Better Together

Exchange Worry for Gratitude - Episode 1119

November 20, 2025 | S7 E1119 | 52:34

Anxiety. Doubt. Fear. Amid life's storms, we have a Savior who never leaves us. When the wind rages, He is our peace. When waves threaten to sink our boat, He carries us. Practicing gratitude helps us quiet our emotions and lean on His perfect strength. | TBN Prayer Line: 714-731-1000

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Better Together | Exchange Worry for Gratitude - Episode 1119 | November 20, 2025

- today we're making the great exchange with heaven.
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We are trading worry and fear for gratitude and faith.
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Self-pity turns into purpose in the presence of our savior.
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Come on, let's talk about it.
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♪ (music playing) ♪
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- so i've really been enjoying these
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Conversations about gratitude, i want to talk a little bit
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About the role that worry plays as it relates to
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Gratitude because i suspect that there are people watching
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Who are walking through seasons of uncertainty and i
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Think it's really hard to be grateful when you don't know
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What's on the other side of it.
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And so a few years ago, i was working at the executive level
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Of many people know about the bible app and you version.
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It's just an amazing ministry, global ministry, and loved
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What i was doing.
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Loved it because i had spent six years at meta and i wanted
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To bring everything i did there into the kingdom.
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And so i just felt so honored and privileged to be able to
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Do that work with such a great team.
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And then about nine months into the role, i heard the
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Lord very clearly say, that it was time to go into full time
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Ministry and by then i already was in ministry i was
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Traveling the world and teaching and preaching, and
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Writing books and all that but what i envisioned for my life
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Was to be an executive in an organization and to serve an
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Organization so when the lord said that it was very
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Confusing because i could not envision how in the world i
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Would make it without the assurance of, let's be honest,
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A paycheck.
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Oh, that thing.
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A very steady source of income, right?
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Going into full-time ministry, it's kind of like feast or
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Famine, like it is what it is, right?
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And so, but i knew it was the lord.
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So i said, okay, gave my letter of resignation, had the
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Conversation with my boss and my husband, and almost
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Immediately, things started to fall apart.
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Like, almost immediately, deals that i had set up in
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Order to continue to do some of the work that i had been
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Doing in the past, just fell apart.
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There were some speaking engagements that were, like,
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Supposed to happen, that ended up getting canceled or
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Postponed.
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And i remember being like, lord, what is this?
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Like, what are you doing?
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For the vast majority of my marriage, for whatever reason,
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The lord made it so that i was really the breadwinner of the
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Family.
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My husband had a really good salary when he started out
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Working, but then when he went into ministry, he was working
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Corporate went into ministry, we lost like half of his
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Income.
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But the lord allowed me to make up the difference.
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And so here i am, it's not just an issue of, you know, me
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Following the lord, it's like my family is impacted.
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So i went before god one day, and i'm telling you, i was
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Angry.
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I was like, lord, i trusted you, what is happening?
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And the lord said to me, he said, this is going to be your
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Season of manna.
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I need to teach you my sufficiency, and i need to
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Break you from self-reliance.
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And i was like, this is gonna hurt.
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This is really good.
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I was like, but i don't want it.
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How do i cancel my subscription to this?
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Because i don't want it.
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Your gratitude right after it.
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Listen.
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Thank you.
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It was one of those like, okay, type situations.
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But now that i'm on the other side of it, and the lord
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Really took me through a journey, i realized that what
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The lord was working in me and what he was really trying to
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Teach me is that he is faithful and he can be counted
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On.
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- it's in those wilderness places that i think we bring a
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Lot of our honest questions that we are wrestling out the
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Truths about him.
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A lot of times we're even wrestling out situations that
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Happen to us, circumstances that happened to us.
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And sometimes, a lot of times, we bundle everything that
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Happens in front of us into one big bucket, like, god, you
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Did all of this.
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I think we need to be careful where we start realizing some
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Circumstances i'm in are because of things that i did
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All by myself.
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I'm really good at that.
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Then there are some things that people did in their free
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Will, and that's a whole other scope.
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They chose to do that, and they're not okay.
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God can redeem them and work through them, but they're not
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Like, those aren't god will.
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Those are man's free will that was abused against you.
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And then there are places that were in tests, you know, like
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The disciples that were asked across the sea of galilee, and
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He was gonna meet him on the other side, but they wrestled
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In the middle and were in those places of kind of their
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Wilderness moments in that, in those places we're wrestling
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Out something, and god says, come to me in gratitude,
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Because gratitude reveals what you believe about who he is.
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And if in this place that i messed up and i'm having a
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Hard time coming to him because i'm feeling shame.
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He's like, come to me because you're missing the fact that i
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Love you no matter what, that i sent my son to die for you
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So that you can be healed and walk free.
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Same thing in those places where people have abused their
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Free will against you.
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He says, come to me, i promised you.
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This is not my will for your life, but i'm going to redeem
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It.
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Gratitude will unlock something about the lord that
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You never knew, and it's in those wilderness times that
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You'll discover him in the most amazing ways.
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They're hard, but they're good.
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- there's a story in first chronicles 21 where it says,
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First of all, in the context of this story, so david is
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King of israel, and there's all these nations rising up
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Against israel, and they're taking them to war.
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But israel is victorious in all these situations, even
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When they're outnumbered, they're victorious.
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And it's because the lord made a promise to david that that
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Would happen.
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But then we get to first chronicles 21, and after this
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Track record of victory, the bible says, satan rose up
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Against israel and incited david to take a census of
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Israel.
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So david said to joab and the commanders of the troops, go
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And count the israelites from beersheba to dan, then report
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Back to me so that i may know how many there are.
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And joab replied, may the lord multiply his troops a hundred
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Times over, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's
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Subjects?
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Why does my lord want to do this?
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Why should he bring guilt on israel?
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And the bible goes on to say that this command was also
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Evil in the side of god, so he ends up punishing israel.
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And for the longest time, i couldn't understand what was
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The big deal, right?
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Like we do census here in the u.s., like every, what, 10
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Years.
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You're just counting the population, you're just
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Figuring out, you know, what their different demographics
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Are.
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And the i showed me in this that the reason why i was evil
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Is because he was counting on the fighting men to win the
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Battle.
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Like all of these battles, the lord had fought and the lord
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Had won, even when they were outnumbered, the lord had won.
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But somehow, somewhere along the line, david's confidence
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Switched from the source of his victory to the resources
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Of the victory.
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And i think that sometimes when we find ourselves in a
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State of worry, it's because we're counting on the wrong
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Thing.
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We're counting on the thing that can fail.
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Because when you count on god and you know he has a track
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Record of faithfulness, the worry may be there, but it's
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Not that i'm worried that god won't show up.
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That's not what i'm worried about.
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It's just that the situation is painful.
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There's a lot of questions, a lot of uncertainty.
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And i know for me, that's what god has had to work in and out
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Of me and through me over the last year and a half is just
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Counting on him so that when things are uncertain, my faith
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Is still unshaken, because i know who he is and i know what
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He can do.
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- one of the things that is like a stabilizing force in my
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Life is remembering who god is.
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You know, i'm so aware of my own faults and failings, and
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It's very easy when something doesn't go the way i thought
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It would to be worried.
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Until i remember who god is, that he's the same yesterday,
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He's the same today, and he will be the same tomorrow.
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That no matter what it is, you might be concerned about at
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The moment, bring it all to him.
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And the great thing is you get to come as you are.
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You don't have to pretend, i'm doing great here, lord.
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You get to tell the truth, but in his presence.
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And when you tell the truth in his presence and you remember
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Who he is, it changes everything.
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- and i'd love if any of you all just have examples of
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Maybe how god has had to work that through you, where he's
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Had to teach you his faithfulness even in the midst
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Of worry.
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No, you're the only one that's had to do that.
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You're all going into seasons where the things that you used
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To do to get out of a mess don't work anymore.
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Yeah, that's very true.
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- right?
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Come on, laurie.
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- so i can go do this and bring it in, or i can go and i
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Can fix it.
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No, no worries.
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I got it.
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And all of a sudden, you start doing that and things aren't
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Turning the way you think.
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- no, no, i love that you called it your manna season,
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Which manna means, what is this?
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- right, right, right.
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- the what is this season is so real to all of us, you
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Know, that it's like...
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What is this?
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I mean, it just has this like...
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I'm gonna give you this.
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Like, it just has this nothing, like, what?
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Like, it doesn't, in the, you know, you're just, what am i
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Supposed to, what am i supposed, it's nothing that
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They had ever seen.
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- yeah.
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- it's nothing that they had already had, they couldn't tap
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Into a familiar, oh, i know what you do, you do this with
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It, you know, like, oh, i can remake that and create it,
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Just like a dusting on the ground.
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- yeah, like, it's like, i'm going to pick this up.
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And then talk about the season where they're, what they have
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And what's familiar isn't available to you.
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I want to reach in.
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I want to go with my known, but now i'm taking, you know,
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The lord takes us into these unknown places that we've
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Prayed for.
00:10:02.525 --> 00:10:03.225
God, i want more of you.
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God, i want to encounter you.
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And he's like, okay, here, here we go.
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And something's in front of you're like, what is this?
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This is not what i asked for.
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And so now i'm, because i haven't seen it before, i'm
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Worried because i don't know what the outcome is.
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I don't know how this is going to finish.
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I don't know where it's going to lead me.
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And definitely that when i think about just stepping into
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And answering a call to ministry, it was nothing that
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My family had ever seen.
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It was nothing that i had really ever seen.
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And as a woman, i really hadn't seen it.
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Where god takes you into these places, the moments where it
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Makes you the unfamiliar, the stepping into what you say yes
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To, it is this constant moment of saying, who am i gonna
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Choose?
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And you start looking around, you're like, well, what have
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You chosen and what are you doing?
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Which makes a big difference about who you're surrounded by
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In these moments.
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Some friends, they worry is...
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It's very available, you know.
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And it's like, what are you gonna do?
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Well, when is it gonna happen?
00:11:09.358 --> 00:11:10.960
Or how are you gonna do?
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And you're like, i don't know, i had all those same
00:11:12.561 --> 00:11:15.464
Questions, right?
00:11:15.464 --> 00:11:16.732
Now i have 16 more because they've just multiplied before
00:11:16.732 --> 00:11:18.667
You.
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And it's like just watching the lord, just in that,
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Because it's been consistent, a constant walking out,
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Honestly, in the call of god on my life.
