Better Together

Motivated by Adversity - Episode 1135

January 9, 2026 | S8 E1135 | 52:34

Is it possible for adversity to move you forward? Nothing is wasted in God's Kingdom. He will use the challenges to build our faith, strengthen our minds, and equip us for the future. | TBN Prayer Line: 714-731-1000

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Better Together | Motivated by Adversity - Episode 1135 | January 9, 2026

- when everything seems to be going wrong, god is clearing
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Your path to his promise.
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Every challenge is just our opportunity to stand firm in
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Our faith.
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Come on, let's talk about it.
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♪ (music playing) ♪
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- a few years back we went on a family trip and on this trip
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We decided to go on a sailing trip which i had
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Never been on.
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I had been on boats with motors all my life you know because
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Of texas and our lakes, but i had never been on a sailboat.
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And so we went as a family, and i wanted to have kind of
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The titanic moment at the front of the boat, and so...
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- not the sinking moment.
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- yes, let's clarify that thank you.
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The moment you know where she stands on the bow of the boat
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So i went up there with my dad, and we were talking with
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The captain and my hair blew straight back and i said where
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We going?
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And he pointed into the direction that we were
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Sailing but it was the same direction that the wind was
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Coming from.
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And it clicked with me in that moment, we don't have a motor
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To take us into the wind.
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So how is this working?
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I did not understand like the physical science reason why we
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Could sail into the wind the power of the adverse wind to
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Catapult us toward our destiny.
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I asked the captain and he gives me this scientific
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Answer and i didn't understand it went right over my head and
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So my dad he takes complicated ideas so well and makes them
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Really simple and so he explained it to me he said
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Amie, have you ever pinched the watermelon seed
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Between your fingers?
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And i said yeah you know i have and he said, okay you know
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When you do it shoots it forward?
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So what the captain is explaining to you is that the
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Wind that is coming against this vessel, the sails are set
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To a place to where it diverts that oncoming wind to the sides
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Of the vessel squeezing it like your fingers do with the
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Watermelon seed so it propels it forward into the adversity.
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And i needed that word because just after that summer when i
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Got home, i had a biopsy and found out that i
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Was facing cancer.
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And i learned really quickly that i could set my sail and
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Capture the adversity the energy of resistance so i
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Recognized with even the story of the sailboat and that
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Learning experience that i wanted to sail into a certain
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Direction and i knew god had called me to
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Something...but everything in my situation was pushing
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Me further away from that point.
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And i had to learn like the bible says, to set your mind
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On things above, not on earthly things, and i
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Recognized my mind had sails and i can either let it just
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Flap in the wind and whatever wind because that's kind of
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How i live my life to that point, i would lick my finger
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I thought i was living by faith but i would kind of lick
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My finger stick it up and go which way is the wind
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Blowing today?
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That must be god.
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So i was living my life based on whichever direction i'm
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Being pushed must be god's leading.
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And instead the lord showed me amie what i'm doing with you is
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I need you to fight for where i called you.
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I need you to be a part of this and what i saw happening
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Was that adverse wind was actually it was pollinating
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My present with the possibilities of the future.
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So everything that god was calling me to he was sending
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The seed from that place through that wind and i
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Started to recognize over and over watching the pattern in
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My life that when adversity would come against me, god was
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Stretching me, he was growing me, and he was equipping me
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For the new.
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What he had called me to.
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That adversity then i changed the way i looked at it instead
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Of just looking at it as the enemy is always against me
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Something bad is always happening to me i started to
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Go okay, i'm going to actually capture that energy and i'm
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Going to allow this to catapult me forward.
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- use it to work for you.
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- yes, yes.
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Because what i recognized is like i don't know you boys you
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Were talking about and they are growing.
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They're teenage boys oh man i remember those days when they
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Used the refrigerator as a nightlight.
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They can eat you out of house and home and i remember asking
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My oldest son to reach the top shelf in the pantry and he
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Would have to really stretch to reach the top shelf and
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Then the next summer he could just easily grab something off
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The shelf because he had grown to the place that he once had
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To reach for.
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What happens when we stretch?
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When we stretch to reach for something we cannot wait to go
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Back to the place of comfort right?
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But when we grow to it it becomes so easy.
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The real method of communication that god uses to
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Tell me that he's got something big in store is
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When adversity comes he says this is not comfortable i'm
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Stretching you to get you ready for the growth
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That's coming.
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I want you to stop wanting to go back to that comfortable
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Position i want to grow you i don't want you just always
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Having to stretch for the top.
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I want to grow you to the place where those things that
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Used to be so hard to reach are now so accessible to you.
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- it is so important for us to not get comfortable in our
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Assignment but to also be open to what god has.
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What do you want from me today lord?
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Is it the same you called me to all these years or do you
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Have a new assignment, a new calling and maybe god has
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Something new or maybe god is calling you today to remain
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Faithful where your feet are.
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Because the reality of all of our lives is our ministry is
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Where our two feet are.
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Wherever your feet are planted is where you are called to
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Minister and to love and point people to jesus.
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So wherever you are today let us be found faithful to the
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Glory of god.
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- i was just counseling somebody yesterday that just
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Got diagnosed with cancer and i said listen you're going to
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Have days in the near future where you're going to wake up
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And you're not going to think about that big "c" again.
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Right now you cannot imagine that.
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But it will become a part of the furniture in your life
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Something you've overcome and passed up and once you face a
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Mountain like that and then you're like god what's the
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Next mountain?
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You face death everyday like that come you look at the next
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Mountain and say what is it you want from me and you get
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More fearless with every single leap and bound.
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Because god uses that so i think the way he equips us is
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Not with comfort because the holy spirit is a comforter.
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A comforter does not need to comfort the comfortable.
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A comforter comes to comfort, you're uncomfortable, right?
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- such a word.
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- and so i lean into it.
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It's like even with having babies, i remember one baby, i
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Had real trouble getting that baby to engage in transition.
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And i had labored and labored and labored.
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It was my second child.
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And then they said, let's change position and we changed
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Position and within seconds his head was engaged and i
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Remember taking that and going you know what god this is when
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Something feels stuck when it feels like i am not moving on
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But i'm laboring over something i want to remember
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Spiritually to change my position to lean into the pain
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To stop fighting it and to say god what are you trying to
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Teach me in this because i know you wouldn't lead me
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Through the valley of the shadow of death unless you
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Want to give me authority in that place yes so i want
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Authority i want to walk in this place fearless and that's
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How i know god's equipping me.
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What about y'all?
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Have you encountered things where where you know that god
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Is is not taking the easy route, he's taking you on a
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Tour of your kingdom.
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- ooh, let me just say like, yes.
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Yes and yes.
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- i'll share about three years ago, right about this time,
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New year's, we had an opportunity present itself,
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And everybody said, not possible, not possible.
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And i remember it made me sick to my stomach, because i knew
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It was impossible.
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We were in colorado.
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I went back to pack my bags.
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Matt said, yeah, we'll do that, yes, absolutely.
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And off he goes to, you know, next.
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Well, i'm throwing up.
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And it was something that was i knew it had destiny written
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All over it, i felt that, but it was like god you've never
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Mentioned this man's name, you've never told me, and all
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I knew it was like i need another sign.
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I need god to open the heavens and tell us for sure because
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It struck fear inside.
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- i think walking by faith is taking the first step when
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You're not quite sure what the next step is going to be.
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Like maybe god put some kind of dream in your heart and you
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Think i'd love to do this or i think i could do that but i'm
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Not sure, i'm kind of afraid to do it.
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My thing, when i was raising our son when he was little, he
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Is 28 now, but i would say to him, christian, don't ever be
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Afraid of making a mistake.
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Just be afraid of not trying.
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If you feel that god has put a dream in your heart or a
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Vision in your heart or something you feel like
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Perhaps god could use me this way, just take the first step.
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And if you fall down, it's totally okay.
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He'd just get back up again.
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I remember hearing a song, a friend of mine wrote, and he
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Said, he used to walk past this place every day where
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There were monks and they were all praying.
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And he thought, how much easier my life would be if i
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Just lived a religious life, but that was it.
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And one day he had an opportunity to speak to one of
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The monks and said to them, what is your life like?
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And he said, well, we fall down, we get back up.
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We fall down, we get back up.
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That's the life of faith.
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Just take the next step.
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- i'll never forget my conversation over the next
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Couple hours.
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I was back packing and i was talking just like this
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To the lord.
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I'm walking around and i'm talking out loud and i go,
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God, you've never said this man's name, but all i know is
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To declare what you've said before. - yeah.
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- what you have said for all the years that we'll have entrance
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Into the hearts of the ungodly without them knowing it, that
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You were going to bring the best in their field, not only
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Things, but people will come and we're going to go
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Into nations.
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And i was just declaring all the prophetic words then i
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Would hear jesus go you know where's your-where's
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Your faith?
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I've told you and we use that scripture all the time that
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I'm getting ready to do a new thing can't you see it?
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And it became very sarcastic to me, can you
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Not perceive it?
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Do you not see that i'm doing a new thing and i just need
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Your yes, i just need you to step out.
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I didn't know what it looked like it was fearful but two
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Hours later matt comes walking back into the house and i go,
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I need you to sit down.
