead us to lock ourselves away in emotional isolation, Jesus meets us directly in our grief and uncertainty to bring His peace and reveal His presence.

Themes

God's Sovereignty in ChaosCreation Out of NothingRedemption through ChristOvercoming Fear and IsolationDivine Intercession

Key Points

1.
Chaos is not an obstacle or barrier for God, but an opportunity for Him to reveal His power and bring about creation.
2.
God does not require a clean slate or existing order to work; He specializes in bringing light, structure, and beauty out of formless and dark situations.
3.
While believers often pray for disruptions to end so life can return to normal, God frequently uses chaos to establish a brand-new foundation.
4.
When our lives were in spiritual disorder and separated from God by sin, Jesus intervened on the cross to restore our place and reconcile us to the Father.
5.
Jesus sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us, translating our heart's cries and praying on our behalf.
6.
Sudden trials and unexpected losses can push even faithful believers into fear, doubt, and spiritual isolation.
7.
When disappointment or grief causes us to retreat into emotional "lockdown," Jesus is not restricted by our locked doors and steps into our pain to bring peace.

Sermon Moments

“When God sees chaos, God sees an opportunity. Chaos is not going backwards; for God, chaos is a step into the next dimension.”

“God does not need a clean slate. No matter how formless, void, or dark a situation is, He can set things in order.”

“While you are praying for things to go back to the way they were, God is laying a foundation so that things can never go back—they will be better than they could have ever been.”

“Pharaoh thought he was letting go of slaves, but God knew He was letting go of a nation. God uses chaos as the backdrop for creation.”

“You were created to dwell in the presence of God, and when sin separated you, Jesus went to the cross to put things back in order.”

“You may not have a praying grandmother or the pastor you want, but you have a Big Brother named Jesus who sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession on your behalf.”

“When fear and disappointment hit, we go on lockdown in our souls—we feel we can't afford to be vulnerable—but Jesus doesn't need you to unlock the door; He steps right into the locked room.”

This Week

Reframe chaotic and uncertain seasons in your life as opportunities for God to perform a new work rather than merely wishing for circumstances to return to the past.

Be honest with yourself and God when praying, acknowledging that His thoughts and plans are higher than human logic.

Rest in the assurance that Christ's sacrifice on the cross removed the barrier of sin, allowing you to approach God's presence boldly.

Take comfort throughout the week knowing that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you even when you lack the words to pray.

Examine your heart to identify any areas of grief, disappointment, or fear where you have gone on emotional or spiritual "lockdown."

Invite Jesus directly into your guarded and isolated spaces, trusting that He is not hindered by emotional walls or locked doors.

Remain expectant for God's presence in your daily life, recognizing that He may be actively working in ways and places you did not anticipate.

Remember This

God uses the chaotic and dark seasons of our lives as the backdrop to create something new, stepping past our guarded walls to bring order, peace, and reconciliation.

A Challenge for You

Recognize that Jesus is standing in the room with you right now, ready to reveal His presence even if He did not show up in the way you expected.

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