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It's like, but it's not been in just one big moment that
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Happened.
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I think it's been in the faithfulness of continually
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Handing that worry to them.
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- you know, a lot of times i think i say things that sound
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Way easier than what it actually is.
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But i think if we actually got it in our hearts from our head
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To our heart, it would be that simple to give it all to god,
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Because he is in control of everything that concerns you
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If you're a believer in who he says you are.
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If i believe that god is all-powerful, almighty, and in
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Control of all things, i can rest in that, i can trust in
00:12:06.015 --> 00:12:09.985
Him, and i think just growing in faith and believing god and
00:12:09.985 --> 00:12:14.824
Taking him at his word for who he says he is, that is
00:12:14.824 --> 00:12:19.461
Something that is more powerful than you can imagine.
00:12:19.461 --> 00:12:22.798
- but i had a friend who spoke this over a really hard
00:12:22.798 --> 00:12:27.670
Situation.
00:12:27.670 --> 00:12:29.772
Somebody got my phone number, and they pretended to have my
00:12:29.772 --> 00:12:33.008
Daughter.
00:12:33.008 --> 00:12:34.210
And thankfully, they did not, but you don't know that.
00:12:34.210 --> 00:12:37.880
- yeah.
00:12:37.880 --> 00:12:38.848
- and so they put a girl on the phone.
00:12:38.848 --> 00:12:40.216
They make it sound like, i mean, and it's just like,
00:12:40.216 --> 00:12:42.785
Help, mommy, help.
00:12:42.785 --> 00:12:44.019
And you're just like, god i don't know what to do.
00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:45.588
Immediately the holy spirit said ask, baby say your name
00:12:45.588 --> 00:12:48.357
And immediately the guy comes on and wants to ask for
00:12:48.357 --> 00:12:53.495
Ransom, and the lord worked through the whole scenario.
00:12:53.495 --> 00:12:58.500
The days after it the fear and worry that i had i couldn't.
00:12:58.500 --> 00:13:00.669
She can't leave here.
00:13:00.669 --> 00:13:05.241
She can't ever go anywhere.
00:13:05.241 --> 00:13:06.408
And i had a friend who spoke this just wisdom into my
00:13:06.408 --> 00:13:08.978
Heart.
00:13:08.978 --> 00:13:10.880
And she said, irini, god has given you the grace you need
00:13:10.880 --> 00:13:12.414
For today.
00:13:12.414 --> 00:13:14.149
Just walk today out.
00:13:14.149 --> 00:13:15.784
Whatever thing that has you bound in worry is to be able
00:13:15.784 --> 00:13:17.553
To say, god, i can't, like, here, just today.
00:13:17.553 --> 00:13:23.192
And it isn't even just, the whole day can seem
00:13:23.192 --> 00:13:24.693
Overwhelming.
00:13:24.693 --> 00:13:25.861
It could just be moment by moment, like thought by
00:13:25.861 --> 00:13:27.129
Thought.
00:13:27.129 --> 00:13:28.430
Like, i thank you that i don't have to bear today by myself,
00:13:28.430 --> 00:13:31.467
That i'm not alone.
00:13:31.467 --> 00:13:33.602
I think of that when you said, manna, i'm like, what is this?
00:13:33.602 --> 00:13:35.537
Like, they're just those seasons and those moments that
00:13:35.537 --> 00:13:39.608
You just don't, you don't have it.
00:13:39.608 --> 00:13:41.510
- yeah.
00:13:41.510 --> 00:13:42.177
Wow.
00:13:42.177 --> 00:13:43.445
I was thinking, too, as you were talking, just about how
00:13:43.445 --> 00:13:45.447
When we don't see through the darkness, when we don't see
00:13:45.447 --> 00:13:49.718
The way, it's almost like we can get so consumed with the
00:13:49.718 --> 00:13:54.390
Thoughts.
00:13:54.390 --> 00:13:55.724
I read a study once where they were saying that we have like
00:13:55.724 --> 00:13:57.793
12,000 thoughts a day and like 90% of them are negative.
00:13:57.793 --> 00:14:01.163
And so we can get so consumed by the worry, by the
00:14:01.163 --> 00:14:05.367
Unanswered questions that we actually begin to doubt, doubt
00:14:05.367 --> 00:14:09.138
God.
00:14:09.138 --> 00:14:10.306
Just because we have the questions, we begin to doubt
00:14:10.306 --> 00:14:12.241
God.
00:14:12.241 --> 00:14:13.475
When i was in my season of just like walking this whole
00:14:13.475 --> 00:14:15.444
Thing out, i had to get to a place where i said to the
00:14:15.444 --> 00:14:20.149
Lord.
00:14:20.149 --> 00:14:21.083
I said, god, you've been faithfull.
00:14:21.083 --> 00:14:23.252
Like, you're the one who've created all these
00:14:23.252 --> 00:14:24.586
Opportunities for me in the first place.
00:14:24.586 --> 00:14:25.921
You're the one who did that.
00:14:25.921 --> 00:14:26.889
It wasn't me.
00:14:26.889 --> 00:14:27.556
It wasn't my smarts.
00:14:27.556 --> 00:14:28.958
It wasn't my connections.
00:14:28.958 --> 00:14:29.925
It's like, you did that.
00:14:29.925 --> 00:14:31.160
And so if you can do that, then you are the god who can
00:14:31.160 --> 00:14:34.763
Do exceedingly and abundantly above all i can ask or think
00:14:34.763 --> 00:14:37.566
Or imagine or strategize or plan.
00:14:37.566 --> 00:14:40.069
And sometimes we get so focused on our plan that we
00:14:40.069 --> 00:14:44.573
Basically work god out of it.
00:14:44.573 --> 00:14:46.742
And i had to realize that.
00:14:46.742 --> 00:14:48.944
I had to realize that part of what wasn't working for me was
00:14:48.944 --> 00:14:51.814
That i made all of these plans that god was not in.
00:14:51.814 --> 00:14:55.417
And he even told me that.
00:14:55.417 --> 00:14:57.353
He said, nona, you're in a new season.
00:14:57.353 --> 00:15:00.322
A new season has different climate and different
00:15:00.322 --> 00:15:02.958
Temperature.
00:15:02.958 --> 00:15:03.826
There are different conditions.
00:15:03.826 --> 00:15:05.160
And you're basically trying to do in this season what worked
00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:07.596
In a different climate, different temperature,
00:15:07.596 --> 00:15:10.099
Different atmospheric conditions.
00:15:10.099 --> 00:15:12.034
And he's like, until you actually abide in me, it's the
00:15:12.034 --> 00:15:15.337
Abiding in me that will actually teach you what my
00:15:15.337 --> 00:15:18.007
Will is for this season, that's when i'll give you the
00:15:18.007 --> 00:15:21.410
Wisdom and the insight.
00:15:21.410 --> 00:15:23.545
- oh, some of the biggest challenges we have is, like,
00:15:23.545 --> 00:15:28.317
Wanting tomorrow.
00:15:28.317 --> 00:15:29.518
We are worried about what's going to happen tomorrow.
00:15:29.518 --> 00:15:30.786
We are worried about our provision tomorrow.
00:15:30.786 --> 00:15:32.855
And, you know, like, will this happen?
00:15:32.855 --> 00:15:37.693
Can i get this?
00:15:37.693 --> 00:15:38.927
And so the more we were worried about the future then
00:15:38.927 --> 00:15:41.630
It takes our focus off of today and jesus said to pray
00:15:41.630 --> 00:15:46.068
For this day our daily bread so he challenges us to focus
00:15:46.068 --> 00:15:50.572
On this day, and when we do, then it releases the pressure.
00:15:50.572 --> 00:15:55.677
I don't even know if i have a tomorrow by the way, i don't
00:15:55.677 --> 00:16:00.215
What i have is today.
00:16:00.215 --> 00:16:01.116
What i have is this moment.
00:16:01.116 --> 00:16:02.351
So in this moment, can i show love to someone else?
00:16:02.351 --> 00:16:05.854
In this moment, can i show gratitude?
00:16:05.854 --> 00:16:08.524
In this moment, can i trust god?
00:16:08.524 --> 00:16:10.359
So for me, that's a battle.
00:16:10.359 --> 00:16:13.295
I mean, i don't know how it is for you, but for me, it's a
00:16:13.295 --> 00:16:15.764
Battle because i can come up with a long list of worries.
00:16:15.764 --> 00:16:18.600
But worrying about tomorrow and what's going to happen
00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:21.136
Tomorrow and will they say this and will they do that and
00:16:21.136 --> 00:16:23.539
Will i get that job, actually, that's not going to help you,
00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:26.675
Right?
00:16:26.675 --> 00:16:27.543
So what jesus, and jesus said that.
00:16:27.543 --> 00:16:29.445
So he said, today, i need you to be grateful today.
00:16:29.445 --> 00:16:33.015
Thank god for your daily bread today.
00:16:33.015 --> 00:16:35.451
So just keep your eyes on this moment and this day and find
00:16:35.451 --> 00:16:39.555
Something to be grateful for.
00:16:39.555 --> 00:16:47.496
- hey, everybody.
00:16:47.963 --> 00:16:49.198
Sheila here with nona, and we're answering some of your
00:16:49.198 --> 00:16:52.000
Viewer questions behind the scenes here at better
00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:54.369
Together.
00:16:54.369 --> 00:16:55.137
So let me start with this one.
00:16:55.137 --> 00:16:56.905
This is roshelle, who asked us this question on instagram.
00:16:56.905 --> 00:17:00.676
What do you do when your faith is failing because of
00:17:00.676 --> 00:17:03.812
Overwhelming challenges?
00:17:03.812 --> 00:17:05.614
- well, first of all, i think rochelle needs to know that,
00:17:05.614 --> 00:17:10.085
Girl, you are not alone.
00:17:10.085 --> 00:17:12.121
I think that when we are overwhelmed, what can tend to
00:17:12.121 --> 00:17:15.924
Happen is the reason why our faith fails is because we get
00:17:15.924 --> 00:17:18.660
So fixated on what's not going right, and we get so fixated
00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:23.599
On what's not going according to expectations, i think
00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:26.568
That's where the overwhelm and really the appropriate word
00:17:26.568 --> 00:17:29.705
For overwhelm is anxiety, that's where it comes from but
00:17:29.705 --> 00:17:32.207
We have promise in scripture and we've actually been
00:17:32.207 --> 00:17:35.210
Talking about this all week is that philippians 4, 6, and 7
00:17:35.210 --> 00:17:37.880
Tells us to not be anxious but instead to pray with
00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:42.417
Thanksgiving, bring your requests to god.