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And i said, i said, i've just been talking to the lord back
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There and crying out, i said my fear has completely
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Flipped, and i said i have such fear of the lord now, i
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Don't fear man, i don't fear the no's, i don't fear
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Anything, but i fear that if we say no, that we can sit
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Here for the rest of our lives and live comfortably, live in
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This passive, be comfortable, you know, stay in our
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Little tbn box.
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But i said, i'm afraid god will never speak
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To us again. - wow.
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- that this hinges on god ever trusting us with a yes again.
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And i said, i had the fear of the lord that if we don't do
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This, it'll be the- god won't ask us to do it anymore, he'll
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Get somebody else to do it.
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I just felt that this step, no matter what it looked like,
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Was one that was going to break down all the walls.
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It was going to take tbn and...the vision and the
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Purpose and the assignment to a bigger territory, don't know
00:12:46.956 --> 00:12:52.094
What that looks like but if we don't take this step it's over
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In many ways.
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We'll just sit here and do our thing and be great and go to
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Heaven, you know all is well but never do anything
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Significant for god ever again.
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And that was, and i did not know what to do with that.
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And trying to convince people around us was pretty difficult
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With that.
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And i was like, going, i don't know, i don't know what that
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Says to you, but i can't, i'm sorry, i can't
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Unwind that clock.
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Because that's exactly what i felt.
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So now three years later, all i know is that has knocked
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Down the walls.
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So i think some of those bold yeses can feel like i just got
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Myself in a lot of trouble.
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But i tell you what, this decision that we made, i
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Wouldn't trade it for the world.
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And so i want to speak to you today, those of you that maybe
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Have said a bold yes and things didn't go the way you
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Thought they were going to do, i want you to know that you
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Have opened up the floodgates of heaven with your yes.
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God sees that.
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You have rung the bell in heaven, and i cannot wait to
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See what god does with your yes because he is a
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Faithful god.
00:14:10.906 --> 00:14:12.241
He will see to completion your yes.
00:14:12.241 --> 00:14:15.277
He will be with you in your yes.
00:14:15.277 --> 00:14:17.046
You'll come to a day where you go, oh, my goodness, look what
00:14:17.046 --> 00:14:21.483
The lord has done, and i didn't have anything to do
00:14:21.483 --> 00:14:25.521
With it, except i had that little yes, and i remember
00:14:25.521 --> 00:14:29.024
That was hard one day when we said that, yes, but look what
00:14:29.024 --> 00:14:32.695
God has done.
00:14:32.695 --> 00:14:33.662
I am looking forward to this year.
00:14:33.662 --> 00:14:36.065
I am looking forward to your year with you for god to do
00:14:36.065 --> 00:14:40.469
Amazing things in your life.
00:14:40.469 --> 00:14:42.705
I want you to watch and see what happens around here.
00:14:42.705 --> 00:14:45.507
God is doing something powerful.
00:14:45.507 --> 00:14:47.977
All he needs is his children to say, your will be done, thy
00:14:47.977 --> 00:14:51.814
Kingdom come, right here on earth we're going to do great
00:14:51.814 --> 00:14:55.150
Things for god and we're in it together.
00:14:55.150 --> 00:14:59.054
- the start of the new year brings new hope
00:14:59.054 --> 00:15:01.490
And renewed dreams.
00:15:01.490 --> 00:15:02.958
- here at better together we're expecting big things for
00:15:02.958 --> 00:15:05.361
The coming year.
00:15:05.361 --> 00:15:06.395
More friends and more great conversations.
00:15:06.395 --> 00:15:08.731
- stay connected with us on social media, and tell us what
00:15:08.731 --> 00:15:11.900
Dream god has placed in your heart for the new year.
00:15:11.900 --> 00:15:16.205
Let's keep the conversation going.
00:15:16.205 --> 00:15:17.973
You can find the better together podcast on your
00:15:17.973 --> 00:15:20.709
Favorite listening platform.
00:15:20.709 --> 00:15:22.478
Subscribe today.
00:15:22.478 --> 00:15:24.413
♪ (music playing) ♪
00:15:24.413 --> 00:15:27.003
♪ (music playing) ♪
00:15:27.003 --> 00:15:31.287
- one of the greatest things about the lord that is so
00:15:31.287 --> 00:15:34.257
Different from every other relationship on earth is that
00:15:34.257 --> 00:15:37.494
God's not disappointed when we fall.
00:15:37.494 --> 00:15:40.463
God knows our story.
00:15:40.463 --> 00:15:41.398
Have you read 139 psalm recently?
00:15:41.398 --> 00:15:44.067
It says that even before you were in your mother's womb,
00:15:44.067 --> 00:15:46.803
God knew every single day.
00:15:46.803 --> 00:15:47.971
He knows our journey and he's not disappointed in us.
00:15:47.971 --> 00:15:50.874
And one of the things that's great about the lord is, if
00:15:50.874 --> 00:15:53.643
You fall down and stumble, you just get back up again.
00:15:53.643 --> 00:15:56.212
And sometimes it's when you're on the floor that you remember
00:15:56.212 --> 00:15:59.249
How much you're loved, but make sure to get back up.
00:15:59.249 --> 00:16:02.719
- i love what paul did in he's shipwrecked, right?
00:16:02.719 --> 00:16:11.995
He knows he's gonna shipwreck, nobody's gonna lose their
00:16:11.995 --> 00:16:15.865
Life, but we're gonna wreck the ship.
00:16:15.865 --> 00:16:19.169
We're gonna have a shipwreck.
00:16:19.169 --> 00:16:21.271
And i love that he clung on to what he had.
00:16:21.271 --> 00:16:25.375
Let the rest go.
00:16:25.375 --> 00:16:26.709
Hang on to a...
00:16:26.709 --> 00:16:27.577
And you know what, that was enough.
00:16:27.577 --> 00:16:29.479
That's enough to get them on shore and save their life and
00:16:29.479 --> 00:16:34.451
Go on, look either romans 8:38 is true or it's not that all
00:16:34.451 --> 00:16:40.056
Things work together for good.
00:16:40.056 --> 00:16:43.226
Not that all things are good, everything, so all the things
00:16:43.226 --> 00:16:48.465
That we think are demonic, or warfare, it's all there to
00:16:48.465 --> 00:16:51.067
Fuel the fire.
00:16:51.067 --> 00:16:54.637
It's all working for my good and so we have to change our
00:16:54.637 --> 00:16:58.575
Perspective of the author and finisher of my faith that he
00:16:58.575 --> 00:17:02.545
Is going to see through whether i see the end
00:17:02.545 --> 00:17:06.783
Result or not.
00:17:06.783 --> 00:17:08.418
God is working a plan and he's got it all worked out and we
00:17:08.418 --> 00:17:12.388
Get to rest in that.
00:17:12.388 --> 00:17:14.324
But our job is to obey and say absolutely yes.
00:17:14.324 --> 00:17:18.895
- and use the sails.
00:17:18.895 --> 00:17:20.430
- and use the sails and use the wind.
00:17:20.430 --> 00:17:23.399
- and you know, i think our culture you know, one of the,
00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:26.469
I think our biggest idol of our culture is comfort.
00:17:26.469 --> 00:17:29.706
Really, if you think about it, like, that's where we all want
00:17:29.706 --> 00:17:32.475
Is like we desire the comfortable life and all that.
00:17:32.475 --> 00:17:34.477
And i love like these stories about what god has done
00:17:34.477 --> 00:17:37.547
Because we have, i love what you said about running
00:17:37.547 --> 00:17:40.783
To the comforter.
00:17:40.783 --> 00:17:42.152
Like, god is our comfort, but oftentimes walking with jesus
00:17:42.152 --> 00:17:45.688
And obeying him doesn't look comfortable in our lives.
00:17:45.688 --> 00:17:48.892
But that he does, he strengthened us through every,
00:17:48.892 --> 00:17:51.828
You know, for years, you trusted god.
00:17:51.828 --> 00:17:54.297
So when it came to that hard thing, you had the muscles
00:17:54.297 --> 00:17:57.200
That were built up to say, god, we have come too far with
00:17:57.200 --> 00:18:00.637
You to not listen to your voice, even when it doesn't
00:18:00.637 --> 00:18:02.972
Make sense.
00:18:02.972 --> 00:18:04.207
In james, it talks about, blessed is the man who remains
00:18:04.207 --> 00:18:06.376
Steadfast under trial, for he has stood the test.
00:18:06.376 --> 00:18:09.379
He'll receive the crown of life, which god's promise to
00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:11.581
Those who love him.
00:18:11.581 --> 00:18:12.916
And when i was reading that, i started working out and doing
00:18:12.916 --> 00:18:15.418
Really heavy weights, which is just a total god's story
00:18:15.418 --> 00:18:17.954
Because i'd walk through a lot of sickness.
00:18:17.954 --> 00:18:19.756
And so i worked up to like really heavy weights.
00:18:19.756 --> 00:18:22.292
And as i was studying that passage, when it talks about
00:18:22.292 --> 00:18:26.095
Remain steadfast under trial, is those who remain under
00:18:26.095 --> 00:18:29.532
The weight.
00:18:29.532 --> 00:18:30.833
When you want to throw off the weight, when things get hard
00:18:30.833 --> 00:18:33.269
And he gets uncomfortable.
00:18:33.269 --> 00:18:34.304
What do we want to do?
