BEYOND SUNDAY
[ THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE ]
“THE ALTAR OF EXCHANGE”
by Pastor Christy Johnson
This message, “The Altar of Exchange: Where My Pain Meets His Power,” draws from the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Pastor Christy Johnson teaches that the altar is not a physical location but a posture of surrender, where we exchange our pain, frustration, and delay for God’s presence and power. Through Hannah’s waiting and anguish, we learn that closed doors are not punishment, but protection and preparation. God uses agitation and pressure to refine us into vessels that can carry His promise. The invitation is to return to the altar—laying down control, bitterness, and fear to receive His peace and power.
THE ALTAR OF EXCHANGE
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THE ALTAR OF EXCHANGE •
Your Delay Is Not Denial
In this section, Pastor Christy reveals that God’s “not yet” moments are never punishment—they are protection. The waiting, the tension, and the pressure are how God develops maturity and readiness for His promises. Just as Hannah’s barrenness led to her breakthrough, the closed doors in our lives are God’s way of forming faith that can carry His power.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1.) When have you felt like God closed a door in your life, and how might that have been His protection rather than rejection?
2.) What is one area of your life that might still be in God’s “development” season?
3.) How can you turn your frustration into faith when God’s answer seems delayed?
THE ALTAR OF EXCHANGE
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THE ALTAR OF EXCHANGE •
Come As You Are
Here, Pastor Christy reminds us that God doesn’t bless who we pretend to be—He meets us in our honesty. Like Hannah, we are called to come to the altar as we are—broken, bitter, or burdened—and pour everything out before Him. Healing begins when we surrender our pain and let God turn bitterness into breakthrough.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1.) Why is it powerful to bring your real emotions and pain to God instead of hiding them?
2.) What does it mean for you personally to “pour it out at the altar”?
3.) How can you help someone else move from bitterness to surrender?
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