00:17:42.417 --> 00:17:45.320
And when you do that, the peace of god which surpasses
00:17:45.320 --> 00:17:47.923
All understanding will guard your hearts and minds through
00:17:47.923 --> 00:17:49.525
Christ jesus.
00:17:49.525 --> 00:17:50.225
So that's a promise.
00:17:50.225 --> 00:17:50.926
- i love that.
00:17:50.926 --> 00:17:52.261
And also, i would say to you, romans chapter 8, verse 1 says
00:17:52.261 --> 00:17:55.397
This, there is now therefore.
00:17:55.397 --> 00:17:57.366
And when there's a therefore, you want to know what was
00:17:57.366 --> 00:17:59.635
There for, it's because of jesus.
00:17:59.635 --> 00:18:01.603
There is no condemnation to those in christ jesus.
00:18:01.603 --> 00:18:04.873
If you feel like you're losing it a little bit, just get down
00:18:04.873 --> 00:18:07.576
To your knees and say, lord, i need you today even more.
00:18:07.576 --> 00:18:10.245
He will help you but remember you are loved you are loved
00:18:10.245 --> 00:18:15.651
Roshelle, and you have sisters who pray for you.
00:18:15.651 --> 00:18:18.153
Amen.
00:18:18.153 --> 00:18:20.222
- we are better together because of you.
00:18:20.222 --> 00:18:22.191
Connect with us on social media to join the
00:18:22.191 --> 00:18:24.159
Conversation.
00:18:24.159 --> 00:18:25.360
- let us know what god is doing in your life, we can't
00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:27.863
Wait to hear from you.
00:18:27.863 --> 00:18:30.065
- let's keep the conversation going.
00:18:30.065 --> 00:18:31.867
You can find the better together podcast on your
00:18:31.867 --> 00:18:34.603
Favorite listening platform.
00:18:34.603 --> 00:18:36.405
Subscribe today.
00:18:36.405 --> 00:18:38.240
♪ (music playing) ♪
00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.542
- you know, sometimes it's really hard to
00:18:40.542 --> 00:18:41.002
- you know, sometimes it's really hard to
00:18:41.002 --> 00:18:43.546
Practice gratitude when you're navigating a situation that is
00:18:43.546 --> 00:18:48.718
Painful or a situation that just feels hopeless, but what
00:18:48.718 --> 00:18:54.457
I have found is that when i make intentional space to get
00:18:54.457 --> 00:18:59.028
Before the lord and find reasons to be grateful, find
00:18:59.028 --> 00:19:03.099
Reasons to thank him, find reasons to celebrate his
00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:06.035
Faithfulness, that's when i'm truly able to receive the gift
00:19:06.035 --> 00:19:09.205
He promises in philippians for verse 7.
00:19:09.205 --> 00:19:12.375
He tells us that the peace of god would surpasses all
00:19:12.375 --> 00:19:15.345
Understanding will guard your hearts and minds through
00:19:15.345 --> 00:19:17.113
Christ jesus, but it begins with thanksgiving because
00:19:17.113 --> 00:19:20.450
Thanks is giving us peace.
00:19:20.450 --> 00:19:23.253
- there are times when god is sending us someplace so you
00:19:23.253 --> 00:19:28.391
Know the story, so jesus had done all these miracles yeah
00:19:28.391 --> 00:19:33.496
He was a little tired he says we're going to get in this
00:19:33.496 --> 00:19:37.133
Boat and go to the other side.
00:19:37.133 --> 00:19:38.835
- yeah.
00:19:38.835 --> 00:19:40.069
- and then he grabbed a cushion and put his head down
00:19:40.069 --> 00:19:41.938
And went just like now that's like a real nap.
00:19:41.938 --> 00:19:44.240
You know, because it's not the just...
00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:46.376
- no, no, no, no.
00:19:46.376 --> 00:19:47.744
- like, this kind of a nap.
00:19:47.744 --> 00:19:49.379
He's...
00:19:49.379 --> 00:19:50.046
I'm going to sleep.
00:19:50.046 --> 00:19:50.713
I'm snuggling it.
00:19:50.713 --> 00:19:51.547
I'm going to sleep.
00:19:51.547 --> 00:19:52.882
- yes.
00:19:52.882 --> 00:19:53.549
- and he does.
00:19:53.549 --> 00:19:54.284
Right?
00:19:54.284 --> 00:19:54.984
So it gets in there.
00:19:54.984 --> 00:19:56.219
Then the storm comes and the waves are crashing and the
00:19:56.219 --> 00:19:58.354
Disciples begin to panic.
00:19:58.354 --> 00:19:59.656
Then it says they woke him up and it wasn't just like a...
00:19:59.656 --> 00:20:01.758
It was like, the word is the same word that used from
00:20:01.758 --> 00:20:05.662
Raised from the dead.
00:20:05.662 --> 00:20:06.963
They woke.
00:20:06.963 --> 00:20:07.730
I mean, they were shaking him.
00:20:07.730 --> 00:20:09.565
And so, then he gets up and he calms the wind and...
00:20:09.565 --> 00:20:13.603
And then he looks at them and then he says why did you have
00:20:13.603 --> 00:20:17.140
No faith?
00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:18.441
And it wasn't just like when he asked that, it wasn't like
00:20:18.441 --> 00:20:20.543
Faith in the abstract because faith always has an object,
00:20:20.543 --> 00:20:24.647
It's like when you get on a plane you have faith that the
00:20:24.647 --> 00:20:26.883
Pilot knows where you're going, or when you put money
00:20:26.883 --> 00:20:29.385
In the bank you have faith they're going to manage it or
00:20:29.385 --> 00:20:32.855
Take care of it whatever.
00:20:32.855 --> 00:20:34.424
He was asking them why they didn't have faith in him.
00:20:34.424 --> 00:20:37.827
And he had said, we're going to go to the other side.
00:20:37.827 --> 00:20:41.564
So i feel like that's sometimes what happens is we
00:20:41.564 --> 00:20:44.667
Get on the journey in the will of god.
00:20:44.667 --> 00:20:47.770
- yeah, yeah.
00:20:47.770 --> 00:20:48.705
- and we lose sight of who he is.
00:20:48.705 --> 00:20:51.174
He's sending us there.
00:20:51.174 --> 00:20:52.442
He's in the boat.
00:20:52.442 --> 00:20:53.676
He's in the snow.
00:20:53.676 --> 00:20:54.911
Right?
00:20:54.911 --> 00:20:55.578
He's in the boat.
00:20:55.578 --> 00:20:56.746
It's not even like he sent them on.
00:20:56.746 --> 00:20:58.514
He's in the boat with you.
00:20:58.514 --> 00:20:59.782
Yeah.
00:20:59.782 --> 00:21:00.650
And i feel like i've done that.
00:21:00.650 --> 00:21:02.385
- yeah.
00:21:02.385 --> 00:21:03.119
- like he's sent me.
00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:04.620
We're in this together.
00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:06.122
And then just because some waves start crashing against
00:21:06.122 --> 00:21:09.459
My life or stuff happens with my kids or money, i start
00:21:09.459 --> 00:21:13.930
Going, ah...
00:21:13.930 --> 00:21:14.797
Freaking out.
00:21:14.797 --> 00:21:15.932
And i feel like he's asked me that same question.
00:21:15.932 --> 00:21:17.700
Like, why can't you have faith in me?
00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:19.369
- yeah.
00:21:19.369 --> 00:21:20.570
I love how max lucado put it in one of his last books.
00:21:20.570 --> 00:21:23.106
He says sometimes god calms the storms, but he said a lot
00:21:23.106 --> 00:21:27.210
Of times god calms the sailor.
00:21:27.210 --> 00:21:28.945
- oh, yes.
00:21:28.945 --> 00:21:30.113
- and i think god wants us to rule over the storm.
00:21:30.113 --> 00:21:35.151
You know, so here he was.
00:21:35.151 --> 00:21:36.586
I've shown you who i am, where is your faith?
00:21:36.586 --> 00:21:40.790
And i've had a moment in time where that question i felt was
00:21:40.790 --> 00:21:45.094
Very personal for me.
00:21:45.094 --> 00:21:46.329
Who do you say that i am now?
00:21:46.329 --> 00:21:48.097
Where's your faith?
00:21:48.097 --> 00:21:49.332
Maybe even the brokenhearted jesus saying, where's your
00:21:49.332 --> 00:21:53.069
Faith?
00:21:53.069 --> 00:21:54.404
I'm going to take care of you i have got you in the palm of
00:21:54.404 --> 00:22:00.777
My hand, where's your faith, just show me a little bit you
00:22:00.777 --> 00:22:04.113
Don't have to have a lot.
00:22:04.113 --> 00:22:05.882
Just tell me who i am, am i your provider, am i your
00:22:05.882 --> 00:22:11.020
Peace, just tell me who i am.
00:22:11.020 --> 00:22:14.757
- you know, there is something powerful, and it's been
00:22:14.757 --> 00:22:18.094
Scientifically proven.
00:22:18.094 --> 00:22:19.362
There's something powerful about the words that we speak.
00:22:19.362 --> 00:22:23.533
It has been scientifically shown that when you speak
00:22:23.533 --> 00:22:27.170
Something, even if it doesn't match your circumstances,
00:22:27.170 --> 00:22:29.672
Something happens in your mind that actually attaches belief
00:22:29.672 --> 00:22:34.644
To what you have said.
00:22:34.644 --> 00:22:35.878
So even if it doesn't match the circumstance, the fact
00:22:35.878 --> 00:22:39.615
That you said it causes your mind to, in many ways, latch
00:22:39.615 --> 00:22:43.319
On to your words, which i believe this is why proverbs
00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:45.721
18:21 tells us, life and death are in the power of the
00:22:45.721 --> 00:22:49.258
Tongue, not the thought, the tongue.
00:22:49.258 --> 00:22:51.761
It's what we speak that creates either life or death,
00:22:51.761 --> 00:22:54.931
Because what we speak becomes what our mind believes.
00:22:54.931 --> 00:22:58.234
So we have to speak what we believe, even if the
00:22:58.234 --> 00:23:01.103
Circumstance, doesn't yet match the evidence we're
00:23:01.103 --> 00:23:04.040
Looking for.