00:18:34.304 --> 00:18:35.505
We want to run from the pain, excuse me, this weighs
00:18:35.505 --> 00:18:37.707
Too much!
00:18:37.707 --> 00:18:38.641
I don't want to carry this anymore.
00:18:38.641 --> 00:18:40.610
Trusting you god, this is hard i feel the shaking of the
00:18:40.610 --> 00:18:44.247
Weight under this but it says blessed who those that remain
00:18:44.247 --> 00:18:48.051
Under the weight god has called you to.
00:18:48.051 --> 00:18:50.920
For when you have stood the test, he'll receive the crown of
00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:53.323
Life so i think of that over and over again as you pick up
00:18:53.323 --> 00:18:57.227
And you allow the lord to strengthen your faith muscles,
00:18:57.227 --> 00:19:01.497
Over and over when we don't quit, when we remain
00:19:01.497 --> 00:19:04.601
Steadfast, and when we say god i am here.
00:19:04.601 --> 00:19:07.303
I am going to persevere and i'm going to walk in endurance
00:19:07.303 --> 00:19:10.106
Because i know it's going to be worth it and we don't
00:19:10.106 --> 00:19:13.209
Always have seasons where we're under the weight.
00:19:13.209 --> 00:19:15.445
There's seasons where you're the one coaching the one under
00:19:15.445 --> 00:19:17.914
Weight, saying you can do it, i've been under there.
00:19:17.914 --> 00:19:19.716
It's not heavy forever.
00:19:19.716 --> 00:19:21.050
You know what i mean?
00:19:21.050 --> 00:19:22.719
And then you have seasons where someone's coaching you.
00:19:22.719 --> 00:19:25.822
Remain under.
00:19:25.822 --> 00:19:26.723
You can do it.
00:19:26.723 --> 00:19:27.824
It's going to be worth it to persevere with jesus.
00:19:27.824 --> 00:19:30.360
And i love that the lord grows us and strengthens us for the
00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:33.830
Calling he has on our lives.
00:19:33.830 --> 00:19:36.633
So when we take on something new, oftentimes it can
00:19:36.633 --> 00:19:39.235
Feel so scary.
00:19:39.235 --> 00:19:40.503
For me, when i've done new things that god has called me
00:19:40.503 --> 00:19:43.006
To, often i do it with shaking hands, feeling so not
00:19:43.006 --> 00:19:46.576
Equipped for it.
00:19:46.576 --> 00:19:47.910
But in that, i've learned that dependency on god is where the
00:19:47.910 --> 00:19:51.948
Power is.
00:19:51.948 --> 00:19:52.849
It is not in me.
00:19:52.849 --> 00:19:54.050
It is not in my strength.
00:19:54.050 --> 00:19:55.184
I am weak.
00:19:55.184 --> 00:19:56.152
But when i am weak, he is strong.
00:19:56.152 --> 00:19:58.021
When i am empty, he is full.
00:19:58.021 --> 00:19:59.956
He is faithful to do what he has started.
00:19:59.956 --> 00:20:03.092
So if he called you to do something, he is the finisher
00:20:03.092 --> 00:20:06.229
Of our faith, not us.
00:20:06.229 --> 00:20:07.330
We don't have to depend on our own strength.
00:20:07.330 --> 00:20:09.365
We can depend on jesus and jesus alone, knowing that he
00:20:09.365 --> 00:20:12.669
Will make a way if he called you to it.
00:20:12.669 --> 00:20:15.905
- that's what i love about christ's encounter towards the
00:20:15.905 --> 00:20:18.574
End with peter.
00:20:18.574 --> 00:20:19.842
It's so moving to me it's luke 22 when jesus says "simon,
00:20:19.842 --> 00:20:24.614
Simon, satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.
00:20:24.614 --> 00:20:29.185
But i have pleaded in prayer for you, simon, that your
00:20:29.185 --> 00:20:32.355
Faith, should not fail.
00:20:32.355 --> 00:20:33.690
So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen
00:20:33.690 --> 00:20:36.592
Your brothers." i could sit with that passage for hours
00:20:36.592 --> 00:20:39.228
And just meditate on that.
00:20:39.228 --> 00:20:40.663
It's like, yeah, satan wants to mess with all of you, but i
00:20:40.663 --> 00:20:43.232
Pray for you that your faith doesn't fail.
00:20:43.232 --> 00:20:45.401
Knowing that he's about to say three times, i never
00:20:45.401 --> 00:20:48.571
Knew the man.
00:20:48.571 --> 00:20:49.505
I mean, it's amazing.
00:20:49.505 --> 00:20:50.773
I prayed for you, your faith won't fail.
00:20:50.773 --> 00:20:53.309
And when you return, not if you return, but when
00:20:53.309 --> 00:20:56.479
You come back.
00:20:56.479 --> 00:20:57.680
And i think that's just the mercy and grace of god.
00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:59.716
That, you know, you walk with them because simon had walked
00:20:59.716 --> 00:21:02.385
With them for years, three years.
00:21:02.385 --> 00:21:03.920
And thought he understood, walked on water, i've seen him
00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:07.557
Feed 5,000.
00:21:07.557 --> 00:21:08.825
All the things lazarus out the tomb, but he'd never been
00:21:08.825 --> 00:21:11.661
There before.
00:21:11.661 --> 00:21:12.929
But i think this promise of jesus, i've prayed for you.
00:21:12.929 --> 00:21:17.300
- yeah, can you imagine jesus praying for us that our faith
00:21:17.300 --> 00:21:20.470
Doesn't fail?
00:21:20.470 --> 00:21:21.738
It was funny because during that thing, i felt it was like
00:21:21.738 --> 00:21:26.542
I felt the disappointment of jesus saying where's your
00:21:26.542 --> 00:21:29.245
Faith, where is your faith?
00:21:29.245 --> 00:21:32.215
I'm never going to leave you, i'm never going to forsake
00:21:32.215 --> 00:21:35.318
You, where is your faith?
00:21:35.318 --> 00:21:36.652
Just show me all i need is a little bit, i just need one
00:21:36.652 --> 00:21:39.922
Step, i just need a yes i just need you know and i'll meet
00:21:39.922 --> 00:21:43.693
You there.
00:21:43.693 --> 00:21:44.961
You know i told matt i said i'm going to get addicted to
00:21:44.961 --> 00:21:47.130
This feeling that feeling of- - it's walking on water.
00:21:47.130 --> 00:21:51.434
- it's walking on water.
00:21:51.434 --> 00:21:52.135
It is.
00:21:52.135 --> 00:21:53.336
It is walking on water knowing that god is under it.
00:21:53.336 --> 00:21:57.273
- i like the fact that he could say, where's your faith?
00:21:57.273 --> 00:22:00.443
Because that simply means that you have it.
00:22:00.443 --> 00:22:03.346
You've been given it.
00:22:03.346 --> 00:22:05.681
Calling it up.
00:22:05.681 --> 00:22:06.349
So what is wrong with you?
00:22:06.349 --> 00:22:08.317
It's like how your kids may act out of character and you
00:22:08.317 --> 00:22:11.687
Be like, don't you remember who you are?
00:22:11.687 --> 00:22:13.756
Like, what is wrong with you?
00:22:13.756 --> 00:22:16.926
- you still got it.
00:22:16.926 --> 00:22:17.827
You got this.
00:22:17.827 --> 00:22:18.528
You can do it.
00:22:18.528 --> 00:22:19.796
- and you think of the heart of a father i mean just like
00:22:19.796 --> 00:22:21.998
With our kids and when peter messed up, and yet god chose
00:22:21.998 --> 00:22:26.769
Peter to build his church on, i mean god takes the broken
00:22:26.769 --> 00:22:30.706
Things of our lives and he uses it for his glory.
00:22:30.706 --> 00:22:33.676
And i think of the heart of a father when we mess up, you
00:22:33.676 --> 00:22:36.779
Never tell your kids oh i don't want to see you, you've
00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:40.616
Messed up too much, that's it.
00:22:40.616 --> 00:22:42.752
I am done with you falling, no every time you go with open
00:22:42.752 --> 00:22:44.787
Arms, you come to me, i have got you it's going to be okay.
00:22:44.787 --> 00:22:48.357
You're going to be okay we're going to live through this,
00:22:48.357 --> 00:22:50.693
And we think about how much more so the heart of father
00:22:50.693 --> 00:22:54.597
God is towards us to say i've got you, it's okay.
00:22:54.597 --> 00:22:57.867
And the forgiveness, and the mercy, and the gift that he
00:22:57.867 --> 00:23:02.338
Still used peter no matter what, and he can still use us,
00:23:02.338 --> 00:23:06.642
No matter what we have done, whatever's in our past, what's
00:23:06.642 --> 00:23:09.445
Ever in our future, no matter how little our faith is, like,
00:23:09.445 --> 00:23:12.548
We don't have to have it all together because he has
00:23:12.548 --> 00:23:14.617
It all together.
00:23:14.617 --> 00:23:15.418
And in him, we have all things.
00:23:15.418 --> 00:23:18.154
- in my life, it's often been in the place that felt like
00:23:18.154 --> 00:23:21.257
The worst place that god has shown up and done the
00:23:21.257 --> 00:23:24.026
Greatest things.
