Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explain that worry, stress, and anxiety are not true care but a form of unbelief. Worry places a burden on us that our bodies and minds were never designed to carry, weakening us spiritually and physically. Jesus commands us not to worry but to trust in God’s provision, pointing to the birds as an example of His faithfulness. The pastors remind us that worry is essentially saying to God, “I don’t trust you to handle this,” but faith declares, “I know you’ve already handled it.” As believers, we have been delivered into the kingdom of God, made righteous in Christ, and fully qualified for His inheritance.
Bible verses referenced
Matthew 6:25-26- "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Matthew 6:33- "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Colossians 1:12-13- "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
1 John 4:18- "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Worry Is Not Care
- The Effects of Worry and Stress on the Body
- Jesus’ Teaching in Matthew 6:25-26
- Worry Declares “God, You Can’t Handle It”
- Seek First the Kingdom and His Righteousness
- Living in the Kingdom Reality (Colossians 1:12-13)
- Freedom From Fear (1 John 4:18)
- How to Truly Show Care for Others
- Communion as a Reminder of His Finished Work
10. Conclusion: Trusting God Instead of Worrying
Introduction: Worry Is Not Care
Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola begin by explaining the difference between genuine care and worry. Worry, anxiety, and fear are often mistaken for care, but true care reflects God’s character—providing, nurturing, and ministering. When 1 Peter 5:7 says God “careth for you,” it speaks of His provision, peace, and love, not stress or fear. To care as God cares is to provide, encourage, and nurture, not to worry.
The Effects of Worry and Stress on the Body
They emphasize that worry and stress have serious physical consequences. Our bodies were not designed to carry anxiety. When we allow worry to take root, our immunity weakens, leaving us open to sickness and weariness. Pastor Leonard recalls times when illness came during seasons of intense stress and anxiety, not because of the devil, but because his body was weakened by worry.
Jesus’ Teaching in Matthew 6:25-26
Pastor Lori reads from Matthew 6:25-26: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Jesus commands us never to worry about our lives. Birds do not toil, reap, or store food, yet God feeds them daily. If He provides for them, how much more will He provide for His children?
Worry Declares “God, You Can’t Handle It
Pastor Leonard explains the spiritual reality behind worry: each time we worry, we are pointing a finger at God and saying, “I don’t believe you can handle this. I don’t trust you.” Worry is unbelief in action. Instead, God calls us to cast our cares upon Him and declare, “I trust You, I believe You, I know you love me.”
Seek First the Kingdom and His Righteousness
The teaching continues with Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." When we place God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, everything else we need is added.
Living in the Kingdom Reality (Colossians 1:12-13)
After the resurrection, we no longer seek the kingdom as something far off—we are already translated into it. Colossians 1:12-13: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Believers today live in the kingdom reality now. We are qualified, not someday, but immediately, because of Christ.
Freedom From Fear (1 John 4:18)
The pastors remind us that fear is destructive: 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." God’s love drives out fear, and His perfect love assures us that He is always faithful.
How to Truly Show Care for Others
Instead of worrying about others, we are called to listen, minister, and let the Holy Spirit guide us in showing care to them. This may involve offering prayer, encouragement, meals, acts of service, or simply being present and compassionate. Care is active love, not anxious fear.
Communion as a Reminder of His Finished Work
The pastors’ close by encouraging believers to use communion as a powerful reminder of Christ’s finished work. By discerning the Lord’s body and blood, we remember that we are righteous, forgiven, and healed. Communion points us back to the truth that God has already handled everything.
Conclusion: Trusting God Instead of Worrying
The message ends with a clear call: stop worrying. Every time we stress, we are saying “God, You can’t handle it.” But the truth is, He already has handled it through Jesus. Our role is to rest in His love, trust His care, and live in the peace of His kingdom.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share these teachings with others who may be struggling with worry and encourage them to trust that God truly can handle it all.