00:23:04.040 --> 00:23:06.142
This story of the boat is reminded me of acts 27 there's
00:23:06.142 --> 00:23:10.046
A story paul, listen, the bible says this is in acts
00:23:10.046 --> 00:23:12.448
27:27 so he's on this ship with these other prisoners and
00:23:12.448 --> 00:23:17.086
It says on the 14th night we were still be drawn across the
00:23:17.086 --> 00:23:21.491
Adriatic sea when about midnight the sailors sensed
00:23:21.491 --> 00:23:24.293
They were approaching land.
00:23:24.293 --> 00:23:25.695
So they took soundings and found the water was 120 feet
00:23:25.695 --> 00:23:29.365
Deep.
00:23:29.365 --> 00:23:30.666
A short time later, they took soundings, and they found it
00:23:30.666 --> 00:23:31.801
Was 90 feet deep.
00:23:31.801 --> 00:23:33.002
Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they
00:23:33.002 --> 00:23:35.705
Dropped four anchors from the stern, and they prayed for
00:23:35.705 --> 00:23:38.007
Daylight.
00:23:38.007 --> 00:23:39.275
So there's this storm, and, you know, they're basically,
00:23:39.275 --> 00:23:41.177
Like, coming up on land.
00:23:41.177 --> 00:23:42.745
It says, in an attempt to escape from the ship, the
00:23:42.745 --> 00:23:45.147
Sailors let down the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending
00:23:45.147 --> 00:23:48.184
They were going to lower some anchors from the bow, then
00:23:48.184 --> 00:23:50.753
Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, unless these men
00:23:50.753 --> 00:23:53.689
Stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.
00:23:53.689 --> 00:23:56.225
So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let
00:23:56.225 --> 00:23:59.095
It drift away.
00:23:59.095 --> 00:24:00.263
But i was reading that, i thought it was fascinating
00:24:00.263 --> 00:24:01.998
That they thought their salvation was the lifeboat,
00:24:01.998 --> 00:24:05.835
But they were actually going to die in the lifeboat.
00:24:05.835 --> 00:24:09.505
And when we find ourselves in those types of situations, and
00:24:09.505 --> 00:24:11.974
We're like basically looking for the lifeboat, like, what's
00:24:11.974 --> 00:24:14.243
The thing that can, like, get us out of the situation as
00:24:14.243 --> 00:24:16.445
Fast as possible?
00:24:16.445 --> 00:24:18.047
[cross talk] it's going to handle this storm better than
00:24:18.047 --> 00:24:20.316
The ship.
00:24:20.316 --> 00:24:20.983
But that's for our logic.
00:24:20.983 --> 00:24:22.051
But we panic.
00:24:22.051 --> 00:24:23.653
And we're like look i can't control the sea but i have
00:24:23.653 --> 00:24:25.988
This lifeboat and i can control the lifeboat and god
00:24:25.988 --> 00:24:28.624
Is like stay with the ship i know things look crazy and i
00:24:28.624 --> 00:24:32.562
Know you're coming up on land and it feels like you're about
00:24:32.562 --> 00:24:35.698
To get wrecked but i promise you if you take this out the
00:24:35.698 --> 00:24:39.402
One you control, you're not going to like the outcome.
00:24:39.402 --> 00:24:43.105
So stay where i am and don't jump ship.
00:24:43.105 --> 00:24:46.042
- and even if you want to just read that and more in 27, at
00:24:46.042 --> 00:24:49.378
One point it says after 14 days of being tossed in the
00:24:49.378 --> 00:24:52.281
Night and a storm he gave thanks, so he gave thanks so
00:24:52.281 --> 00:24:55.651
That's the whole point the whole gratitude it's like
00:24:55.651 --> 00:24:59.655
Somehow the the storm's raging and ships breaking apart and
00:24:59.655 --> 00:25:04.126
He gave thanks.
00:25:04.126 --> 00:25:05.328
- yes because the whole connection is him it's like
00:25:05.328 --> 00:25:09.832
When we're saying, like, i need to know him.
00:25:09.832 --> 00:25:12.001
Like, i need to know, it's my faith in him.
00:25:12.001 --> 00:25:14.170
And so the gratefulness reminds me.
00:25:14.170 --> 00:25:17.006
It reminds my soul.
00:25:17.006 --> 00:25:19.041
It reminds my heart to say, like, you remember who he is.
00:25:19.041 --> 00:25:24.413
Remember what he's done for you?
00:25:24.413 --> 00:25:25.848
Remember what he's done for others?
00:25:25.848 --> 00:25:27.450
Because that's who you're putting your faith in.
00:25:27.450 --> 00:25:30.219
That's who you'd want to exchange your worry with.
00:25:30.219 --> 00:25:33.489
Yeah.
00:25:33.489 --> 00:25:34.824
- i think we get confused when we think we're supposed to be
00:25:34.824 --> 00:25:36.592
Grateful for the bad thing that's happening.
00:25:36.592 --> 00:25:38.327
Because that is not what god is asking us to do.
00:25:38.327 --> 00:25:41.297
I think it's remembering who he is in the midst of what's
00:25:41.297 --> 00:25:43.666
Not working.
00:25:43.666 --> 00:25:44.934
Because, i mean, he said to them, let's get in the boat,
00:25:44.934 --> 00:25:46.736
We'll go to the other side.
00:25:46.736 --> 00:25:48.037
He didn't say, let's get in the boat, we'll drown halfway
00:25:48.037 --> 00:25:49.872
Across.
00:25:49.872 --> 00:25:51.107
So when you base what god says, when you base your life
00:25:51.107 --> 00:25:54.510
On what god has said, then you know that he is with you.
00:25:54.510 --> 00:25:57.513
For me, it's one of the greatest lessons of my life to
00:25:57.513 --> 00:26:00.950
Take my eyes off what i could understand and see and fix my
00:26:00.950 --> 00:26:04.887
Gaze absolutely on jesus and on his goodness.
00:26:04.887 --> 00:26:08.891
And understand, it doesn't mean everything will go my
00:26:08.891 --> 00:26:12.161
Way.
00:26:12.161 --> 00:26:13.462
But i think the way he lived, when he knows that he's just
00:26:13.462 --> 00:26:15.965
About to die, taking off his, washing the disciples' feet
00:26:15.965 --> 00:26:19.702
And he's saying, this is what it looks like now to be part
00:26:19.702 --> 00:26:21.871
Of me.
00:26:21.871 --> 00:26:23.105
In situations where i'm concerned or worried, learning
00:26:23.105 --> 00:26:26.509
To praise god because of who he is, not because of what's
00:26:26.509 --> 00:26:29.512
Going on.
00:26:29.512 --> 00:26:30.846
- choosing to focus on god and his faithfulness in the midst,
00:26:30.846 --> 00:26:34.316
Not ignoring my struggle or ignoring my fear or my pain,
00:26:34.316 --> 00:26:38.354
But just choosing to redirect my thoughts.
00:26:38.354 --> 00:26:42.291
Because he's worth it.
00:26:42.291 --> 00:26:43.292
Yeah.
00:26:43.292 --> 00:26:44.593
- sometimes, you know, people will say things like, well,
00:26:44.593 --> 00:26:46.829
God did that to teach you a lesson.
00:26:46.829 --> 00:26:48.297
No, he doesn't.
00:26:48.297 --> 00:26:49.198
He doesn't do mean he's not cruel.
00:26:49.198 --> 00:26:53.035
He's not hurting you to teach you a lesson.
00:26:53.035 --> 00:26:55.938
What does happen is that the world that we live in is full
00:26:55.938 --> 00:27:00.209
Of hard things.
00:27:00.209 --> 00:27:01.310
There are hard things in the world.
00:27:01.310 --> 00:27:02.778
There are sicknesses.
00:27:02.778 --> 00:27:03.713
There are diseases.
00:27:03.713 --> 00:27:04.613
There are relationship break-ups.
00:27:04.613 --> 00:27:07.216
There are hard things.
00:27:07.216 --> 00:27:09.018
And so god doesn't expect us to be glad for the hard
00:27:09.018 --> 00:27:11.954
Things.
00:27:11.954 --> 00:27:13.189
What he does challenge us is that even in the middle of
00:27:13.189 --> 00:27:15.157
Those hard things, find something to be grateful for.
00:27:15.157 --> 00:27:19.328
- what are some ways that you all are intentional about
00:27:19.328 --> 00:27:22.932
Remembering and reflecting gratitude?
00:27:22.932 --> 00:27:24.867
Because i'm telling you, we need...
00:27:24.867 --> 00:27:26.202
The fact that your husband came up with a gratitude jar
00:27:26.202 --> 00:27:28.404
When you were like, i ain't got nothing to be thankful
00:27:28.404 --> 00:27:29.972
For.
00:27:29.972 --> 00:27:30.639
That was a blessing.
00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:31.607
Yeah.
00:27:31.607 --> 00:27:32.908
But i can imagine there are others who are just like, how
00:27:32.908 --> 00:27:35.010
Do i do this?
00:27:35.010 --> 00:27:36.078
- okay, i'll tell you one other thing i did.
00:27:36.078 --> 00:27:37.713
In the midst of that season, i made a list of the things that
00:27:37.713 --> 00:27:41.484
I found myself most often complaining about, like little
00:27:41.484 --> 00:27:44.120
Things, just like the annoying little things, and i would
00:27:44.120 --> 00:27:46.255
Flip it.
00:27:46.255 --> 00:27:47.456
So, for example, here's my list, feel free to borrow.
00:27:47.456 --> 00:27:49.825
I said, i'm grateful.
00:27:49.825 --> 00:27:51.293
I'm grateful for the traffic i'm driving in because it
00:27:51.293 --> 00:27:56.232
Means i have a car.
00:27:56.232 --> 00:27:56.899
Right?
00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:58.200
I'm grateful for the parking spot i find at the far end of
00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:03.005
The parking lot because it means i can walk.
00:28:03.005 --> 00:28:05.508
I'm grateful for a bad hair day because i have hair.
00:28:05.508 --> 00:28:12.181
And listen those that navigated cancer they're
00:28:12.181 --> 00:28:14.216
Grateful for bad hair days.
00:28:14.216 --> 00:28:16.085
I'm grateful for my electric bill and water bill because it
00:28:16.085 --> 00:28:21.323
Means i can get electricity by flipping as witch and water by
00:28:21.323 --> 00:28:23.926
Turning on a faucet.
00:28:23.926 --> 00:28:25.361
I'm grateful for those feel like throwing up walk on water
00:28:25.361 --> 00:28:29.465
Moments because it means i'm getting to use my faith.