00:23:24.026 --> 00:23:25.328
And i know people say that, that nothing grows on the top
00:23:25.328 --> 00:23:27.563
Of a mountain always grows in the valley.
00:23:27.563 --> 00:23:29.799
But it's so true in life, it's when we feel like things have
00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:32.902
Kind of fallen apart that somehow, in all the broken
00:23:32.902 --> 00:23:36.272
Pieces, we discover the goodness and the mercy and the
00:23:36.272 --> 00:23:39.976
Faithfulness of god.
00:23:39.976 --> 00:23:41.244
When we think we deserve his kindness the least, that so
00:23:41.244 --> 00:23:44.347
Often will i'm most aware of the fact that god loves us
00:23:44.347 --> 00:23:47.450
Just as we are, just right now.
00:23:47.450 --> 00:23:49.252
I pray you know that.
00:23:49.252 --> 00:23:52.121
- because the rock of revelation is the revelation
00:23:52.121 --> 00:23:55.258
Of who jesus is.
00:23:55.258 --> 00:23:56.459
And every adversity gives us a divine opportunity to
00:23:56.459 --> 00:23:59.929
Know him.
00:23:59.929 --> 00:24:01.197
Because in matthew 16 when jesus says who do you say that
00:24:01.197 --> 00:24:04.433
I am?
00:24:04.433 --> 00:24:05.635
And he said thou are the christ, the son of the living
00:24:05.635 --> 00:24:08.471
God he says peter, petra little rock that means upon
00:24:08.471 --> 00:24:13.242
This rock of revelation i will build my church.
00:24:13.242 --> 00:24:16.112
So it was not peter his flesh, remember his name was simon,
00:24:16.112 --> 00:24:19.815
Unstable as water.
00:24:19.815 --> 00:24:20.950
God's name for him was the opposite of his nature.
00:24:20.950 --> 00:24:23.719
So the revelation comes from the spirit man, not
00:24:23.719 --> 00:24:27.957
From the flesh.
00:24:27.957 --> 00:24:29.191
And that's why i think we expect god to show up and the
00:24:29.191 --> 00:24:31.427
Holy spirit to show up as comforter to
00:24:31.427 --> 00:24:33.496
Comfort our flesh.
00:24:33.496 --> 00:24:34.830
And when that doesn't happen, we can get really discouraged
00:24:34.830 --> 00:24:38.534
Or think maybe we didn't hear god when something gets messy.
00:24:38.534 --> 00:24:42.204
And we have to go back to wait, but i have the rock of
00:24:42.204 --> 00:24:44.941
Revelation, and that is the knowledge of who he is.
00:24:44.941 --> 00:24:47.677
And i think every adversity i've gone through, just like
00:24:47.677 --> 00:24:50.980
Peter, that would cause me to feel more disqualified, has
00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:54.884
Actually allowed me to exchange more of myself for
00:24:54.884 --> 00:25:00.056
More of him.
00:25:00.056 --> 00:25:01.357
So less of me and more of him.
00:25:01.357 --> 00:25:03.626
And i think that's really the goal is god, you know, wanted
00:25:03.626 --> 00:25:07.930
To use peter, but he had to use the version of peter that
00:25:07.930 --> 00:25:12.401
Wasn't boastful, that didn't think he knew it all.
00:25:12.401 --> 00:25:15.605
You know, it had walked that whole road and could speak to,
00:25:15.605 --> 00:25:18.441
Oh, jesus would like that.
00:25:18.441 --> 00:25:19.809
He would say that.
00:25:19.809 --> 00:25:20.876
When he's not here, i can make the decision.
00:25:20.876 --> 00:25:22.979
And instead, that was humbled. - yeah.
00:25:22.979 --> 00:25:26.515
And it really came back to, okay, do you love me?
00:25:26.515 --> 00:25:29.719
And if you love me, then you're qualified. - yeah.
00:25:29.719 --> 00:25:33.956
Because there's less of you here now, less of your ego,
00:25:33.956 --> 00:25:37.526
Less of your understanding.
00:25:37.526 --> 00:25:39.929
Even less of your pedigree in your time with me it does not
00:25:39.929 --> 00:25:44.967
Say anything if it does not speak love.
00:25:44.967 --> 00:25:47.169
I think that's where i really get peter story and also just
00:25:47.169 --> 00:25:51.440
Called mention him being shipwrecked a lot of times
00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:56.245
When that we, our lives hit shipwrecked we ask ourselves
00:25:56.245 --> 00:25:59.682
What did i do wrong?
00:25:59.682 --> 00:26:01.283
What did i do to deserve this?
00:26:01.283 --> 00:26:02.785
Did i do something wrong?
00:26:02.785 --> 00:26:03.986
And it really helps me to recognize that jonah he was in
00:26:03.986 --> 00:26:10.393
The middle of a storm and once for his disobedience right?
00:26:10.393 --> 00:26:16.899
Going overboard but paul was shipwrecked four times for
00:26:16.899 --> 00:26:20.102
Doing something right.
00:26:20.102 --> 00:26:20.936
For obeying god.
00:26:20.936 --> 00:26:25.675
And that's why we can take that anniversary instead let
00:26:25.675 --> 00:26:27.309
It discount and discourage us.
00:26:27.309 --> 00:26:30.212
He said his back but really say god is
00:26:30.212 --> 00:26:33.215
Equipping me for more.
00:26:33.215 --> 00:26:35.117
- if you are walk through adversity right now and you
00:26:35.117 --> 00:26:37.286
Think that your life is over and you think there's no way i
00:26:37.286 --> 00:26:40.222
Could continue on, i just want to encourage you that there is
00:26:40.222 --> 00:26:45.394
Living hope found in the person of jesus.
00:26:45.394 --> 00:26:47.229
You don't have to muster up this hope.
00:26:47.229 --> 00:26:50.332
You don't have to muster up the strength but there's
00:26:50.332 --> 00:26:52.601
Strength found in jesus christ, so call out him, call
00:26:52.601 --> 00:26:54.737
His name, call out for him to be your help he is our refuge,
00:26:54.737 --> 00:27:00.342
He is our strength, he is our strong tower and in him who is
00:27:00.342 --> 00:27:04.013
Near to the broken hearted and those questions we have
00:27:04.013 --> 00:27:07.016
Everything that we need to take the next step
00:27:07.016 --> 00:27:10.553
Towards our hope.
00:27:10.553 --> 00:27:12.855
- i think the most encouraging story i have is really king
00:27:12.855 --> 00:27:15.424
David because he's anointed as a young boy to become king, he
00:27:15.424 --> 00:27:19.195
Had already been playing the harp, you know for king saul
00:27:19.195 --> 00:27:23.499
He had been in the throne room but after that, he was pushed
00:27:23.499 --> 00:27:27.169
Further from the throne room than ever.
00:27:27.169 --> 00:27:29.004
He ended up living in the philistines backyard.
00:27:29.004 --> 00:27:33.509
Because he was hunted, his mentor had turned into his
00:27:33.509 --> 00:27:36.645
Tormentor, and he was hunted and i saw that as okay this
00:27:36.645 --> 00:27:41.984
Looks familiar because god has made me a promise and then i
00:27:41.984 --> 00:27:45.721
Am pushed further from that promise than ever become an
00:27:45.721 --> 00:27:49.291
Enemy to those that i thought were on my
00:27:49.291 --> 00:27:51.594
Side, what's going on?
00:27:51.594 --> 00:27:53.295
And then the lord through the story of david really showed
00:27:53.295 --> 00:27:55.931
Me he was taking king david on a tour of his kingdom.
00:27:55.931 --> 00:28:02.371
You are going to know the ins and outs.
00:28:02.371 --> 00:28:04.373
You are going to know the back streets on the out lease.
00:28:04.373 --> 00:28:06.509
You are going to know what people really need you are
00:28:06.509 --> 00:28:08.711
Going to know what they eat for dinner.
00:28:08.711 --> 00:28:10.513
You know what they're talking about at their table.
00:28:10.513 --> 00:28:12.348
Saul was out of touch he never was a man of the people.
00:28:12.348 --> 00:28:16.185
David, you are going to have the heart of the people.
00:28:16.185 --> 00:28:18.988
And you're going to be a great king and a great mediator
00:28:18.988 --> 00:28:21.323
Because you have been forced into the alleyways and the
00:28:21.323 --> 00:28:25.027
Back streets.
00:28:25.027 --> 00:28:26.362
And you're going to know every neighborhood inside and out,
00:28:26.362 --> 00:28:28.964
That's what gave him real authority.
00:28:28.964 --> 00:28:31.634
I'm like-
00:28:31.634 --> 00:28:32.701
- that's the same thing, though, that happened
00:28:32.701 --> 00:28:33.669
With joshua and moses.
00:28:33.669 --> 00:28:35.337
- oh, yeah, yeah.
00:28:35.337 --> 00:28:36.438
- you know, joshua didn't expect to take on the
00:28:36.438 --> 00:28:39.575
Role of moses.
00:28:39.575 --> 00:28:41.343
He's like, hey, what's next?
00:28:41.343 --> 00:28:43.779
And god has to tell him, hey, look, moses is dead.
00:28:43.779 --> 00:28:47.683
It's your turn.
00:28:47.683 --> 00:28:48.717
But joshua was with moses the whole time.
00:28:48.717 --> 00:28:52.421
Like he got to see the miracles.
00:28:52.421 --> 00:28:54.256
He got to see the downfalls.
00:28:54.256 --> 00:28:56.559
He got to see all of the nuances that god was leading
00:28:56.559 --> 00:29:00.663
Him through.
00:29:00.663 --> 00:29:01.864
So people don't even realize that god is preparing you
00:29:01.864 --> 00:29:05.968
Through every season of your life.
00:29:05.968 --> 00:29:08.404
He's not just thrusting you out there to say, okay, go,
00:29:08.404 --> 00:29:11.373
You get him.
00:29:11.373 --> 00:29:12.374
And you're unprepared.
00:29:12.374 --> 00:29:14.109
He's never going to be a reproach to himself.
00:29:14.109 --> 00:29:17.780
- exactly... - you know, if he
00:29:17.780 --> 00:29:19.215
Has called you to do something, he has
00:29:19.215 --> 00:29:21.483
Equipped you over a season or a period of time, you just
00:29:21.483 --> 00:29:26.188
Didn't realize it.
00:29:26.188 --> 00:29:27.556
And i thank god that i didn't realize it even about my own
00:29:27.556 --> 00:29:31.727
Life, because if i would have known what god was doing, i
00:29:31.727 --> 00:29:35.764
Probably would have ran and be like, oh, no, just, no, for
00:29:35.764 --> 00:29:39.401
Real, i did run, but i never knew that he was preparing me.
00:29:39.401 --> 00:29:43.806
But hindsight, 20-20.
00:29:43.806 --> 00:29:45.808
When you look back, you're like, oh, yeah, i was in this
00:29:45.808 --> 00:29:48.911
Season and god was showing me this.
00:29:48.911 --> 00:29:51.247
Or i was being prepared for that.
00:29:51.247 --> 00:29:53.582
And now this is, i can handle this.
00:29:53.582 --> 00:29:56.352
You know, and so all he was trying to do with joshua was
00:29:56.352 --> 00:30:00.356
Expose him through the life of moses.
00:30:00.356 --> 00:30:02.858
And then joshua could take the leadership after moses was
00:30:02.858 --> 00:30:07.363
Gone because god had prepared him.
00:30:07.363 --> 00:30:10.332
- everyone has an assignment from god.
00:30:10.332 --> 00:30:14.136
You were born for such a time as this.
00:30:14.136 --> 00:30:18.207
Yours may not be in the pulpit, yours may not be
00:30:18.207 --> 00:30:21.810
Behind a mic, yours my not be on a stage or big screen, but
00:30:21.810 --> 00:30:27.416
You have a role, the bible says that we are many members
00:30:27.416 --> 00:30:32.821
But we are one body and guess what?
00:30:32.821 --> 00:30:35.724
It also says that we all have a supply for one another.
00:30:35.724 --> 00:30:40.763
So listen to me you have purpose, you have value, find
00:30:40.763 --> 00:30:45.768
Out by spending quality time with the word with the father,
00:30:45.768 --> 00:30:49.672
Finding out what your specific role is here in the
00:30:49.672 --> 00:30:54.176
Earth to fulfill.
00:30:54.176 --> 00:30:56.545
- i was thinking back to when i was a teenager i was a nanny
00:30:56.545 --> 00:30:58.981
For a family that was in ministry.
00:30:58.981 --> 00:31:00.849
And i mean, i was over there every day watching how they
00:31:00.849 --> 00:31:04.086
Balanced ministry, their marriage, poured into their
00:31:04.086 --> 00:31:06.789
Kids, did all this, and they were so intentional.
00:31:06.789 --> 00:31:10.092
But i was in their house watching all of it happen.
00:31:10.092 --> 00:31:13.295
And a couple years ago, i called her and i said, it just
00:31:13.295 --> 00:31:17.866
Hit me.
00:31:17.866 --> 00:31:18.867
I mean, god prepared me.
00:31:18.867 --> 00:31:20.336
Here i married someone in law enforcement thinking that was
00:31:20.336 --> 00:31:23.272
Gonna be my life and not knowing all the loss and the
00:31:23.272 --> 00:31:26.675
Pain and everything.
00:31:26.675 --> 00:31:27.676
And i'm like, i'm in your, shoes today.
00:31:27.676 --> 00:31:30.479
Like god had me in your house watching you guys get news,
00:31:30.479 --> 00:31:35.050
Seeking after the lord, watching you pray over your
00:31:35.050 --> 00:31:38.420
Kids when they went to bed, watching y'all take a date
00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:41.023
Night, every week to pour into your marriage and watching
00:31:41.023 --> 00:31:44.860
Your faith come alive.
00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:46.428
God gave me a front row seat preparing me for what was to
00:31:46.428 --> 00:31:49.598
Come, having no idea that would be my future.
00:31:49.598 --> 00:31:53.335
And here we are in full-time ministry.
00:31:53.335 --> 00:31:55.838
And there are so many things that i've implemented that god
00:31:55.838 --> 00:31:59.174
Prepared me ahead of time watching this amazing family,
00:31:59.174 --> 00:32:03.112
Not having any idea what god was going to do in our future.
00:32:03.112 --> 00:32:07.216
- no moment is a waste for me.
00:32:07.216 --> 00:32:09.718
It's like we've got to maximize every moment because
00:32:09.718 --> 00:32:13.389
Every me, god is using it to be a blessing to us
00:32:13.389 --> 00:32:17.292
Later in life.
00:32:17.292 --> 00:32:18.127
We don't even know it.
00:32:18.127 --> 00:32:19.428
- that's why paul says in every state that i find myself
00:32:19.428 --> 00:32:22.931
In, i'm content there.
00:32:22.931 --> 00:32:25.634
I am content because i know that i can do all seasons
00:32:25.634 --> 00:32:29.405
Through christ who strengthens me.
00:32:29.405 --> 00:32:31.807
Because i know it's for a purpose.
00:32:31.807 --> 00:32:33.609
I know it's for my good. - yes.
00:32:33.609 --> 00:32:35.978
- and for his glory.
00:32:35.978 --> 00:32:36.845
That's the best thing about it.
00:32:36.845 --> 00:32:38.480
God doesn't call us into something.
00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:41.850
And then we hit those hard times, which is actually a
00:32:41.850 --> 00:32:45.587
Gift. - you're right.
00:32:45.587 --> 00:32:47.489
It is.
00:32:47.489 --> 00:32:48.757
- i know that probably hits some people really sideways.
00:32:48.757 --> 00:32:52.561
I know it has me sometimes. - same.
00:32:52.561 --> 00:32:54.630
- but i think if that had not happened in my life so many
00:32:54.630 --> 00:32:58.801
Years ago, i would not be where i am today.
00:32:58.801 --> 00:33:00.903
God brought me through that to show me this.
00:33:00.903 --> 00:33:05.674
You know, so he does use every heartbreak, every sorrow,
00:33:05.674 --> 00:33:10.279
Every tear, every sickness, every, everything god can turn
00:33:10.279 --> 00:33:17.119
For our good if we trust and we love him and we stay close.
00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:21.190
And it's easier with him close and far away.
00:33:21.190 --> 00:33:24.059
A lot of people say, well, i've lost faith when i tried
00:33:24.059 --> 00:33:28.130
To believe god for something and it didn't happen.
00:33:28.130 --> 00:33:30.165
I lost my faith.
00:33:30.165 --> 00:33:31.266
I would question whether they had faith or not.
00:33:31.266 --> 00:33:33.302
They had the wrong kind of faith.
00:33:33.302 --> 00:33:34.636
- i would say believe again.
00:33:34.636 --> 00:33:37.506
- because god is faithful to what he says.
00:33:37.506 --> 00:33:42.010
- i love the scripture when paul said whatever state i am
00:33:42.010 --> 00:33:46.348
In i have learned to be content; contentment is not
00:33:46.348 --> 00:33:50.519
Settling for where i am, it simply says that i will enjoy
00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:56.825
Where i am because i still have expectations for
00:33:56.825 --> 00:34:01.430
Something greater.
00:34:01.430 --> 00:34:02.898
So don't let your contentment turn you into sitting
00:34:02.898 --> 00:34:06.368
Passively by waiting and hoping and wishing something
00:34:06.368 --> 00:34:11.840
Will come to pass no have expectation in
00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:15.844
Your contentment.
00:34:15.844 --> 00:34:17.146
- you know amie is such a witness of the goodness of
00:34:17.146 --> 00:34:21.116
God to me, and to see where she's come from and where she
00:34:21.116 --> 00:34:26.421
Is now, and where she speaks from the authority that she
00:34:26.421 --> 00:34:31.260
Speaks from now is just amazing to me amie.
00:34:31.260 --> 00:34:34.730
I have known her since she was a little girl.
00:34:34.730 --> 00:34:37.666
And i watched her from afar for so many years and up close
00:34:37.666 --> 00:34:43.305
But she speaks with such authority now.
00:34:43.305 --> 00:34:46.308
Because of what she's had to walk through to get here.
00:34:46.308 --> 00:34:50.779
Not here sitting on better together, but here with a
00:34:50.779 --> 00:34:55.050
Platform and speaking into the lives of people that will
00:34:55.050 --> 00:34:58.754
Change people's lives. - yeah.
00:34:58.754 --> 00:35:01.657
- well, it really started with me making my first real big
00:35:01.657 --> 00:35:05.360
Mistake what i saw, you know? - yeah.