00:28:29.465 --> 00:28:32.902
Well, and if i think about today, okay, so today, i'm
00:28:32.902 --> 00:28:37.740
Very grateful for the alarm that went off very early
00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:41.410
Because it means god's trusted me with another day.
00:28:41.410 --> 00:28:43.712
- yeah.
00:28:43.712 --> 00:28:44.380
- right?
00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:45.247
So it became a discipline for me.
00:28:45.247 --> 00:28:46.582
Again, like taking the things that i can see myself so often
00:28:46.582 --> 00:28:50.119
Complaining about.
00:28:50.119 --> 00:28:51.387
And how can i switch that to find something, something to
00:28:51.387 --> 00:28:55.724
Be grateful for.
00:28:55.724 --> 00:28:56.992
I'm all about, i need to just put my hands to something,
00:28:56.992 --> 00:28:59.695
Right?
00:28:59.695 --> 00:29:00.729
What can i do that will help stir my soul?
00:29:00.729 --> 00:29:03.232
- and to be intentional about it, we put an alarm for
00:29:03.232 --> 00:29:06.635
Everything else.
00:29:06.635 --> 00:29:07.736
What about a grateful alarm?
00:29:07.736 --> 00:29:09.605
Like, what if we, this is me just thinking about it.
00:29:09.605 --> 00:29:12.107
- well, i have, because i have, no, i can just picture
00:29:12.107 --> 00:29:13.843
Going off and be grateful.
00:29:13.843 --> 00:29:14.844
Why did i set that?
00:29:14.844 --> 00:29:17.847
Is it?
00:29:17.847 --> 00:29:18.514
Snooze.
00:29:18.514 --> 00:29:19.748
- i have one each of the times that my kiddos were born.
00:29:19.748 --> 00:29:21.984
And my son was born at 11:32.
00:29:21.984 --> 00:29:23.586
My daughter was born at 4:44 so that alarm will go off to
00:29:23.586 --> 00:29:26.722
Pray for them but i was just thinking i was like i could do
00:29:26.722 --> 00:29:30.359
The same thing because you know it's okay because it
00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:34.430
Should just come out of this flow, i mean it should be,
00:29:34.430 --> 00:29:38.667
That's how to create a discipline i have an alarm to
00:29:38.667 --> 00:29:42.538
Get up to go work out, i have a trainer, you know to do leg
00:29:42.538 --> 00:29:47.843
Day will not look the same if i determined it.
00:29:47.843 --> 00:29:51.380
Because it can take me somewhere that i wasn't able
00:29:51.380 --> 00:29:54.917
To go by myself.
00:29:54.917 --> 00:29:56.685
- i like the thing you can set little, cause your phone does
00:29:56.685 --> 00:29:59.788
Not have to be an alarm you can set little buzzers and
00:29:59.788 --> 00:30:02.157
Things.
00:30:02.157 --> 00:30:03.459
It would be great to do that, a couple of times during the
00:30:03.459 --> 00:30:05.327
Day until it becomes natural where you stop and remember
00:30:05.327 --> 00:30:10.032
How good god is, and thank him for his kindess.
00:30:10.032 --> 00:30:14.003
- if we don't see anything good about our situation,
00:30:14.003 --> 00:30:17.973
Choosing gratitude is this is actually the perfect moment
00:30:17.973 --> 00:30:24.013
Because i know we don't love it, i don't love it when i say
00:30:24.013 --> 00:30:28.684
The word.
00:30:28.684 --> 00:30:29.618
We don't love it, it's in discipline.
00:30:29.618 --> 00:30:31.787
It's in those moments, it's in the ones when i don't feel it,
00:30:31.787 --> 00:30:35.691
When i don't see it, when i don't like it, when i'm
00:30:35.691 --> 00:30:38.427
Frustrated about it.
00:30:38.427 --> 00:30:39.528
It's that moment when the alarm goes off and i'm
00:30:39.528 --> 00:30:42.498
Supposed to get up and work out.
00:30:42.498 --> 00:30:43.966
And it's like, you know what?
00:30:43.966 --> 00:30:45.067
I don't really, i'm not feeling it.
00:30:45.067 --> 00:30:47.236
Actually, i haven't seen a morning where i wake up and
00:30:47.236 --> 00:30:49.605
I'm excited about it.
00:30:49.605 --> 00:30:51.373
But i love when i've done it.
00:30:51.373 --> 00:30:55.577
I love the results that come from it and the health and i
00:30:55.577 --> 00:30:58.781
Can walk and i can move in different ways.
00:30:58.781 --> 00:31:02.351
And i see god building on something.
00:31:02.351 --> 00:31:04.386
It's the same thing in our own spiritual bodies.
00:31:04.386 --> 00:31:07.723
That gratitude is a discipline.
00:31:07.723 --> 00:31:10.759
And it's not always going to be easy.
00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:12.294
So in that moment that you don't want to do it, i just
00:31:12.294 --> 00:31:15.631
Want you to lean into the hard.
00:31:15.631 --> 00:31:17.499
Lean into that discomfort and say, you know what?
00:31:17.499 --> 00:31:20.102
That's actually a signal that the enemy doesn't want me to
00:31:20.102 --> 00:31:23.205
Do it.
00:31:23.205 --> 00:31:23.906
And i'm going after this.
00:31:23.906 --> 00:31:25.174
I'm going to be even more impassioned about being
00:31:25.174 --> 00:31:27.343
Grateful because i know that there is something on the
00:31:27.343 --> 00:31:29.979
Other side of that that he asked for me, that he's going
00:31:29.979 --> 00:31:32.581
To turn it into good because he is good.
00:31:32.581 --> 00:31:35.351
- i remember when christian was maybe, gosh, i don't know,
00:31:35.351 --> 00:31:39.421
Maybe three or four.
00:31:39.421 --> 00:31:40.656
You know how as a mom, you know, there's something not
00:31:40.656 --> 00:31:42.424
Quite right with your child, but you don't know what it is.
00:31:42.424 --> 00:31:44.326
And i took him to pediatrician, and he was like,
00:31:44.326 --> 00:31:46.929
No, no, he's fine.
00:31:46.929 --> 00:31:47.930
And i came home, i said, he's not fine.
00:31:47.930 --> 00:31:49.865
There's something not right.
00:31:49.865 --> 00:31:51.333
So we went back again and he did some blood tests and he
00:31:51.333 --> 00:31:55.471
Came back looking a little bit more worried.
00:31:55.471 --> 00:31:57.639
And he said, i'll call you guys tomorrow morning and let
00:31:57.639 --> 00:32:01.410
You know what's going on.
00:32:01.410 --> 00:32:03.645
So barry and i, we walked out the car and i come back in
00:32:03.645 --> 00:32:05.948
Because i know the doctor.
00:32:05.948 --> 00:32:07.249
He's a friend of mine and i'm like, okay, what's the deal
00:32:07.249 --> 00:32:09.418
Here?
00:32:09.418 --> 00:32:10.319
And he says, i don't honestly know.
00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:11.453
It's kind of between 1 and 10.
00:32:11.453 --> 00:32:13.689
And i said, okay, well, what is 10?
00:32:13.689 --> 00:32:16.759
And he said, 10 is leukemia.
00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:18.127
And i'm like, okay.
00:32:18.127 --> 00:32:20.929
So we drive, i didn't say anything to barry, because
00:32:20.929 --> 00:32:23.032
This was between me and the lord.
00:32:23.032 --> 00:32:24.767
We drive home and christian's like, hey, can i sleep in your
00:32:24.767 --> 00:32:28.437
Bed tonight?
00:32:28.437 --> 00:32:29.438
And i'm like, yes, would you like a donkey?
00:32:29.438 --> 00:32:30.639
And a sundae with that?
00:32:30.639 --> 00:32:31.407
And i walked the floor all night.
00:32:31.407 --> 00:32:34.843
And it was just like, lord, if this is a possibility, if it
00:32:34.843 --> 00:32:41.050
Is that, could you give it to me?
00:32:41.850 --> 00:32:44.686
I would call, i'll take it in a heartbeat, because he's so
00:32:44.686 --> 00:32:47.589
Little.
00:32:47.589 --> 00:32:48.257
He's just a wee boy.
00:32:48.257 --> 00:32:49.091
He doesn't, he can't do this.
00:32:49.091 --> 00:32:51.493
And, but the interesting thing was, there's something about
00:32:51.493 --> 00:32:55.230
Pacing the floor with the lord.
00:32:55.230 --> 00:32:56.865
That, i mean, because all night, i'm walking, and
00:32:56.865 --> 00:32:59.068
Sometimes i would pick up my bible, and i would read, the
00:32:59.068 --> 00:33:02.438
Lord is my light and my salvation.
00:33:02.438 --> 00:33:04.406
Whom shall i fear?
00:33:04.406 --> 00:33:05.541
The lord is the stronghold of my life.
00:33:05.541 --> 00:33:07.776
Of whom shall i be afraid?
00:33:07.776 --> 00:33:09.478
I believe i will live to see the goodness of the lord in
00:33:09.478 --> 00:33:13.115
The land of the living.
00:33:13.115 --> 00:33:14.550
Yeah.
00:33:14.550 --> 00:33:15.851
And there was just something about when you're in the midst
00:33:15.851 --> 00:33:17.920
Of the mailstorm of worry of remembering the power in the
00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:21.256
Word of god and the power in the name of jesus.
00:33:21.256 --> 00:33:24.259
Because that's what changed things for me.
00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:27.196
I literally just got down on my knees and just the name
00:33:27.196 --> 00:33:33.335
Jesus.
00:33:33.335 --> 00:33:34.703
Yeah.
00:33:34.036 --> 00:33:35.370
Jesus.
00:33:35.370 --> 00:33:36.638
And what came was a piece of not knowing exactly what the
00:33:36.638 --> 00:33:38.640
Result was going to be, but it was like, i am in the boat
00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:40.909
With you.
00:33:40.909 --> 00:33:41.577
I'm in the boat with you.
00:33:41.577 --> 00:33:42.811
And it turned out the next morning, christian was just
00:33:42.811 --> 00:33:45.681
Very anemic and it was something that was able to be
00:33:45.681 --> 00:33:50.185
Fixed.
00:33:50.185 --> 00:33:51.420
But i got the peace before i knew that, and i really, i
00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:54.990
Believe in seasons of worry.
00:33:54.990 --> 00:33:56.291
There is power in the word of god and there's power in the
00:33:56.291 --> 00:33:58.861
Name of jesus.