00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:08.363
- and that's where i saw the lord how he used even my own
00:35:08.363 --> 00:35:12.367
Failure for his benefit, because i surrendered it.
00:35:12.367 --> 00:35:16.772
I didn't understand it.
00:35:16.772 --> 00:35:18.440
You know, and so cancer, it's like, i didn't do that to
00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:20.809
Myself, but i have made mistakes where i thought, i'm
00:35:20.809 --> 00:35:24.079
Totally disqualified for ministry.
00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:26.448
And the lord really taught me, that's the only way i can pour
00:35:26.448 --> 00:35:29.384
Myself into you is when there's less of you, when you
00:35:29.384 --> 00:35:32.854
Offer me emptiness. - yeah.
00:35:32.854 --> 00:35:34.590
- that's what he, that's beloved to him.
00:35:34.590 --> 00:35:37.593
He loves that empty place.
00:35:37.593 --> 00:35:39.661
- he works out of nothing.
00:35:39.661 --> 00:35:40.862
- he does.
00:35:40.862 --> 00:35:41.930
- give me your nothing and you're empty.
00:35:41.930 --> 00:35:44.366
And i really, you know, there's times when i sort of
00:35:44.366 --> 00:35:46.935
Laugh with the holy spirit and go, man, i could have done the
00:35:46.935 --> 00:35:50.005
Job i'm doing now.
00:35:50.005 --> 00:35:51.073
I feel like a lot better before menopause.
00:35:51.073 --> 00:35:54.309
When i had more than three brain cells to rub together,
00:35:54.309 --> 00:35:58.313
You know, it's just a little harder to keep your thoughts.
00:35:58.313 --> 00:36:03.885
But so many other things have seasoned and softened that i
00:36:03.885 --> 00:36:07.923
See the brilliance of god, because i need him more now
00:36:07.923 --> 00:36:11.293
Intellectually than i did when i was younger.
00:36:11.293 --> 00:36:14.096
I didn't know how much i needed him.
00:36:14.096 --> 00:36:16.331
I thought i had, you know, all this study and all this
00:36:16.331 --> 00:36:20.802
Research, and now it's like, it's easier because i
00:36:20.802 --> 00:36:24.072
Recognize i can't do it.
00:36:24.072 --> 00:36:26.675
Physically, i can't do it.
00:36:26.675 --> 00:36:29.177
Emotionally, i can't do it.
00:36:29.177 --> 00:36:30.178
I have to have him.
00:36:30.178 --> 00:36:31.179
And i think that's the best place to be.
00:36:31.179 --> 00:36:34.016
And i think peter figured that out when jesus showed up and
00:36:34.016 --> 00:36:37.052
Made him breakfast said, you know, do you love me?
00:36:37.052 --> 00:36:39.721
If you do feed my sheep.
00:36:39.721 --> 00:36:42.224
And i think that's the question maybe that we're
00:36:42.224 --> 00:36:44.393
Leaving people with this week is do we have to do anything
00:36:44.393 --> 00:36:47.763
To prepare for whatever god is preparing for us.
00:36:47.763 --> 00:36:51.033
What's the best things that we can do as women to get
00:36:51.033 --> 00:36:54.936
Ourselves ready for that next assignment?
00:36:54.936 --> 00:36:58.073
How can we partner with god in our new assignment?
00:36:58.073 --> 00:37:02.678
Instead of striving, working from a place of victory, i
00:37:02.678 --> 00:37:06.014
Think it's so important for us to partner with him
00:37:06.014 --> 00:37:09.084
By linking arms.
00:37:09.084 --> 00:37:10.952
And what that means practically is that you don't
00:37:10.952 --> 00:37:13.422
Go weeks or months without checking in with a partner.
00:37:13.422 --> 00:37:16.425
You're talking to a partner.
00:37:16.425 --> 00:37:18.527
Hour by hour, moment by moment, day by day.
00:37:18.527 --> 00:37:22.464
So the bible talks about like this to pray without ceasing
00:37:22.464 --> 00:37:26.034
That means to continue the conversation with god
00:37:26.034 --> 00:37:29.371
Throughout the day.
00:37:29.371 --> 00:37:30.706
If god is working on you with something and you are working
00:37:30.706 --> 00:37:34.209
On something with god then you're going to continue the
00:37:34.209 --> 00:37:36.345
Conversation and allow him to keep speaking into the plans
00:37:36.345 --> 00:37:39.915
You are making not that you just write everything down and
00:37:39.915 --> 00:37:43.952
Say god i want you to cosign on this but partnering with
00:37:43.952 --> 00:37:46.788
Him means making him a part of the plans and asking him
00:37:46.788 --> 00:37:49.991
What his will is.
00:37:49.991 --> 00:37:52.828
It's so important that we do that and we don't have to keep
00:37:52.828 --> 00:37:55.697
Starting over but that we build slowly gradually but
00:37:55.697 --> 00:37:59.267
Consistently a strong foundation in christ.
00:37:59.267 --> 00:38:02.337
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Visit bettertogether.tv to sign up for weekly emails and
00:38:07.075 --> 00:38:11.079
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00:38:11.079 --> 00:38:14.416
- i think about the story in the bible about that widow who
00:38:14.416 --> 00:38:16.003
- i think about the story in the bible about that widow who
00:38:16.003 --> 00:38:20.890
Had literally, they were about to die.
00:38:20.890 --> 00:38:23.826
They were starving, and they came and make the last little
00:38:23.826 --> 00:38:26.863
Loaf of bread.
00:38:26.863 --> 00:38:29.332
And she had to trust god with the little last bit
00:38:29.332 --> 00:38:32.168
That she had.
00:38:32.168 --> 00:38:33.503
Knowing god i'm giving you this all, and then but she
00:38:33.503 --> 00:38:35.938
Also had to gather the jars.
00:38:35.938 --> 00:38:37.473
So she had to gather the jars to fill up the room and i
00:38:37.473 --> 00:38:39.609
Think about how preparing first your assignment, walking
00:38:39.609 --> 00:38:42.445
In obedience, i think about the jars she got from her
00:38:42.445 --> 00:38:48.751
Neighbors, the empty jars that needed to be filled up with
00:38:48.751 --> 00:38:52.255
The oil.
00:38:52.255 --> 00:38:54.157
And i think about how our faith, us preparing for our
00:38:54.157 --> 00:38:57.560
Assignment, us walking it out, it doesn't just affect us.
00:38:57.560 --> 00:39:00.763
It affects our neighbors, our community.
00:39:00.763 --> 00:39:02.799
And i thought, how crazy would that be?
00:39:02.799 --> 00:39:05.201
Excuse me, ma'am, but can i just have all the empty jars
00:39:05.201 --> 00:39:07.370
In your house?
00:39:07.370 --> 00:39:08.771
Because i'm believing god is going to do what he promised,
00:39:08.771 --> 00:39:11.374
But yeah, i have nothing.
00:39:11.374 --> 00:39:13.576
It doesn't make sense right now.
00:39:13.576 --> 00:39:14.977
And yet she gathered.
00:39:14.977 --> 00:39:16.879
And then it said that she was told to close the door and
00:39:16.879 --> 00:39:21.083
Just be there with her son. - yes.
00:39:21.083 --> 00:39:22.518
- so the miracle was not just to be for her, but the miracle
00:39:22.518 --> 00:39:25.521
Was for her son to see that god was going to provide and
00:39:25.521 --> 00:39:29.826
Do a mighty work.
00:39:29.826 --> 00:39:31.127
And she closed the door and god did the miraculous in her
00:39:31.127 --> 00:39:33.863
Life through the empty jars.
00:39:33.863 --> 00:39:36.766
And i think about all of us and the people that could be
00:39:36.766 --> 00:39:39.335
Listening today about how many empty jars are we bringing
00:39:39.335 --> 00:39:42.538
Before the lord.
00:39:42.538 --> 00:39:43.706
God, i feel empty in my marriage.
00:39:43.706 --> 00:39:45.641
I feel empty in parenting.
00:39:45.641 --> 00:39:46.909
I feel empty in my health.
00:39:46.909 --> 00:39:48.244
I feel empty in my mental state.
00:39:48.244 --> 00:39:50.613
God, i feel empty in my ministry.
00:39:50.613 --> 00:39:52.081
God, i feel like i have no community.
00:39:52.081 --> 00:39:54.050
I'm sick.
00:39:54.050 --> 00:39:55.284
All of these empty jars that we bring before the lord.
00:39:55.284 --> 00:39:57.987
And we say, god, you alone can fill it up.
00:39:57.987 --> 00:40:01.090
You alone have exactly what i need for the next breath, the
00:40:01.090 --> 00:40:04.660
Next step, the next meal.
00:40:04.660 --> 00:40:09.298
And he alone will do it because you're right emptiness
00:40:09.298 --> 00:40:11.801
Is the best place that we can be.
00:40:11.801 --> 00:40:13.035
- our greatest asset.
00:40:13.035 --> 00:40:14.170
- it is.
00:40:14.170 --> 00:40:15.471
- god loves to work out in the chaos of nothing yes he does
00:40:15.471 --> 00:40:17.206
His best work.
00:40:17.206 --> 00:40:19.108
- yeah he does.
00:40:19.108 --> 00:40:20.209
- i love it.
00:40:20.209 --> 00:40:21.477
- what i do is try to just collect other people's prayer
00:40:21.477 --> 00:40:23.446
Requests because i'm like okay if--if i have a big empty
00:40:23.446 --> 00:40:26.716
Situation, where i need to see an out pouring up the holy
00:40:26.716 --> 00:40:30.453
Spirit and healing, then i want everyone, let me collect.
00:40:30.453 --> 00:40:33.589
My mom taught me that when my brother was in a coma after
00:40:33.589 --> 00:40:36.659
He'd been hit by a car.
00:40:36.659 --> 00:40:38.127
She went through all the waiting rooms in
00:40:38.127 --> 00:40:40.296
All of baylor.
00:40:40.296 --> 00:40:43.032
Okay, what's your name?
00:40:43.032 --> 00:40:44.934
What are you believing for?
00:40:44.934 --> 00:40:46.202
What are you praying for?
00:40:46.202 --> 00:40:46.836
Who are you here with?
00:40:46.836 --> 00:40:47.703
And we prayed for every...
00:40:47.703 --> 00:40:49.305
She's like, we're going to clear out this hospital.
00:40:49.305 --> 00:40:51.073
And the enemy's not going to want us to be here very long.
00:40:51.073 --> 00:40:53.009
- you're going to hurry up and get me out of here.
00:40:53.009 --> 00:40:55.378
- yes, they're going to get me out of here.
00:40:55.378 --> 00:40:57.179
Because that's what...
00:40:57.179 --> 00:40:58.381
I still go, okay, how can i collect other situations?
00:40:58.381 --> 00:41:00.783
- yeah. - because i cannot be the
00:41:00.783 --> 00:41:02.985
Only one going through what i'm going through.
00:41:02.985 --> 00:41:04.620
- deedee i think it was you that said you know we think
00:41:04.620 --> 00:41:07.423
That let's just get through one hard thing but we have all
00:41:07.423 --> 00:41:08.991
Walk through hard thing after hard thing but we've also seen
00:41:08.991 --> 00:41:12.061
God do miraculous after miraculous and it's built our
00:41:12.061 --> 00:41:15.631
Faith in huge ways and so you can look at all the stories
00:41:15.631 --> 00:41:18.734
And the prayer request and be like man the same good god the
00:41:18.734 --> 00:41:22.171
Same faithful god he did miraculous in all of our lives
00:41:22.171 --> 00:41:24.807
Can do it once again for everybody else too.
00:41:24.807 --> 00:41:27.743
- amen. - yes.
00:41:27.743 --> 00:41:29.312
- i love how the bible starts out.
00:41:29.312 --> 00:41:31.547
In the beginning, god created the heavens and the earth.
00:41:31.547 --> 00:41:35.718
The earth was without form and was void, and darkness covered
00:41:35.718 --> 00:41:41.591
The face of the earth.
00:41:41.591 --> 00:41:43.359
God takes nothing.
00:41:43.359 --> 00:41:45.394
God takes something that's unformed, void, dark, and he
00:41:45.394 --> 00:41:51.767
Makes something so, so good.
00:41:51.767 --> 00:41:56.639
And so with our little nothing, our emptiness, our
00:41:56.639 --> 00:42:02.612
Deformed lives, we can bring to him and say, god, i need
00:42:02.612 --> 00:42:08.985
You to fill this up.
00:42:08.985 --> 00:42:10.620
And he does.
00:42:10.620 --> 00:42:12.555
He does such a beautiful job at taking our nothing and
00:42:12.555 --> 00:42:16.659
Making it into something beautiful.
00:42:16.659 --> 00:42:18.861
He turns our sorrow into dancing.
00:42:18.861 --> 00:42:21.998
He can turn our nights into beautiful days, he loves to do
00:42:21.998 --> 00:42:29.805
Miracles.
00:42:29.805 --> 00:42:31.340
He loves to do them for you because he loves you so much.
00:42:31.340 --> 00:42:34.610
So give it all to him.
00:42:34.610 --> 00:42:37.847
Give him all your pain, give him all your sorrow, give him
00:42:37.847 --> 00:42:42.018
All your emptiness, all your dissatisfaction, give
00:42:42.018 --> 00:42:45.354
It to god.
00:42:45.354 --> 00:42:46.622
- one of the things i love most about the lord, and i've
00:42:46.622 --> 00:42:50.593
Heard each one of you talk about this, it's the way that he
00:42:50.593 --> 00:42:53.596
Meets us where we actually are.
00:42:53.596 --> 00:42:56.399
And yet what he sees in us, and his plan for us
00:42:56.399 --> 00:42:59.435
Is so much greater.
00:42:59.435 --> 00:43:00.736
But it doesn't, it's like, if you think of the world, you
00:43:00.736 --> 00:43:03.339
Train and you train to become the best.
00:43:03.339 --> 00:43:04.573
But it's almost through your human frailty that you
00:43:04.573 --> 00:43:07.910
Understand the power of god in your life. - yeah.
00:43:07.910 --> 00:43:11.647
- because i'll never forget the first time i spoke at a
00:43:11.647 --> 00:43:13.616
Conference, and it was women of faith conference, and i had
00:43:13.616 --> 00:43:17.186
Just heard two or three speakers before me, and they
00:43:17.186 --> 00:43:19.689
Were phenomenal.
00:43:19.689 --> 00:43:20.523
I mean, just phenomenal.
00:43:20.523 --> 00:43:21.691
- great. - yeah, great.
00:43:21.691 --> 00:43:24.527
I know.
00:43:24.527 --> 00:43:25.461
Thank you so much for being brilliant.
00:43:25.461 --> 00:43:26.529
And that was not my gift.
00:43:26.529 --> 00:43:28.831
You know, i didn't know how to do that.
00:43:28.831 --> 00:43:30.933
I'd done it once before, mentioned it sometime this
00:43:30.933 --> 00:43:33.903
Week, once before just at a luncheon, but that was
00:43:33.903 --> 00:43:35.671
Like a one-off.
00:43:35.671 --> 00:43:36.872
I was like, well, lord, i shot my ward.
00:43:36.872 --> 00:43:38.207
That was it.
00:43:38.207 --> 00:43:40.209
But suddenly now i've been invited to be
00:43:40.209 --> 00:43:41.077
Part of something.
00:43:41.077 --> 00:43:42.578
And i can remember thinking, i can't do this.
00:43:42.578 --> 00:43:44.680
And there was a break before i was due to speak.
00:43:44.680 --> 00:43:47.249
And we're in this arena with 18,000 women.
00:43:47.249 --> 00:43:49.985
And i run to the restroom and i lock myself in and i'm like,
00:43:49.985 --> 00:43:53.622
Well, lord, i don't know how i arrived here, but this is not
00:43:53.622 --> 00:43:57.993
Going to work.
00:43:57.993 --> 00:43:58.728
- you've blown it now.
00:43:58.728 --> 00:44:00.029
- this is just, like, i knew what i was confident in what i
00:44:00.029 --> 00:44:03.799
Could do, but i wasn't confident in this at all.
00:44:03.799 --> 00:44:06.602
And the only thing i felt, and i've never heard the audible
00:44:06.602 --> 00:44:10.372
Voice of god, i look forward to that one day, but what i've
00:44:10.372 --> 00:44:14.710
Heard in my spirit was, sheila, run in your own lane,
00:44:14.710 --> 00:44:16.979
Run in your own line.
00:44:16.979 --> 00:44:19.181
You don't have to be her and you don't have to be her.
00:44:19.181 --> 00:44:21.016
Just run in your own lane.
00:44:21.016 --> 00:44:23.385
And so i remember getting up on the platform and it was in
00:44:23.385 --> 00:44:25.988
A round and looking at these 18,000 women and thinking,
00:44:25.988 --> 00:44:31.360
Lord, every single one of these women, you have a plan
00:44:31.360 --> 00:44:35.831
For their life.
00:44:35.831 --> 00:44:40.436
You have something you want to speak over them.
00:44:40.436 --> 00:44:42.338
And isn't it just hilarious that you use us?
00:44:42.338 --> 00:44:44.373
I mean, it just kind of blew me away.
00:44:44.373 --> 00:44:47.743
That i mean i think that's why go paul says is so clear it's
00:44:47.743 --> 00:44:49.912
From god and not from us because god uses the least
00:44:49.912 --> 00:44:53.282
Likely people the foolish things of the world to
00:44:53.282 --> 00:44:57.086
Confound the wise and the older i get, the more comfort
00:44:57.086 --> 00:45:00.956
I take in thinking i don't have to be equipped for this i
00:45:00.956 --> 00:45:06.061
Don't have to think i'm ready for this, i don't have to i
00:45:06.061 --> 00:45:07.997
Just show up.
00:45:07.997 --> 00:45:10.399
I just show up and say yes and trust the lord so i'm thinking
00:45:10.399 --> 00:45:14.737
Up people who are watching and maybe they watched us all week
00:45:14.737 --> 00:45:20.176
And younger and are wondering how do you
00:45:20.176 --> 00:45:21.544
Get ready for your new assignment?