00:33:58.861 --> 00:34:00.929
- it's so easy to go to worry.
00:34:00.929 --> 00:34:04.032
It's so easy to just follow that black hole of questions
00:34:04.032 --> 00:34:09.004
And the unknown.
00:34:09.004 --> 00:34:10.105
And to quiet that storm really takes a choice.
00:34:10.105 --> 00:34:16.545
And sometimes it's seeing that i don't like the outcomes that
00:34:16.545 --> 00:34:20.949
I'm getting and i want to choose something different and
00:34:20.949 --> 00:34:23.652
It could be something literal that i can do to quiet it is
00:34:23.652 --> 00:34:26.054
Like writing a verse about where in philippians 4, 6,
00:34:26.054 --> 00:34:30.425
Through 8 is i will be anxious about nothing, you know, but
00:34:30.425 --> 00:34:34.296
Everything in prayer and in your partitioning with
00:34:34.296 --> 00:34:38.133
Thanksgiving, you know, like writing it down.
00:34:38.133 --> 00:34:41.103
It does something.
00:34:41.103 --> 00:34:42.304
It actually changes your neurological pathways.
00:34:42.304 --> 00:34:45.641
It's saying, you know, god, you're doing something here,
00:34:45.641 --> 00:34:48.043
And i want to actually do something about it.
00:34:48.043 --> 00:34:49.745
I'm going to put that scripture and put it on my
00:34:49.745 --> 00:34:51.847
Mirror.
00:34:51.847 --> 00:34:52.748
I'm going to put it on my dashboard.
00:34:52.748 --> 00:34:53.949
I'm going to put it on the lock screen of my phone so
00:34:53.949 --> 00:34:57.152
That i remind myself the moment i start to worry that
00:34:57.152 --> 00:34:59.855
I'm not a victim to my worry, that there's something i can
00:34:59.855 --> 00:35:02.324
Do about it, and that the word of god is there to help us to
00:35:02.324 --> 00:35:05.427
Be a weapon in our hand to fight against that worry.
00:35:05.427 --> 00:35:09.198
What i also love is, you know, we have the story of jesus
00:35:09.198 --> 00:35:12.734
Being in the boat.
00:35:12.734 --> 00:35:14.069
We also have the place there's some people that sent them to
00:35:14.069 --> 00:35:17.739
Go across and he's going to walk on the water to meet him.
00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:21.543
- he is, but this is interesting because it was
00:35:21.543 --> 00:35:24.580
After they had seen him work in so many different ways,
00:35:24.580 --> 00:35:27.282
It's after a feeding, it's ok you're going to go to the
00:35:27.282 --> 00:35:30.485
Other side, i'll meet you so we know there's the promise
00:35:30.485 --> 00:35:33.655
That he's going to be on that other side, but you can feel
00:35:33.655 --> 00:35:38.193
In the middle of it.
00:35:38.193 --> 00:35:39.528
And it's, you know, you've been rowing and you've been
00:35:39.528 --> 00:35:41.830
Rowing, and you're really battling it up against
00:35:41.830 --> 00:35:44.166
Something.
00:35:44.166 --> 00:35:45.167
So it's, you know, they're in that place.
00:35:45.167 --> 00:35:47.035
And he shows up in a way that's unfamiliar to them.
00:35:47.035 --> 00:35:50.205
- yeah, right.
00:35:50.205 --> 00:35:51.406
- and he's like, hey, i want to show you something.
00:35:51.406 --> 00:35:54.176
And if you will lean into that.
00:35:54.176 --> 00:35:56.111
And there's peter in all the ways that we love peter to be.
00:35:56.111 --> 00:35:59.781
You know, he steps out.
00:35:59.781 --> 00:36:01.650
And i think we often, because we can look in the mirror and
00:36:01.650 --> 00:36:05.153
See all the things that are wrong and not what's right,
00:36:05.153 --> 00:36:07.222
We're like, yeah, and he fell, you know, and you know, oh,
00:36:07.222 --> 00:36:11.260
Yeah, here's faith again, right?
00:36:11.260 --> 00:36:13.161
And it's like, guys, peter walked on water.
00:36:13.161 --> 00:36:16.231
As long as his eyes were fixed on him.
00:36:16.231 --> 00:36:19.635
And that's what gratitude does.
00:36:19.635 --> 00:36:21.536
It keeps fixing my eyes.
00:36:21.536 --> 00:36:23.438
It is a reminder that i cannot look at all of this because
00:36:23.438 --> 00:36:28.410
Everything shifts from days that are good to days that are
00:36:28.410 --> 00:36:32.848
Bad to everything in between that you can't control and
00:36:32.848 --> 00:36:36.051
He's like just keep looking up just keep looking at me.
00:36:36.051 --> 00:36:39.721
- you cannot worry if you're being grateful to god that god
00:36:39.721 --> 00:36:43.925
Is in control when i know that god is in control there is
00:36:43.925 --> 00:36:47.429
Nothing to worry about i can make up stuff.
00:36:47.429 --> 00:36:49.665
I can run things through my head, things that i don't have
00:36:49.665 --> 00:36:53.068
To worry about.
00:36:53.068 --> 00:36:54.202
He said, don't even take in consideration tomorrow.
00:36:54.202 --> 00:36:56.972
I've got you covered.
00:36:56.972 --> 00:36:58.740
You are covered.
00:36:58.740 --> 00:37:00.208
So don't worry.
00:37:00.208 --> 00:37:01.777
Just be thankful and give every care to god.
00:37:01.777 --> 00:37:05.280
- i think living with a grateful heart, even when life
00:37:05.280 --> 00:37:10.619
Is not the way you thought it would be, is an absolute
00:37:10.619 --> 00:37:13.355
Declaration to god of, i love you, i trust you, i have faith
00:37:13.355 --> 00:37:18.493
In you.
00:37:18.493 --> 00:37:19.828
You know, because sometimes we think, well, if the lord gets
00:37:19.828 --> 00:37:21.330
Me through this storm, then i will absolutely thank him and
00:37:21.330 --> 00:37:24.433
I'll write a newsletter.
00:37:24.433 --> 00:37:25.934
I think there's something about when you're in the midst
00:37:25.934 --> 00:37:28.303
Of something, recognizing who god is.
00:37:28.303 --> 00:37:30.739
I don't know what you're going through right now, but i do
00:37:30.739 --> 00:37:33.642
Know this.
00:37:33.642 --> 00:37:34.543
I know that god loves you.
00:37:34.543 --> 00:37:35.977
I know that god is with you.
00:37:35.977 --> 00:37:37.379
That's what the psalmist david did.
00:37:37.379 --> 00:37:39.014
You know, he would say, like in some psalms, it would say,
00:37:39.014 --> 00:37:41.483
Why are you cast down, oh, my soul?
00:37:41.483 --> 00:37:43.418
And that's the word for when a sheep falls over, when a sheep
00:37:43.418 --> 00:37:45.887
Is cast, it can't get up by itself.
00:37:45.887 --> 00:37:47.522
And he would say to himself, why are you cast down?
00:37:47.522 --> 00:37:50.726
I will again, praise god.
00:37:50.726 --> 00:37:52.327
There's something about lifting your praise to god
00:37:52.327 --> 00:37:54.896
That shifts everything inside you.
00:37:54.896 --> 00:37:58.100
- join the conversation on our better together youtube
00:37:58.100 --> 00:38:00.836
Channel.
00:38:00.836 --> 00:38:01.870
Subscribe today and never miss a new upload.
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♪ (music playing) ♪
00:38:05.446 --> 00:38:11.285
- i think there's a difference between
00:38:11.285 --> 00:38:13.588
What our circumstances are and what the character of god is.
00:38:13.588 --> 00:38:16.958
Because sometimes people say, well, why would a good god
00:38:16.958 --> 00:38:19.093
Allow bad things to happen?
00:38:19.093 --> 00:38:20.595
Great question.
00:38:20.595 --> 00:38:21.863
Being debated about over the centuries.
00:38:21.863 --> 00:38:24.132
The thing is that we are living on a broken planet, a
00:38:24.132 --> 00:38:27.135
Place where we decided that we would have our own way.
00:38:27.135 --> 00:38:30.071
But the thing that i love is that, like, even, i don't know
00:38:30.071 --> 00:38:33.674
If you'd like to read the psalms.
00:38:33.674 --> 00:38:35.410
I love to read the psalms.
00:38:35.410 --> 00:38:36.711
If you go to a psalm like 23 that's really well known, what
00:38:36.711 --> 00:38:40.448
David actually says there is the lord is my shepherd.
00:38:40.448 --> 00:38:43.618
Not just that the lord's a shepherd, and he's out there
00:38:43.618 --> 00:38:46.287
Taking care of lots of sheep.
00:38:46.287 --> 00:38:47.855
The lord is my shepherd.
00:38:47.855 --> 00:38:49.490
And that's my prayer that you would know that.
00:38:49.490 --> 00:38:51.726
If you're in a difficult season on a good season, the
00:38:51.726 --> 00:38:54.462
Lord is your shepherd.
00:38:54.462 --> 00:39:00.668
- ungratefulness causes our emotions to be all over the
00:39:01.869 --> 00:39:04.605
Scale.
00:39:04.605 --> 00:39:05.373
You know, not being grateful.
00:39:05.373 --> 00:39:07.508
But then being grateful is that you're content where you
00:39:07.508 --> 00:39:10.244
Are.
00:39:10.244 --> 00:39:11.479
So we're all thinking that if i have more, i'll be more
00:39:11.479 --> 00:39:16.684
Content.
00:39:16.684 --> 00:39:17.952
Even if you get more, you're still ungrateful.
00:39:17.952 --> 00:39:21.289
But that contentment really does humble you when you think
00:39:21.289 --> 00:39:25.526
About the goodness of god and everything that we've been
00:39:25.526 --> 00:39:28.362
Given.
00:39:28.362 --> 00:39:29.397
People that have kids, children, and being
00:39:29.397 --> 00:39:31.999
Ungrateful, and they've got children in their life.
00:39:31.999 --> 00:39:35.069
Yes.
00:39:35.069 --> 00:39:35.736
- right.
00:39:35.736 --> 00:39:36.404
- right?
00:39:36.404 --> 00:39:37.405
A gift literally from god.
00:39:37.405 --> 00:39:40.141
And just all the things that we're blessed with from the
00:39:40.141 --> 00:39:43.110
Little things like that.