00:45:21.544 --> 00:45:22.778
And i would just say follow after jesus to me that's the
00:45:22.778 --> 00:45:26.348
Thing that made the most significant change in my life
00:45:26.348 --> 00:45:29.885
It's not been learning how to do a bible study better or
00:45:29.885 --> 00:45:31.754
Learning how to do anything better, it's simply sitting in
00:45:31.754 --> 00:45:34.123
His presence.
00:45:34.123 --> 00:45:35.991
Because to me, the more you get to know jesus, then when
00:45:35.991 --> 00:45:38.093
He does open a door, you can step through, no, you're not
00:45:38.093 --> 00:45:42.698
Stepping through by yourself, but you're stepping through
00:45:42.698 --> 00:45:44.600
With him.
00:45:44.600 --> 00:45:45.835
I have this thing that i do, and my husband thinks it's
00:45:45.835 --> 00:45:48.804
Daft, but i do it anyway.
00:45:48.804 --> 00:45:51.073
When i'm about to go up on a platform or anything, i have,
00:45:51.073 --> 00:45:54.677
Internally, i have this thing where i just say, after you,
00:45:54.677 --> 00:45:57.980
Lord. lord.
00:45:57.980 --> 00:45:59.315
I'm so aware of walking up there with him and that i'm in
00:45:59.315 --> 00:46:01.283
His presence and he's in control and he's in charge.
00:46:01.283 --> 00:46:05.287
So i would just, i want to encourage anybody who thinks,
00:46:05.287 --> 00:46:08.057
You know what, i'd love to be used by god, but i
00:46:08.057 --> 00:46:09.992
Don't feel ready.
00:46:09.992 --> 00:46:11.727
I don't feel equipped.
00:46:11.727 --> 00:46:12.561
Join the club.
00:46:12.561 --> 00:46:13.896
- we have every reason to believe that when we approach
00:46:13.896 --> 00:46:18.334
A new assignment, that god will be there to provide
00:46:18.334 --> 00:46:21.604
Vision, provision, insight, revelation, relationships,
00:46:21.604 --> 00:46:25.708
Elevation, whatever it is we need, he is there
00:46:25.708 --> 00:46:30.679
To provide. why?
00:46:30.679 --> 00:46:31.447
Because he's called us to it.
00:46:31.447 --> 00:46:32.615
He's called us to the ministry of reconciliation.
00:46:32.615 --> 00:46:34.750
He's called us to the ministry of hope.
00:46:34.750 --> 00:46:36.719
The bible tells us what we're called to.
00:46:36.719 --> 00:46:39.688
We don't need to sit with a counselor or with a prophet
00:46:39.688 --> 00:46:42.791
That can outline exactly word for word what god's
00:46:42.791 --> 00:46:45.995
Called us to.
00:46:45.995 --> 00:46:47.029
He speaks to each one of us.
00:46:47.029 --> 00:46:48.831
That's the gift of the holy spirit.
00:46:48.831 --> 00:46:50.866
He's here to lead us and guide us.
00:46:50.866 --> 00:46:52.835
And lead us by hand and wherever he leads he provides
00:46:52.835 --> 00:46:56.305
So when god speaks to you and calls you into the future i
00:46:56.305 --> 00:47:00.542
Encourage you to go with the expectation that he's already
00:47:00.542 --> 00:47:03.812
Gone before you, he's already making your way straight he's
00:47:03.812 --> 00:47:06.548
Already putting your name on the desk of people that can
00:47:06.548 --> 00:47:09.685
Make decisions in your favor.
00:47:09.685 --> 00:47:12.488
Think of your life that way.
00:47:12.488 --> 00:47:14.156
You know recently i spoke to one of my friends who was
00:47:14.156 --> 00:47:16.625
Struggling and i sent her the lord just inspired me with
00:47:16.625 --> 00:47:21.463
This analogy but i said to her you know i called her by name
00:47:21.463 --> 00:47:24.166
And i said you know what i have been talking with the
00:47:24.166 --> 00:47:27.503
Person that is a great benefactor of yours, they want
00:47:27.503 --> 00:47:32.241
To support everything you're doing.
00:47:32.241 --> 00:47:34.009
They believe in you, they know your history your story and
00:47:34.009 --> 00:47:37.246
You have inspired them to do great things.
00:47:37.246 --> 00:47:41.183
She said who is this, give me their name and number because
00:47:41.183 --> 00:47:42.751
I need a friend right now in business i need a partner in
00:47:42.751 --> 00:47:46.588
Business and i said you know this is?
00:47:46.588 --> 00:47:48.691
This is jesus christ because he loves you he believes in
00:47:48.691 --> 00:47:53.262
You he's watching over you he knows what trials you have
00:47:53.262 --> 00:47:57.066
Been through and he is celebrating your victories.
00:47:57.066 --> 00:47:59.401
He wants to underwrite what he's called you to do, you
00:47:59.401 --> 00:48:03.138
Are not in this by yourself.
00:48:03.138 --> 00:48:05.708
God is there to provide vision inspiration and provision.
00:48:05.708 --> 00:48:09.511
- let's just join together and pray for everyone who's
00:48:09.511 --> 00:48:13.315
Listening today.
00:48:13.315 --> 00:48:14.650
Father, we just thank you for this opportunity, we thank you
00:48:14.650 --> 00:48:17.619
For every life represented under the sound of our voice
00:48:17.619 --> 00:48:21.657
Today, that your healing power you're strengthening power
00:48:21.657 --> 00:48:27.896
Will be present with them right now, your word says that you
00:48:27.896 --> 00:48:29.832
Are near the broken hearted so in every area in our lives
00:48:29.832 --> 00:48:33.736
Where we feel there is broken is, we thank that you are
00:48:33.736 --> 00:48:37.573
There, to mend, to bind up the broken hearted, pour the
00:48:37.573 --> 00:48:41.710
Balm father to heal us from the inside out and to command
00:48:41.710 --> 00:48:46.882
Us and compel us to step into everything you prepared
00:48:46.882 --> 00:48:51.920
Father we thank you that you are a good good father and that
00:48:51.920 --> 00:48:55.724
You care about each and every one of us and you truly do
00:48:55.724 --> 00:49:00.729
Work all things together for the good of those who love you
00:49:00.729 --> 00:49:03.532
And are called according to your purpose.
00:49:03.532 --> 00:49:05.300
Call us god to your great purpose, your higher call and
00:49:05.300 --> 00:49:09.438
We want with all of our heart to say yes lord yes amen.
00:49:09.438 --> 00:49:15.511
- connect with us on social media and let us know how our
00:49:15.511 --> 00:49:19.348
Team can pray for you.
00:49:19.348 --> 00:49:24.753
- hey sheila here with dr. deedee and we are answering
00:49:24.753 --> 00:49:27.790
Some of your questions behind-the-scenes on better
00:49:27.790 --> 00:49:30.025
Together so this one is from ashley on instagram.
00:49:30.025 --> 00:49:32.895
She said, how do you keep having faith in your dreams
00:49:32.895 --> 00:49:36.498
Especially when there's no sign of your
00:49:36.498 --> 00:49:38.967
Situation changing?
00:49:38.967 --> 00:49:40.936
- oh, that's really good.
00:49:40.936 --> 00:49:42.337
No, and what i would tell, ashley, don't have faith in
00:49:42.337 --> 00:49:46.008
Your dreams, ashley, but have faith in the word.
00:49:46.008 --> 00:49:50.679
Because your dreams can shift.
00:49:50.679 --> 00:49:52.748
Your dreams can change, but the word will never change.
00:49:52.748 --> 00:49:57.986
I know it's probably taking a long time for it
00:49:57.986 --> 00:50:00.556
To manifest, right?
00:50:00.556 --> 00:50:01.924
But don't become weary in well-doing.
00:50:01.924 --> 00:50:03.926
You will only see it if you fate not.
00:50:03.926 --> 00:50:06.595
So don't throw in the towel, ashley.
00:50:06.595 --> 00:50:10.599
I promise you, you will see it manifest.
00:50:10.599 --> 00:50:12.568
- because if you think about the apostle paul, he talked
00:50:12.568 --> 00:50:15.337
About pressing on.
00:50:15.337 --> 00:50:16.805
You know there's something about pressing on when god's
00:50:16.805 --> 00:50:19.675
Placed something in your heart, it maybe looks like
00:50:19.675 --> 00:50:22.277
There's no way that could happen maybe i think in my own
00:50:22.277 --> 00:50:25.247
Life there's no way i could do that lord.
00:50:25.247 --> 00:50:27.483
I can't do that but if god has placed something in your
00:50:27.483 --> 00:50:30.385
Heart, do not give up on it, pray over that dream, offer it
00:50:30.385 --> 00:50:33.055
Back to the lord.
00:50:33.055 --> 00:50:35.424
But keep pressing on and ashley we can't wait to hear
00:50:35.424 --> 00:50:37.426
What god's going to do through your life.
00:50:37.426 --> 00:50:39.428
- absolutely.
00:50:39.428 --> 00:50:41.096
- stream full episodes of better together on demand.
00:50:41.096 --> 00:50:43.699
Go to bettertogether.tv to stream all of
00:50:43.699 --> 00:50:47.736
Our latest conversations.
00:50:47.736 --> 00:50:48.971
♪ (music playing) ♪
00:50:48.971 --> 00:50:48.971

Motivated by Adversity - Episode 1135

January 9, 2026 | S8 E1135 | 52:34

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