00:39:43.110 --> 00:39:44.145
I'm very conscious of those very things.
00:39:44.145 --> 00:39:46.848
I've got the legs to walk.
00:39:46.848 --> 00:39:48.115
I can actually go to the bathroom.
00:39:48.115 --> 00:39:49.984
I can, you know, all those little things that maybe at
00:39:49.984 --> 00:39:52.854
One time we had just all the things we can grieve and still
00:39:52.854 --> 00:39:58.125
Be thankful.
00:39:58.125 --> 00:39:59.126
We can hurt and we can still be thankful.
00:39:59.126 --> 00:40:01.996
We can be going through the worst pain of our life and
00:40:01.996 --> 00:40:05.833
Still be grateful and gratitude just keeps us in
00:40:05.833 --> 00:40:11.639
Turmoil and strife and bondage completely.
00:40:11.639 --> 00:40:16.844
And so god tells us what's good for us.
00:40:16.844 --> 00:40:19.747
You know, we always think that god's is, do not, do not, do
00:40:19.747 --> 00:40:23.951
Not, do not, you know, that he's keeping something away
00:40:23.951 --> 00:40:27.154
From us.
00:40:27.154 --> 00:40:28.422
But all he is is showing us how to do it so that you can
00:40:28.422 --> 00:40:32.627
Have the things that money can't buy, the peace that
00:40:32.627 --> 00:40:36.597
Passes understanding, the joy unspeakable, my heart filled
00:40:36.597 --> 00:40:39.834
And i'm running over to give out to others what god has
00:40:39.834 --> 00:40:44.205
Given to me.
00:40:44.205 --> 00:40:45.573
And so it is a very humbling thing to be content.
00:40:45.573 --> 00:40:49.176
That's why paul says, in every state i find myself in prison,
00:40:49.176 --> 00:40:54.649
In that shipwreck.
00:40:54.649 --> 00:40:55.550
Well fed or hungry.
00:40:55.550 --> 00:40:56.684
- right.
00:40:56.684 --> 00:40:57.351
- i am content.
00:40:57.351 --> 00:40:58.553
And that whole portion ends with, i can do all things
00:40:58.553 --> 00:41:01.222
Through christ who strengthens me.
00:41:01.222 --> 00:41:02.990
- and the thing is most of us, i mean, that makes it on the
00:41:02.990 --> 00:41:05.259
Front of journals and t-shirts.
00:41:05.259 --> 00:41:07.428
And our eyes.
00:41:07.428 --> 00:41:08.095
Yeah.
00:41:08.095 --> 00:41:09.063
- i can do all things through christ.
00:41:09.063 --> 00:41:10.331
But the context of that is being content in any and every
00:41:10.331 --> 00:41:15.503
Circumstance.
00:41:15.503 --> 00:41:16.337
That's the all things we can do.
00:41:16.337 --> 00:41:17.605
We can actually be content.
00:41:17.605 --> 00:41:20.708
- i think so many people in the world are, you know,
00:41:20.708 --> 00:41:24.545
Looking to be happy.
00:41:24.545 --> 00:41:25.780
They're doing a lot of things, making a lot of choices
00:41:25.780 --> 00:41:26.981
Because they feel like they deserve to be happy.
00:41:26.981 --> 00:41:28.316
Do you know, that's actually not in the bible, but what is
00:41:28.316 --> 00:41:38.059
In the bible is being content.
00:41:38.059 --> 00:41:41.329
And the apostle paul says that he's learned to be content in
00:41:41.329 --> 00:41:45.766
Whatever the situation, whatever the circumstances,
00:41:45.766 --> 00:41:48.235
Whether well-fed or hungry, whether having plenty or
00:41:48.235 --> 00:41:51.105
Living in want, whether in shipwrecks or in peaceful
00:41:51.105 --> 00:41:54.909
Times, he's learned the secret of being content in any and
00:41:54.909 --> 00:41:57.878
Every situation.
00:41:57.878 --> 00:41:59.246
And so for you and for me, that's our goal, right?
00:41:59.246 --> 00:42:02.350
It's to be content with what we have now.
00:42:02.350 --> 00:42:05.052
Now, do i want other things?
00:42:05.052 --> 00:42:07.054
Yes.
00:42:07.054 --> 00:42:08.456
Can i still be content in what's in my hand right now?
00:42:08.456 --> 00:42:10.858
Yes.
00:42:10.858 --> 00:42:12.193
That's the journey, to not get so distracted by what's in my
00:42:12.193 --> 00:42:15.229
Heart that i overlook what's in my hand.
00:42:15.229 --> 00:42:18.165
But being content with what god has trusted you with right
00:42:18.165 --> 00:42:21.869
Now.
00:42:21.869 --> 00:42:23.270
- i find myself so similar, laurie.
00:42:23.270 --> 00:42:24.605
Like, i find myself in the place sometimes where i just
00:42:24.605 --> 00:42:25.940
Get before god, and i'm like, i am so sorry for being
00:42:25.940 --> 00:42:27.274
Ungrateful.
00:42:27.274 --> 00:42:28.609
And as you were talking, what i realized is, when we're not
00:42:28.609 --> 00:42:33.447
Grateful, it's we're so internally self-focused.
00:42:33.447 --> 00:42:40.121
It's like that's where our eyes are.
00:42:40.121 --> 00:42:41.455
What's not working, what's not going well, what didn't work
00:42:41.455 --> 00:42:43.758
For me, but gratitude literally requires focusing
00:42:43.758 --> 00:42:46.727
Your eyes on the lord.
00:42:46.727 --> 00:42:48.029
Yeah, it literally requires a shift in what you're focused
00:42:48.029 --> 00:42:51.265
On.
00:42:51.265 --> 00:42:52.366
Because in order to be grateful, i have to pay
00:42:52.366 --> 00:42:53.634
Attention to you.
00:42:53.634 --> 00:42:54.935
When i'm ungrateful is because i'm paying attention to me.
00:42:54.935 --> 00:42:57.271
Into what you don't have.
00:42:57.271 --> 00:42:58.539
It's what i don't have, what's not working out.
00:42:58.539 --> 00:43:00.875
And it's like, man, if only i can keep my eyes on the lord.
00:43:00.875 --> 00:43:04.712
- that's scripture of i can do all things to christ.
00:43:04.712 --> 00:43:07.281
I remember in fact it was maybe matt that told me rabbi
00:43:07.281 --> 00:43:10.618
[indiscernible] told him that the way the word can be
00:43:10.618 --> 00:43:12.920
Interpreted is i can do all seasons through christ who
00:43:12.920 --> 00:43:15.489
Gives me strength, that i can go through a season of
00:43:15.489 --> 00:43:18.526
Tremendous blessing because i'm with jesus.
00:43:18.526 --> 00:43:21.562
I can go through a tremendous season of loss i can do all
00:43:21.562 --> 00:43:24.932
Seasons through christ who gives me strength.
00:43:24.932 --> 00:43:27.468
- yeah.
00:43:27.468 --> 00:43:28.669
I think you're right, because i've heard it said where
00:43:28.669 --> 00:43:29.870
Sometimes we do, we will misuse that to be like, i can
00:43:29.870 --> 00:43:33.407
Do all things as in like my power.
00:43:33.407 --> 00:43:35.710
But it's like, no, i can withstand.
00:43:35.710 --> 00:43:37.845
I can actually stand under all things because of jesus who is
00:43:37.845 --> 00:43:41.982
With me.
00:43:41.982 --> 00:43:43.150
- i mean, that's the kind of faith that pleases god.
00:43:43.150 --> 00:43:45.853
It's like this would make no sense to anybody else.
00:43:45.853 --> 00:43:49.190
However, lord, this is, this is where i am.
00:43:49.190 --> 00:43:51.225
And i choose you.
00:43:51.225 --> 00:43:52.359
I say yes.
00:43:52.359 --> 00:43:55.396
And i just, i love the fact that a couple of places in
00:43:55.396 --> 00:43:58.199
Scripture talks about the fact that the angels get blown away
00:43:58.199 --> 00:44:00.868
By all of this.
00:44:00.868 --> 00:44:02.036
Like they actually discuss among themselves and look
00:44:02.036 --> 00:44:04.038
Down, it's like, look at what's happened to her and she
00:44:04.038 --> 00:44:07.475
Still loves jesus.
00:44:07.475 --> 00:44:08.876
I mean, i just, what a privilege.
00:44:08.876 --> 00:44:10.945
- well, that's why paul says, i have learned.
00:44:10.945 --> 00:44:13.647
Yes.
00:44:13.647 --> 00:44:14.582
Like, it's just, he didn't, you know.
00:44:14.582 --> 00:44:17.384
Wasn't born that way.
00:44:17.384 --> 00:44:18.519
He wasn't born that way.
00:44:18.519 --> 00:44:19.920
And he has a lot of, he had a lot of shame he had to wrestle
00:44:19.920 --> 00:44:21.255
Out of.
00:44:21.255 --> 00:44:26.227
Like he killed and tortured christians, you know?
00:44:26.227 --> 00:44:27.962
I mean, it's like we miss the journey of the stories.
00:44:27.962 --> 00:44:31.532
- and we never get to the end of that until we're called
00:44:31.532 --> 00:44:35.436
Home.
00:44:35.436 --> 00:44:36.537
And so it's like, i learn and grow every day.
00:44:36.537 --> 00:44:38.773
And you feel that i keep learning.
00:44:38.773 --> 00:44:40.374
I want to be a long learner, that's what a disciple is, is
00:44:40.374 --> 00:44:42.910
That i constantly am in class.
00:44:42.910 --> 00:44:45.646
I'm learning more.
00:44:45.646 --> 00:44:47.915
I mean, i don't know if you felt this, but as i've just,
00:44:47.915 --> 00:44:49.683
You know, sat in this, just about gratitude, it's just, it
00:44:49.683 --> 00:44:54.288
Has convicted my heart.
00:44:54.288 --> 00:44:57.758
It's like, i definitely, you need to sit in this more as,
00:44:57.758 --> 00:45:00.227
You know, to remember and to not just, to not take it for
00:45:00.227 --> 00:45:04.431
Granted.
00:45:04.431 --> 00:45:06.634
- because we live in a world that is opposite.
00:45:06.634 --> 00:45:10.604
And so those of us have any connection in the media.
00:45:10.604 --> 00:45:12.006
So you hear and you hear all this stuff.
00:45:12.006 --> 00:45:14.074
And it can be very overwhelming and very negative
00:45:14.074 --> 00:45:16.577
And very scary.
00:45:16.577 --> 00:45:17.912
And you think, what place do i have in here?
00:45:17.912 --> 00:45:20.447
What can i do?
00:45:20.447 --> 00:45:21.682
Well, one thing in god's well, we can do is be grateful.
00:45:21.682 --> 00:45:24.618
And i actually am naive enough to think that our gratitude,
00:45:24.618 --> 00:45:29.056
Like us being a people of gratitude, can shift culture.
00:45:29.056 --> 00:45:32.560
It can shift culture.
00:45:32.560 --> 00:45:34.795
Instead of complaining, which is often what we're known for,
00:45:34.795 --> 00:45:37.698
But if we could be the ones that are so making the
00:45:37.698 --> 00:45:40.801
Decision to be grateful in all circumstances, that can shift
00:45:40.801 --> 00:45:43.938
Culture.
00:45:43.938 --> 00:45:45.606
- could you imagine if everyone who said they were a
00:45:45.606 --> 00:45:48.175
Follower of jesus christ began to live with a heart of
00:45:48.175 --> 00:45:51.712
Gratitude?
00:45:51.712 --> 00:45:52.980
Then people would want to know who is this jesus.
00:45:52.980 --> 00:45:56.383
You know, we're supposed to live a life that raises
00:45:56.383 --> 00:45:59.019
Questions, but not for the wrong reasons.
00:45:59.019 --> 00:46:00.988
We're supposed to live a life that raises questions for the
00:46:00.988 --> 00:46:03.624
Right reasons.
00:46:03.624 --> 00:46:04.892
I mean jesus said hours before he knew he was going to be
00:46:04.892 --> 00:46:07.628
Executed.
00:46:07.628 --> 00:46:08.762
They will know that you're mine because we love one
00:46:08.762 --> 00:46:11.065
Another, if we began to live with grateful thankful hearts
00:46:11.065 --> 00:46:15.636
It could have quite an impact on our culture.
00:46:15.636 --> 00:46:18.606
- there's such a direct line, there's a through line between
00:46:18.606 --> 00:46:21.141
Complaint and worry and we've been talking about that.
00:46:21.141 --> 00:46:23.878
We tend to complain about the things that we feel powerless
00:46:23.878 --> 00:46:27.348
Over.
00:46:27.348 --> 00:46:28.649
And that's where i think we adopt this mindset that it can
00:46:28.649 --> 00:46:30.618
Never get better.
00:46:30.618 --> 00:46:31.652
It didn't work out the way i wanted it to.
00:46:31.652 --> 00:46:32.953
I have no control over the situation.
00:46:32.953 --> 00:46:34.688
And my mind went to matthew 6.
00:46:34.688 --> 00:46:36.891
Most people know verse 25 where jesus is saying, do not
00:46:36.891 --> 00:46:39.627
Worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, et
00:46:39.627 --> 00:46:41.695
Cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
00:46:41.695 --> 00:46:42.830
But the context that he says that in, which is really
00:46:42.830 --> 00:46:45.332
Powerful, is before in verse 19 where he's like do not
00:46:45.332 --> 00:46:48.969
Store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moths
00:46:48.969 --> 00:46:50.938
And vermin destroy, where thieves break in and steal,
00:46:50.938 --> 00:46:53.274
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where
00:46:53.274 --> 00:46:55.876
Moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do
00:46:55.876 --> 00:46:57.711
Not break in and steal for where your treasure is there
00:46:57.711 --> 00:47:01.315
Your heart will also be and so our complaint and our worry
00:47:01.315 --> 00:47:07.021
Actually reveals where our heart is and he goes on to say
00:47:07.021 --> 00:47:11.325
In verse 25.
00:47:11.325 --> 00:47:12.626
Therefore because of that do not worry, do not worry about
00:47:12.626 --> 00:47:16.497
Your life what you will eat or what you will drink about your
00:47:16.497 --> 00:47:18.332
Body what you will wear; is not life more than food and
00:47:18.332 --> 00:47:21.001
The body more than clothes?
00:47:21.001 --> 00:47:22.303
Look at the birds of the air they don't sow a reap or store
00:47:22.303 --> 00:47:24.471
Away in barns yet your heavenly father feeds them are
00:47:24.471 --> 00:47:26.941
You not much more valuable than they?
00:47:26.941 --> 00:47:29.276
Can any one of you by worrying at a single hour to your life
00:47:29.276 --> 00:47:33.614
I believe the invitation that god is offering to us today is
00:47:33.614 --> 00:47:37.117
To really shift our perspective and to shift the
00:47:37.117 --> 00:47:41.655
Source of our faith back to the faithful god, to the god
00:47:41.655 --> 00:47:46.727
That will not fail.
00:47:46.727 --> 00:47:48.395
We have no reason to worry because he literally looks at
00:47:48.395 --> 00:47:52.700
Us with so much love, he is proud of us which is actually
00:47:52.700 --> 00:47:57.471
Pretty bizarre to me because how could you be proud of
00:47:57.471 --> 00:48:01.141
People who are constantly failing you?
00:48:01.141 --> 00:48:03.010
And god is like, i'm proud of you because i made you in my
00:48:03.010 --> 00:48:04.979
Image.
00:48:04.979 --> 00:48:06.146
You literally reflect my goodness and my faithfulness
00:48:06.146 --> 00:48:08.983
In the earth.
00:48:08.983 --> 00:48:10.084
And so my prayer is that people today have heard
00:48:10.084 --> 00:48:12.720
Something that has helped to restore faith.
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It is natural to worry.
00:48:15.756 --> 00:48:17.124
And yet we are asked not to worry because god is for us.
00:48:17.124 --> 00:48:21.161
And he is faithful to his words.
00:48:21.161 --> 00:48:23.030
So i'd love for us just to pray over those who are
00:48:23.030 --> 00:48:25.499
Watching today.
00:48:25.499 --> 00:48:27.334
Father, you see the hearts of everyone who's watching, you
00:48:27.334 --> 00:48:31.271
Know the questions in their heart, the questions in their
00:48:31.271 --> 00:48:33.807
Minds.
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God you know the areas of worry and concern but my
00:48:34.908 --> 00:48:37.144
Prayer lord is that you will remind them that you love
00:48:37.144 --> 00:48:40.347
Them, that you are faithful, god that you know what they
00:48:40.347 --> 00:48:42.750
Need before they ask.
00:48:42.750 --> 00:48:44.885
I pray god that you will help us remember your track record
00:48:44.885 --> 00:48:48.088
Of goodness.
00:48:48.088 --> 00:48:49.590
Help us to remember that even in those seasons of
00:48:49.590 --> 00:48:51.558
Uncertainty god, that you have never failed.
00:48:51.558 --> 00:48:54.928
And even in those circumstances where it wasn't
00:48:54.928 --> 00:48:57.331
The prayer answer that we wanted, god, you were still
00:48:57.331 --> 00:49:01.568
Answering the prayer according to your will, and your will is
00:49:01.568 --> 00:49:04.972
To love us, god.
00:49:04.972 --> 00:49:06.140
You have good thoughts toward us.
00:49:06.140 --> 00:49:07.775
And so i thank you, god, for this conversation.
00:49:07.775 --> 00:49:10.177
And i pray, lord, that you are pleased and that we all leave
00:49:10.177 --> 00:49:13.547
Here, transformed, never to be the same again, in jesus'
00:49:13.547 --> 00:49:16.917
Name.
00:49:16.917 --> 00:49:18.085
Amen.
00:49:18.085 --> 00:49:20.954
- connect with us on social media and let us know how our
00:49:21.055 --> 00:49:23.624
Team can pray for you.
00:49:23.624 --> 00:49:31.532
- mary wrote us on instagram.
00:49:32.232 --> 00:49:34.201
She writes, do you ever have dark days and really struggle
00:49:34.201 --> 00:49:37.971
To bring yourself out of them?
00:49:37.971 --> 00:49:39.907
What do you do?
00:49:39.907 --> 00:49:40.908
- christianity is a faith of community.
00:49:40.908 --> 00:49:43.343
It is a communal faith.
00:49:43.343 --> 00:49:44.545
It was never meant to be lived out alone.
00:49:44.545 --> 00:49:47.815
I just want to encourage you to make sure that you are
00:49:47.815 --> 00:49:49.950
Putting yourself in a faithful community.
00:49:49.950 --> 00:49:51.919
You know, some church, a bible study, some small group where
00:49:51.919 --> 00:49:55.956
You actually can share some of the thoughts and feelings.
00:49:55.956 --> 00:49:58.358
You can wrestle out your faith.
00:49:58.358 --> 00:50:00.928
There is nothing like that.
00:50:00.928 --> 00:50:02.362
There's nothing like that.
00:50:02.362 --> 00:50:03.297
So make sure that you are in community.
00:50:03.297 --> 00:50:05.799
Because i think when we're isolated, that's when we start
00:50:05.799 --> 00:50:07.801
To believe wrong things.
00:50:07.801 --> 00:50:09.503
That's when we allow the darkness to overwhelm us.
00:50:09.503 --> 00:50:12.339
And then i just want to challenge you to read ephesian
00:50:12.339 --> 00:50:15.609
6, right?
00:50:15.609 --> 00:50:16.543
Where it talks about the armor of god.
00:50:16.543 --> 00:50:18.879
And we're never told to take off the armor.
00:50:18.879 --> 00:50:21.014
We're just told to put it on.
00:50:21.014 --> 00:50:22.749
And we have a helmet of salvation, that helmet, which
00:50:22.749 --> 00:50:26.053
Protects our mind, right?
00:50:26.053 --> 00:50:27.321
It's the, and so it's crucial that we actually remind
00:50:27.321 --> 00:50:31.291
Ourselves what jesus did on the cross for us.
00:50:31.291 --> 00:50:33.861
Just want to remind you about that, sort of the ephesian 6
00:50:33.861 --> 00:50:37.064
Piece and community.
00:50:37.064 --> 00:50:38.665
Make sure you're surrounding yourself with people of faith.
00:50:38.665 --> 00:50:42.236
- join our conversations anytime, anywhere, download
00:50:42.236 --> 00:50:45.472
Tbn plus to stream your favorite episodes.
00:50:45.472 --> 00:50:50.444
♪ (music playing) ♪
00:50:50.444 --> 00:50:50.444

Exchange Worry for Gratitude - Episode 1119

November 20, 2025 | S7 E1119 | 52:34

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